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Christmas Mountain #1
Homecoming for Christmas
Eight years after fleeing Christmas Falls because of a high school prank gone wrong, Ashley Brooks receives a mysterious letter from her mentor asking her to come home. She arrives to face all she left behind—her family, her friends, and the rich boy she’d loved who would never date the girl from the wrong side of town.
Brent Donnelly, high school jock, brainiac, and dutiful son did everything right until the day Ashley returns to Christmas Falls. With one look at the girl who got away he questions all his life choices, including following in his father’s footsteps in the family business.
Faced with a potentially devastating decline of tourism in their hometown, Brent and Ashley must work together to save the magic of their town, but when Ashley discovers he still has feelings for her best friend she must finally face the real reason she left Christmas Falls—to try to heal her broken heart.
Seven fabulous authors bring you this holiday romance series about a group of special friends returning to their hometown at the request of their high school mentor. Each book is a standalone, but read them all to fully enjoy the journey of these remarkable women and their emotional reunion with their mentor, an incredible woman who changes their lives and helps save a small town community forever.
Brent Donnelly, high school jock, brainiac, and dutiful son did everything right until the day Ashley returns to Christmas Falls. With one look at the girl who got away he questions all his life choices, including following in his father’s footsteps in the family business.
Faced with a potentially devastating decline of tourism in their hometown, Brent and Ashley must work together to save the magic of their town, but when Ashley discovers he still has feelings for her best friend she must finally face the real reason she left Christmas Falls—to try to heal her broken heart.
Seven fabulous authors bring you this holiday romance series about a group of special friends returning to their hometown at the request of their high school mentor. Each book is a standalone, but read them all to fully enjoy the journey of these remarkable women and their emotional reunion with their mentor, an incredible woman who changes their lives and helps save a small town community forever.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2017
244 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Knight
118 books804 followersCiara Knight is a USA Today bestselling and Maggie Award-winning author of heartwarming romance.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
Her popular sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated for all audiences and enjoyed by over a million readers), is a small-town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
October 25, 2017
It's been eight years since Ash left Christmas Falls without a backwards glance. Had it not been for the letter from her childhood mentor, Miss Anna Cate, she wouldn't be here now. But her she is. Back in Christmas Falls and she has no idea why. All she has to do is get into town undetected, find out what Miss Anna Cate needs, and then hightail it out of there before anyone finds out she was ever there. Easy peasy, right? Wrong! Ash should've known luck would not be on her side.
Brent has spent his entire life doing whatever his father wanted him to do. All he's ever wanted was to make his father proud. He even stayed away from Ash, the one an only girl he has ever loved. But nothing he does will ever be good enough for his father. The moment he sees Ash back in town, he knows things have got to change. He let her get away once, he refuses to let that happen again.
But before Ash can even think about a relationship with Brent, she has to first mend the ones she has been neglecting for the past eight years. Between her parents, her friends and Brent, Ash will need to do a lot of soul searching to figure out what she really wants out of life. Can she give up her life in Florida to start over in Christmas Falls? Will Brent finally go against his dad so that they can finally be together? Or will it be too late for them? One thing is for sure, Ash and Brent will not give up without a fight!
Oh how I loved Homecoming in Christmas Falls! I devoured it in one day! (It would have been hours but alas, I had to work. Boo! Lol.) I loved seeing Ash realize who she really is and what she really wants in life. I loved seeing her make amends with all the people in her life who love and care about her, even though she can't see it. And Brent! *dreamy sigh* What an amazing guy! He and Ash are definitely perfect for each other!
I have to tell you that I have been dying for this series to come out! From the moment I first heard about it, I was counting down to release day! I may or may not have squealed when all the books that I preordered started downloading to my kindle. I was going to wait until this weekend to start them but I just couldn't! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
This is my very first book by Ms. Knight and I can tell you that I will definitely be checking out more by her!
And of course I can't forget my casting! I absolutely love these two! *dreamy sigh*
Brent has spent his entire life doing whatever his father wanted him to do. All he's ever wanted was to make his father proud. He even stayed away from Ash, the one an only girl he has ever loved. But nothing he does will ever be good enough for his father. The moment he sees Ash back in town, he knows things have got to change. He let her get away once, he refuses to let that happen again.
But before Ash can even think about a relationship with Brent, she has to first mend the ones she has been neglecting for the past eight years. Between her parents, her friends and Brent, Ash will need to do a lot of soul searching to figure out what she really wants out of life. Can she give up her life in Florida to start over in Christmas Falls? Will Brent finally go against his dad so that they can finally be together? Or will it be too late for them? One thing is for sure, Ash and Brent will not give up without a fight!
Oh how I loved Homecoming in Christmas Falls! I devoured it in one day! (It would have been hours but alas, I had to work. Boo! Lol.) I loved seeing Ash realize who she really is and what she really wants in life. I loved seeing her make amends with all the people in her life who love and care about her, even though she can't see it. And Brent! *dreamy sigh* What an amazing guy! He and Ash are definitely perfect for each other!
I have to tell you that I have been dying for this series to come out! From the moment I first heard about it, I was counting down to release day! I may or may not have squealed when all the books that I preordered started downloading to my kindle. I was going to wait until this weekend to start them but I just couldn't! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
This is my very first book by Ms. Knight and I can tell you that I will definitely be checking out more by her!
And of course I can't forget my casting! I absolutely love these two! *dreamy sigh*
November 13, 2017
I guess I've read the first few books out of order! This is the first book in the series and sort of set up the background and history for the characters in this series and their common bond. I don't think that the books necessarily need to be read in order except for maybe the first and last book? Even then it's probably not needed, just helpful to the timeline.
I love the whole concept of this series with the common character of Miss Anna Cate and some cross over characters in the books. It really makes me feel like I'm part of "the" group in the small community of Christmas Falls.
Ashley is an interesting girl, misunderstood and perhaps a bit stubborn. I liked her but didn't feel an emotional connection to her. Maybe because I'm not anything like her? I don't know. I loved Brent though and his devotion to his town and to what he believed was right. He had a gentle way of nudging Ashley that didn't get her hackles up. He was smooth and seemed to understand Ashley in a way nobody else did.
I've got two more books to read in this series and I cannot wait. Fortunately, I save the last book for last!
I love the whole concept of this series with the common character of Miss Anna Cate and some cross over characters in the books. It really makes me feel like I'm part of "the" group in the small community of Christmas Falls.
Ashley is an interesting girl, misunderstood and perhaps a bit stubborn. I liked her but didn't feel an emotional connection to her. Maybe because I'm not anything like her? I don't know. I loved Brent though and his devotion to his town and to what he believed was right. He had a gentle way of nudging Ashley that didn't get her hackles up. He was smooth and seemed to understand Ashley in a way nobody else did.
I've got two more books to read in this series and I cannot wait. Fortunately, I save the last book for last!
December 27, 2017
This book introduces readers to Christmas Falls and the girls who were friends there but have drifted apart. It focuses on Ashley and her relationship with Brent- which is sweet, but the miscommunication to create conflict was a little too melodramatic for me. It was interesting how much Ashley loved her friends but was afraid to reconnect with them. The author's writing style also wasn't my favorite- including run-on sentences and missing commas which would have made more natural pauses in the rhythm of the words. Overall it was a decent story and because the rest of the books in the series are by other authors, I kept on reading.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
December 10, 2019
I thought this was a good story, I liked the small town of Christmas Falls. Our heroine Ashley was likable, it's too bad she had stayed away for so long, but it was nice to see her reconnecting with her family and friends. I've read a couple other books from this series and like how each can stand on its own.
Content: Clean romance, no language or violence
Content: Clean romance, no language or violence
December 7, 2017
7 friends + high school + pranks + one leaves suddenly without goodbye = 8 years of no connection. Till the energy of the group, Ashley comes back to the town of Christmas Falls and sees the businesses dying out and their community centre shut off. Then begins the plan of recapturing the old magic of Christmas Falls...
The author, Ciara Knight, has written a feel good romance with the magic of Christmas spirit in a town called as Christmas Falls!! How can the story go wrong anywhere...
The main character, Ashley is well etched, she is a fun spirited prankster who leaves home suddenly without saying any goodbyes, makes a name for herself in her business, and comes back on the letter of her old music teacher. Her Prince Charming, Brent, is ready with open arms to see where the relationship goes. The rest of the friends do join in but this book is basically Ashley's story.
The story has a fast pace, no deep thinking required, and works well as a short Christmas story. The supporting characters are great but not well developed. Everybody is good in this book, no villains, no complications.
There are a few niggles, the reason why Ashley leaves home without telling anyone feels very flimsy. Her relationship with her parents which was non existent for years gets remedied in a couple of pages. I wanted more emotions, real emotions, not just the feel good factor.
On the whole the book works well as a short Christmas romance and leaves a warm feeling...
The author, Ciara Knight, has written a feel good romance with the magic of Christmas spirit in a town called as Christmas Falls!! How can the story go wrong anywhere...
The main character, Ashley is well etched, she is a fun spirited prankster who leaves home suddenly without saying any goodbyes, makes a name for herself in her business, and comes back on the letter of her old music teacher. Her Prince Charming, Brent, is ready with open arms to see where the relationship goes. The rest of the friends do join in but this book is basically Ashley's story.
The story has a fast pace, no deep thinking required, and works well as a short Christmas story. The supporting characters are great but not well developed. Everybody is good in this book, no villains, no complications.
There are a few niggles, the reason why Ashley leaves home without telling anyone feels very flimsy. Her relationship with her parents which was non existent for years gets remedied in a couple of pages. I wanted more emotions, real emotions, not just the feel good factor.
On the whole the book works well as a short Christmas romance and leaves a warm feeling...
November 9, 2017
This is a very sweet, heart-warming, Christmas romance - you know, the type they show on a Hallmark movie. I always enjoy reading this type of "happy ending" book around the holiday season. It helps the holiday spirit. In this one, Ashley comes home to Christmas Falls after being away eight years because her former music teacher asked her to come. Her friends she had a "forever friends" type of pact with have scattered to different areas, but her parents are still in Christmas Falls and the guy she had a crush on all through school is still there and single. This is the story of Ashley's homecoming.
This was a very short read and I liked it. It was, however, totally predictable - no surprises here, but that's true of most Christmas stories, and sometimes that's just what you want to read, or I do anyway.
Thanks to Ciara Knight and Season Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very short read and I liked it. It was, however, totally predictable - no surprises here, but that's true of most Christmas stories, and sometimes that's just what you want to read, or I do anyway.
Thanks to Ciara Knight and Season Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2017
This is the first book I've read by Ciara Knight. The cover is cute and the title is perfect for this story, about a woman named Ash who comes back to her hometown of Christmas Falls, TN, after being away for 8 years. Ash has a lot of relationships, and while the origins and reasons for estrangement are explained, some of the reunions are brief or only mentioned. She returns to town at the request of her former, beloved music teacher, but dreads reuniting with her parents and high school friends. Most of the focus of this book is on Ash's relationships with her mother and high school crush, Brent. I thought the scenes with her mother were well-developed and realistic. The back-and-forth with Brent, less so. I love the general plot of this book, the idea of reconnection and coming home to friends and family, and the mountainous Tennessee setting. Although the romance seemed fickle and rushed, I'll probably read book #2 to read more about the town and Ash's high school friends. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2017
I received this book for free for an honest review. I went into this book thinking it was going to be a light hearted Christmas book that would be similar to a hallmark movie. Something light and sweet that leaves you feeling the Christmas spirit. The synopsis talks about how this book is about Ashley and Brent and heir relationship. While this is partly true, I didn’t buy in to their relationship. The book starts off with Ashley and 6 of her friends singing at a Christmas pageant. I feel the author tried to build too many relationships between the main character and other supporting characters. If this book was longer, it might have been able to pull it off.
Things I liked:
-Ashley and her mother overcoming problems in their relationship.
-Ashley finally growing by the end of the book. (I am a big sucker for character growth and most of the beginning and middle I was annoyed by how immature and selfish Ash was.
-The idea of Christmas Falls.
Things I didn’t like:
-The romance. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good romance book. I love high school crushes turning into real love in their adult life. Sadly, I feel the author rushed the relationship and added in drama for no necessary reason. Brent had no idea who Ash was as an adult. They never really reconnected. I am not the same person I was in high school and many other people change. In order for them to be together they really need to know who the other person is RIGHT NOW, not how they were in high school.
-I didn’t like how we barely saw Ashley with her estranged friends. Maybe that is because they each have their own books, but the few times we did see her with her estranged friends it felt stilted.
-I wasn’t satisfied with the ending, yes SPOILER ALERT!!! It was a HEA, but Brent and her didn’t know each other and everything moved way too fast. I also didn’t like how easily they just got over their problems.
With that being said, looking on Goodreads I am in the minority of not thinking this book is amazing. I think this author has talent, she just needs to flush out her characters and make sure she doesn’t have too many plot points.
Things I liked:
-Ashley and her mother overcoming problems in their relationship.
-Ashley finally growing by the end of the book. (I am a big sucker for character growth and most of the beginning and middle I was annoyed by how immature and selfish Ash was.
-The idea of Christmas Falls.
Things I didn’t like:
-The romance. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good romance book. I love high school crushes turning into real love in their adult life. Sadly, I feel the author rushed the relationship and added in drama for no necessary reason. Brent had no idea who Ash was as an adult. They never really reconnected. I am not the same person I was in high school and many other people change. In order for them to be together they really need to know who the other person is RIGHT NOW, not how they were in high school.
-I didn’t like how we barely saw Ashley with her estranged friends. Maybe that is because they each have their own books, but the few times we did see her with her estranged friends it felt stilted.
-I wasn’t satisfied with the ending, yes SPOILER ALERT!!! It was a HEA, but Brent and her didn’t know each other and everything moved way too fast. I also didn’t like how easily they just got over their problems.
With that being said, looking on Goodreads I am in the minority of not thinking this book is amazing. I think this author has talent, she just needs to flush out her characters and make sure she doesn’t have too many plot points.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2017
An interesting story that opens with Ashley Brooks returning to Christmas Falls because of a letter she received from her old choir teacher. She has not been in touch with any from the town for the past eight years including her parents. Leaving town eight years ago after being arrested along with her best friends, the book opens with her being arrested once again for an outstanding speeding ticket. Not only is that but the guy she had a crush on forever there as well. She still does. Brent Donnelly sees Ashley and sees a do over, he must chose. Does he follow in his father’s foots steps or does he go after the girl he has always thought was an inspiration and full of life when she was around, and how life has become dull since she has been gone for eight years. The story takes you through Ashley’s past and how she felt and how she feels now. When she goes to her parents and her and her mom finally talk and make Christmas cookies together the story really begins to shine. Now can the town and the community center be saved and does Brent want her really or does he want to follow in his father’s footsteps? My only problem with the book was the ending a few loose ends, but then I realized that there are seven books, so I am guessing that you have to get to number seven to find out about the town and the community center. Overall a good book. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
November 25, 2017
There is nothing better than wrapping up in a warm blanket with a cup of hot tea on a cold day while reading a good book. This book was great. It gave me all the feels and just made me feel good when I was done. To sum it up, it was like drinking the perfect cup of coffee while the house is all quiet and you can just sit and watch the snow fall.
Thank you, NetGalley for giving me this book.
Thank you, NetGalley for giving me this book.
October 24, 2017
Reviewed at Heart Full of Christmas
Ash left Christmas Falls immediately after graduation and didn’t look back – she couldn’t because it simply hurt too much. She headed for the Florida Keys, built a successful business and lived her life, even though there were empty spots that she couldn’t find a way to fill. It would take a letter from a beloved mentor to get Ash to even consider returning. Miss Anna Cate believed in Ashley, and her six best friends. She’d seen something in them all and if there was one woman in the world that Ash would do anything for, no matter how much it hurt, it was Miss Anna Cate.
Homecoming In Christmas Falls has the feel of so many small towns across the world. A place that once had a special feel to it, yet somehow modern times have passed it by in the rush to experience other things. Now the town is a shell of what it was once was – and might be again, with some planning, commitment and care. Eight years can do a lot in changing one’s perspective about home and the people in our lives. This is something that Ash is going to be faced with immediately upon returning to Christmas Falls. She’d run away or been pushed out, depending on your viewpoint, from this place after one disastrous event and coming back wasn’t going to be easy. She’d left behind pieces of herself, and with an adult vision, some tender encouragement and maybe some hard truths Ashley has a chance to make a difference in not only her own life but in her home town’s future as well.
I enjoyed Homecoming In Christmas Falls so much on many different levels. Yes, there is the sweet budding romance between Ash and Brent – but it’s more than that for me. Both Ashley and Brent have to face some hard to swallow truths about their families. Perspective is a funny thing. Sometimes you really have to step away or face something truly important to you in order to see what is right smack in front of your face. And I won’t go into that any further for you need to experience the beginning of this amazing series for yourself, first hand.
I loved this story, have the entire series downloaded ready to read… and would highly recommend the Return To Christmas Falls series to any Romance reader who enjoys those real life stories that are believable because they deal with things we all face at some point in our lives. Homecoming In Christmas Falls is a delightful, insightful story that is an excellent beginning to the series. Indulge yourself this Christmas season and enjoy.
I own an e-book copy of this story.
Ash left Christmas Falls immediately after graduation and didn’t look back – she couldn’t because it simply hurt too much. She headed for the Florida Keys, built a successful business and lived her life, even though there were empty spots that she couldn’t find a way to fill. It would take a letter from a beloved mentor to get Ash to even consider returning. Miss Anna Cate believed in Ashley, and her six best friends. She’d seen something in them all and if there was one woman in the world that Ash would do anything for, no matter how much it hurt, it was Miss Anna Cate.
Homecoming In Christmas Falls has the feel of so many small towns across the world. A place that once had a special feel to it, yet somehow modern times have passed it by in the rush to experience other things. Now the town is a shell of what it was once was – and might be again, with some planning, commitment and care. Eight years can do a lot in changing one’s perspective about home and the people in our lives. This is something that Ash is going to be faced with immediately upon returning to Christmas Falls. She’d run away or been pushed out, depending on your viewpoint, from this place after one disastrous event and coming back wasn’t going to be easy. She’d left behind pieces of herself, and with an adult vision, some tender encouragement and maybe some hard truths Ashley has a chance to make a difference in not only her own life but in her home town’s future as well.
I enjoyed Homecoming In Christmas Falls so much on many different levels. Yes, there is the sweet budding romance between Ash and Brent – but it’s more than that for me. Both Ashley and Brent have to face some hard to swallow truths about their families. Perspective is a funny thing. Sometimes you really have to step away or face something truly important to you in order to see what is right smack in front of your face. And I won’t go into that any further for you need to experience the beginning of this amazing series for yourself, first hand.
I loved this story, have the entire series downloaded ready to read… and would highly recommend the Return To Christmas Falls series to any Romance reader who enjoys those real life stories that are believable because they deal with things we all face at some point in our lives. Homecoming In Christmas Falls is a delightful, insightful story that is an excellent beginning to the series. Indulge yourself this Christmas season and enjoy.
I own an e-book copy of this story.
January 3, 2018
Starting 2018 with a Christmas book! LOL
The story follows Ashley 8 years after she booked it out of town. She ran away from her family and her friends and started a new life elsewhere. Why? A high school prank gone wrong. She thought everyone hated her and so she ran away thinking that was what they wanted. For some reason, she decided it was time to return and make amends and apologize for that night and for leaving.
Okay…I get why Ashley ran away…I guess. However, I don’t understand why everyone just forgave her right off the bat. The only person she really had to win over was her mom. There was no real trial for Ashley. She just said sorry for leaving and everyone was all “its okay! No worries!” No…she ran away without a word of goodbye or anything. Coward.
The story itself was good, but I really didn’t like Ashley because she was such a big coward. It took her 8 years to come to her sense and come back? That is so uncool man.
I loved Brent. Sure he forgave her for leaving right away, but it took a while for him to let her back into his heart. Good. I would be scared to love her thinking she was going to take off again at any minute. I wish the story was in Brent’s POV. What was going through his mind after being abandoned? What did he do in those last 8 years? All questions I want answers to!
Kuddos to the author for not making this solely a romance. She had Ashley patch things up with her friends and her parents. I really feel that it made this book a touch better because it was about love all around.
Overall, this was a good Christmas book about forgiving and loving each other. I may not have liked Ashley much, but it didn’t stop me from liking the book. I’ll give this….4 stars.
The story follows Ashley 8 years after she booked it out of town. She ran away from her family and her friends and started a new life elsewhere. Why? A high school prank gone wrong. She thought everyone hated her and so she ran away thinking that was what they wanted. For some reason, she decided it was time to return and make amends and apologize for that night and for leaving.
Okay…I get why Ashley ran away…I guess. However, I don’t understand why everyone just forgave her right off the bat. The only person she really had to win over was her mom. There was no real trial for Ashley. She just said sorry for leaving and everyone was all “its okay! No worries!” No…she ran away without a word of goodbye or anything. Coward.
The story itself was good, but I really didn’t like Ashley because she was such a big coward. It took her 8 years to come to her sense and come back? That is so uncool man.
I loved Brent. Sure he forgave her for leaving right away, but it took a while for him to let her back into his heart. Good. I would be scared to love her thinking she was going to take off again at any minute. I wish the story was in Brent’s POV. What was going through his mind after being abandoned? What did he do in those last 8 years? All questions I want answers to!
Kuddos to the author for not making this solely a romance. She had Ashley patch things up with her friends and her parents. I really feel that it made this book a touch better because it was about love all around.
Overall, this was a good Christmas book about forgiving and loving each other. I may not have liked Ashley much, but it didn’t stop me from liking the book. I’ll give this….4 stars.
March 6, 2021
This is a sweet, charming, and heartwarming story. It is a clean romance with no swearing and no sex. It is not a Christian romance. I enjoyed reading this book. I finished it with a smile on my face and a happy heart, my criteria for a 5-star rating. I may have even gotten teary eyed a couple of times through the book.
I wanted to be mad at Brent for the stunt he pulled towards the end with his ghosting. However, I liked him so much that I just couldn't bring myself to lower the rating to a 4 because of it. The drama the author inserted here didn't ring true. I'm glad she didn't go with another woman (or man for Ashley route) but this one didn't really work for me either. You'll have to read the story to figure out what I mean and why it felt off.
What I loved about this book was the relationships outside the one between Brent and Ashley. I loved seeing how years of miscommunication and misunderstanding was addressed between Ashley and her parents. I got misty eyed over it! It was all so touching. Ashley grew as a person during this book (Brent not so much).
The author spent more time on Ashley's growth than Brent's and that's why what happened at the end felt off. I wish she'd devoted more time to him. I also wished she had devoted more time to the relationship between Ashley and Brent, most of it seems to happen off page or something.
However, the ending was perfection! Loved it, so sweet and romantic.
I'm nervous about reading more in this series since it's all by different authors. I hope the others can live up what was done here.
I wanted to be mad at Brent for the stunt he pulled towards the end with his ghosting. However, I liked him so much that I just couldn't bring myself to lower the rating to a 4 because of it. The drama the author inserted here didn't ring true. I'm glad she didn't go with another woman (or man for Ashley route) but this one didn't really work for me either. You'll have to read the story to figure out what I mean and why it felt off.
What I loved about this book was the relationships outside the one between Brent and Ashley. I loved seeing how years of miscommunication and misunderstanding was addressed between Ashley and her parents. I got misty eyed over it! It was all so touching. Ashley grew as a person during this book (Brent not so much).
The author spent more time on Ashley's growth than Brent's and that's why what happened at the end felt off. I wish she'd devoted more time to him. I also wished she had devoted more time to the relationship between Ashley and Brent, most of it seems to happen off page or something.
However, the ending was perfection! Loved it, so sweet and romantic.
I'm nervous about reading more in this series since it's all by different authors. I hope the others can live up what was done here.
November 2, 2017
Homecoming in Christmas Falls, Ciara Knight
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's fiction
I'd not read any of Ciara's novels before but liked the sound of this, I love second chance romances.
I should have checked though as Goodreads bio says this series is " sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated PG), is a small town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love." It is all that, sweet, easy to read, heart warming - but for me drama free, no angst and that's what I look for. My bad, I could have guessed from the description had i searched further.
The characters are pleasant, not heart-stopping in any way, not full of drama. the most drama seems to be reminiscing over Ashley's schoolgirl pranks. Brent, a charmer in a nice way, a gentleman and product of a wealthy family. He and Ashley reconnect when she retunrs to town.
Its an easy read, but so cute and sweet it almost made my teeth ache. If you want sweet HEA that's drama free this is perfect, but for me the downs, the angst, the drama and what make the highs, the happy bits so much better. without that contrast I just don't enjoy a story.
Its a shortish read at 159 pages, and perfect for those who want quick and easy, happy all the way. Sadly that's not me. A series I'll pass on.
Stars: 2.5/3. A good read, just not my sort of read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Women's fiction
I'd not read any of Ciara's novels before but liked the sound of this, I love second chance romances.
I should have checked though as Goodreads bio says this series is " sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated PG), is a small town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love." It is all that, sweet, easy to read, heart warming - but for me drama free, no angst and that's what I look for. My bad, I could have guessed from the description had i searched further.
The characters are pleasant, not heart-stopping in any way, not full of drama. the most drama seems to be reminiscing over Ashley's schoolgirl pranks. Brent, a charmer in a nice way, a gentleman and product of a wealthy family. He and Ashley reconnect when she retunrs to town.
Its an easy read, but so cute and sweet it almost made my teeth ache. If you want sweet HEA that's drama free this is perfect, but for me the downs, the angst, the drama and what make the highs, the happy bits so much better. without that contrast I just don't enjoy a story.
Its a shortish read at 159 pages, and perfect for those who want quick and easy, happy all the way. Sadly that's not me. A series I'll pass on.
Stars: 2.5/3. A good read, just not my sort of read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
November 5, 2017
-‘Brent Donnelly really was the most handsome man that ever walked into my world and left his name on my forever Christmas wish list.’-
What a welcome to receive on her first day back to Christmas Falls after being away for 8 years: being arrested! Thankfully, Brent is there to witness the whole thing and to bail her out of jail. He’s always been Ash’s biggest cheerleader, aside from Miss Anna Cate. The Christmas Falls series of stories centres around one recurring character, a former music teacher, Miss Anna Cate, who motivates and inspires a group of seven girls in sixth grade. Eight years after high school graduation, Miss Anna Cate sends letters to each of these girls, asking them to reunite and perform one last Christmas pageant together. None of them really want to come back, each with her own personal baggage. But, every one of them feels she wants to repay her former teacher for her kindness over the years and they all come back... This is Ashley’s story in the Christmas Falls series of clean romances.
I enjoyed the humour in this story and the fast pace. I was disappointed to find several spelling and grammatical errors, though. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did not receive compensation for my review.
What a welcome to receive on her first day back to Christmas Falls after being away for 8 years: being arrested! Thankfully, Brent is there to witness the whole thing and to bail her out of jail. He’s always been Ash’s biggest cheerleader, aside from Miss Anna Cate. The Christmas Falls series of stories centres around one recurring character, a former music teacher, Miss Anna Cate, who motivates and inspires a group of seven girls in sixth grade. Eight years after high school graduation, Miss Anna Cate sends letters to each of these girls, asking them to reunite and perform one last Christmas pageant together. None of them really want to come back, each with her own personal baggage. But, every one of them feels she wants to repay her former teacher for her kindness over the years and they all come back... This is Ashley’s story in the Christmas Falls series of clean romances.
I enjoyed the humour in this story and the fast pace. I was disappointed to find several spelling and grammatical errors, though. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did not receive compensation for my review.
January 9, 2020
"2 out of 5 stars. The day of Ash’s (Ashley) high school graduation, she and her best group of friends pull a prank that lands them in jail. That incident changes her life drastically as she moves away from home without telling anyone, but her parents, the following morning and has stayed away from her hometown ever since. Now about eight years later, she returns home at the request of her high school mentor and in the process pick up the pieces of past relationships with friends and more. Yet, will she be able to reconcile with her friend and longtime crush, Brent, or will their insecurities and other people keep them apart for good?
I had been drawn into this novel’s book description from the beginning but what sealed me reading it was when I was looking for a novel to read for the 12 Days of Cozmas read-a-thon. And at first glance..."
Read more of this review and a TEASER here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2020/01/disappointmentville-christmas-mountain.html
I had been drawn into this novel’s book description from the beginning but what sealed me reading it was when I was looking for a novel to read for the 12 Days of Cozmas read-a-thon. And at first glance..."
Read more of this review and a TEASER here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2020/01/disappointmentville-christmas-mountain.html
November 18, 2017
Not what I expected
This review is hard for me to write, because it hit too close to home. This is a story of the young man who stayed in a dying small town and a young women who left without speaking with him or her other friends. This book is about what happens when she gets a letter asking her and her former friends to take part in a last Christmas concert.
My difficulty in writing an ‘honest’ review stems from one scene where she talks to her mother for the first time in 8 years and learns that no one was angry at her or hated her or wanted her to leave. When I was younger, I lost touch with my family for almost 10 years because I never tried to contact them. This chapter,in this book, rang totally true to me. And even now,50 years later, it brought back my feelings from that time. Real, you say, more than real for me. Jennifer Peel might as well have been an observer of my life.
I found this book, by an author I haven’t read before now, has all that anyone expects from a novel about Christmas in a small town where romance blooms.
This review is hard for me to write, because it hit too close to home. This is a story of the young man who stayed in a dying small town and a young women who left without speaking with him or her other friends. This book is about what happens when she gets a letter asking her and her former friends to take part in a last Christmas concert.
My difficulty in writing an ‘honest’ review stems from one scene where she talks to her mother for the first time in 8 years and learns that no one was angry at her or hated her or wanted her to leave. When I was younger, I lost touch with my family for almost 10 years because I never tried to contact them. This chapter,in this book, rang totally true to me. And even now,50 years later, it brought back my feelings from that time. Real, you say, more than real for me. Jennifer Peel might as well have been an observer of my life.
I found this book, by an author I haven’t read before now, has all that anyone expects from a novel about Christmas in a small town where romance blooms.
January 17, 2018
This story follows Ash Brooks, an adventurous and emotionally distant woman, who returns to her hometown, Christmas Falls - the place where she constantly felt like the black sheep. On her return to visit her old mentor, she runs into Brent Donnelly, the only boy who ever captured her heart, and the sparks between them fly. As her days pass in Christmas Falls, Ash is faced with a choice to rebuild her relationships and the community that she left behind or keep her heart safe and run away, like always.
I didn't really connect with the characters or the story. Aside from the multiple spelling and grammatical errors, the layout of the chapters felt disjointed and the characters' motivations in the backstory didn't fully convince me. Subsequently, 180 degree changes made in the novel were hard to grasp. The story also lacked the romantic build and anticipation that usually keeps me on the edge of my seat. But the main leads read more like hot and cold. Overall, an okay read.
I didn't really connect with the characters or the story. Aside from the multiple spelling and grammatical errors, the layout of the chapters felt disjointed and the characters' motivations in the backstory didn't fully convince me. Subsequently, 180 degree changes made in the novel were hard to grasp. The story also lacked the romantic build and anticipation that usually keeps me on the edge of my seat. But the main leads read more like hot and cold. Overall, an okay read.
January 24, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I did enjoy this book very much. There were some spelling and punctuation error but it really didn't take anything away from the story itself. I know some authors do that on purpose. I understood the rift between mother and daughter as I kinda felt the same way growing up. My mother and I were too much alike. She would never have pushed me out of the house though even if she thought that is what I wanted.
Brent was adorable. I fell in love with him and his kind, patient ways. I did get a little confused near the end of the story though. It was resolved very quickly. If I were to have a conversation with the author, I would ask my questions. I won't say anything here as it may just be a generational gap issue as I am much older than the characters.
I did feel that the ending was a little rushed but then again. Like it was mentioned in the book, they had wasted all those previous years.
I did enjoy this book very much. There were some spelling and punctuation error but it really didn't take anything away from the story itself. I know some authors do that on purpose. I understood the rift between mother and daughter as I kinda felt the same way growing up. My mother and I were too much alike. She would never have pushed me out of the house though even if she thought that is what I wanted.
Brent was adorable. I fell in love with him and his kind, patient ways. I did get a little confused near the end of the story though. It was resolved very quickly. If I were to have a conversation with the author, I would ask my questions. I won't say anything here as it may just be a generational gap issue as I am much older than the characters.
I did feel that the ending was a little rushed but then again. Like it was mentioned in the book, they had wasted all those previous years.
December 14, 2017
I liked this quick clean read. The book touches on the concept of your past not always being what you perceived it to be, as Ash learns that others did not view her as she thought they did. I really liked how Ash reconnected with her mother. I found the interactions between Ash and Brent lacked depth - we see them deal with her mom, and brainstorm business and marketing ideas, and we can tell that Brent likes Ash, however we don't see what currently promotes their affections, nor do we get a good look at what prompted their affections in the past (eg flashbacks etc). So on a whole I had trouble feeling their romance. As typical of short Christmas stories, its low on drama and has feel good Christmas feelings. Overall, a good book that needed just a little more to make it great. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 16, 2019
The first book in the Christmas Mountain Clean Romance series eight years ago Ashley Brooks left Christmas Falls over something that happened. But now six women from all over and her are being asked by Miss Anna Cate to come back to put together what is hoped to be the best Christmas pageant they can put together, as it might be the last one the town has. The people of the town need to save the magic of their town as it is losing tourists which it desperately needs to survive. Brent Donnelly and Ashley must work together, but they will have to get through misunderstandings, and things from the past to get their happy ending. I enjoyed reading this book. I cah relate to this story because of things that happened in my past. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2021
“I was born with a passport in hand and a desire for life experiences.”
“So, that’s the verdict?”
“On what?”
“Am I stubborn or crazy?”
Mom stopped and eyed the dried-up plants that were tossed in the corner they’d obviously been removed to prepare for planting. “Depends.”
“On what?”
“If you ever going to get that boy Brent to marry you.”
“I feel like everything has changed in only a breath after a lifetime of waiting.”
“Brent Donnelley, you are the ultimate adrenaline rush.”
This is the first book in the series. It has the set up of the background, the history and the common bond of the other characters in the series. There should have been more editing done. There were run-on sentences, missing commas and missing quotation marks. Overall, it was a decent, sweet, Christmas story. 3.25 stars.
“So, that’s the verdict?”
“On what?”
“Am I stubborn or crazy?”
Mom stopped and eyed the dried-up plants that were tossed in the corner they’d obviously been removed to prepare for planting. “Depends.”
“On what?”
“If you ever going to get that boy Brent to marry you.”
“I feel like everything has changed in only a breath after a lifetime of waiting.”
“Brent Donnelley, you are the ultimate adrenaline rush.”
This is the first book in the series. It has the set up of the background, the history and the common bond of the other characters in the series. There should have been more editing done. There were run-on sentences, missing commas and missing quotation marks. Overall, it was a decent, sweet, Christmas story. 3.25 stars.
October 31, 2017
Great start to this series. This book definitely put me in the mood for Christmas. A romance but also a story about friendships and family. True friendship is when you can go long times without talking and pick up right where you left off when you do. Ashley had a crush on Brent and who does she run into almost instantly - you guessed it. I'll admit he did frustrate me but he came around. We often feel and think things are one way when actually they are somewhat or totally different. This was a really good book and left me feeling hopeful and ready to read the next one. The author did a good job of introducing the other friends who will have their own books. I voluntarily received an ARC from NetGalley.
December 1, 2017
This was a great story.
Ashley is back home because her teacher and mentor called her back to town for a favor. Ashley hasn't been back since graduation, and hasn't kept in touch very well with anyone, including her family.
Brent is Ashley's crush from middle school and high school, and he is still in Christmas Falls after all these years. But Ashley's return makes him question his life choices.
I loved these characters, and all of the secondary characters as well. I love the whole "small town vibe" that is going on. Everyone pitches in to help. Once Ashley and Brent get the idea to jump-start the tourism in the area, it seems like everyone wants to help put Christmas Falls back on the map.
Ashley is back home because her teacher and mentor called her back to town for a favor. Ashley hasn't been back since graduation, and hasn't kept in touch very well with anyone, including her family.
Brent is Ashley's crush from middle school and high school, and he is still in Christmas Falls after all these years. But Ashley's return makes him question his life choices.
I loved these characters, and all of the secondary characters as well. I love the whole "small town vibe" that is going on. Everyone pitches in to help. Once Ashley and Brent get the idea to jump-start the tourism in the area, it seems like everyone wants to help put Christmas Falls back on the map.
October 25, 2017
I love this story because it portrays real life but it is very upbeat. The fact that friendship could take an eight year hiatus and pick up right where it left off is awesome. Ms. Knight’s stories are so full of characters that you fall in love with and you find yourself laughing and crying with them.
Ash returns home after disappearing eight years ago only to find that what she thought was not quite the truth. She made a lot of decisions based on her perception and not on facts. I love that there was still one person who could bring her back and help her see the truth. I cannot say more because I do not want to give anything away. It is a great story and well worth reading.
Ash returns home after disappearing eight years ago only to find that what she thought was not quite the truth. She made a lot of decisions based on her perception and not on facts. I love that there was still one person who could bring her back and help her see the truth. I cannot say more because I do not want to give anything away. It is a great story and well worth reading.
December 2, 2017
After fleeing Christmas Falls eight years ago, Ashley returns at the request of her mentor. She isn’t in town 5 minutes before she is once again in trouble and standing before her long time crush Brent. The book has the framework of a great holiday read; cute small town, coming home for the holidays, an opportunity to reconcile, and a shortened length. Unfortunately the story did not adhere to the framework. The development of the characters was rushed and lacking, causing problems with the storyline. Ultimately the book just seemed to end, leaving the reader with many unanswered questions. Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2019
Ciara Knight's Homecoming for Christmas is a sweet, clean romance. It's about friendship, forgiveness and family. Friends forever is what the seven girls promised after the the Christmas program when they were in sixth grade. After a graduation prank Ashley left them all. Now she has come back because of a letter from Ms. King their music teacher who wants to put on one more program with all the girls. Ashley expects the boy she has always had a crush on to be married, but he isn't. Great characters who are flawed but trying to work out their situations. I really enjoyed this story.
I received this book from Ms. Knight and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this book from Ms. Knight and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 25, 2017
I loved Homecoming in Christmas Falls. The author did a great job with character description from the main characters of Ashley and Brent to the knitting club ladies. It's funny what we see as teenagers and then as an adult with those close to us. Ashley comes home to Christmas Falls after being away for 8 years. She has to mend some fences with her parents, the boy she left behind and her close friends. Ashley's got some big goals for her hometown and with the drive and passion she has it's sure to be a success. I highly recommend this book!
December 5, 2017
Thanks to netgalley.com for the copy of this book.
This book could be made into a Hallmark mini series movie event. It's sugar and sweet and has the perfect amount of conflict, resolutions, mistaken information and it's all for the greater good of saving Christmas town. Ashley and Brent are super cute together and all the cuddling and sneaking in a kiss here and there is so sweet. Their master plan to open a business together and save the town hall comes at a cost but is it worth the price to pay to lose the relationship they have just created? It really is a sweet story.
This book could be made into a Hallmark mini series movie event. It's sugar and sweet and has the perfect amount of conflict, resolutions, mistaken information and it's all for the greater good of saving Christmas town. Ashley and Brent are super cute together and all the cuddling and sneaking in a kiss here and there is so sweet. Their master plan to open a business together and save the town hall comes at a cost but is it worth the price to pay to lose the relationship they have just created? It really is a sweet story.
January 5, 2018
This was a really sweet read and the first book in the Christmas Falls series.I just loved Ashley and Brent's book she has come back home after being gone for quite a few years she is back after her mentor writes to her and asks her to come home.Her high school crust Brent has never left the small town always doing whatever he could to make his dad proud of him that included staying away from Ashley when he was younger but nothing he ever did was good enough.When he see's her back in town he is determined to make her his.A really great read I just loved it
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