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Christmas House Romances #1
The Christmas Cookie House
Christmas, love, and a batch of cookies.
Former bookshop keeper Leela Miller is back in Massey Falls. Her mom passed away last spring, and she's home taking care of her ailing father. Now, Leela is desperate to fill Mom’s shoes in the Ladies’ Auxiliary by chairing the Cookie House fundraiser. The hitch: mean-eyed Mrs. Coldicott refuses to host the event at her Society Row home as planned.
Former bookshop keeper Leela Miller is back in Massey Falls. Her mom passed away last spring, and she's home taking care of her ailing father. Now, Leela is desperate to fill Mom’s shoes in the Ladies’ Auxiliary by chairing the Cookie House fundraiser. The hitch: mean-eyed Mrs. Coldicott refuses to host the event at her Society Row home as planned.
Leela must find a new venue big enough and fancy enough to draw in customers, or Mom's event might get canceled. There's only one perfect place: the Layton Mansion.
New vet school graduate Jay Wilson has been remodeling the Layton Mansion since he inherited it this summer. It’s almost Christmas, and the house is nearly ready to flip!
If he can get a good price for it, he can buy a partnership at a veterinary clinic out of town.
However, by stipulation of the will, Jay can't sell the house until he cleans out the attic.
Jay needs help completing the enormous task before his deadline. The beautiful Leela will eagerly help—if he agrees to allow her to use the house for her event. But, when Jay learns that the Cookie House event is the same day as his sale deadline, will he sell the house out from under the girl he might just be falling in love with?<
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
1862 people are currently reading
1672 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Griffith
90 books350 followersDo you love free e-books? Check out my website to see how to get a free book. http://authorjennifergriffith.com
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
I love a story that ends with a kiss, whether it's a book or a movie. That's the big payoff! So that's the kind of books I like to write, and I call my style "cotton candy for the soul"-- light, sweet, gone. We all need a little escape from reality for a while, and escapist fiction can be the perfect remedy.
I'm a moderately bad housekeeper, I have a black thumb, and it takes a small miracle to get my hair to curl. My handsome husband and I live in the Arizona desert where we're raising our five children, who never let us stop laughing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
November 7, 2024
THE CHRISMTAS COOKIE HOUSE was a cute novella length Christmas romance that I really enjoyed. 🎄❄🎅 Leila wants to be part of the ladies aid society that her mother had headed for charity, but in order to get into the group, has to pull off a big winter fundraiser, including their huge Christmas cookie sale and Winter ball. She doesn’t have a venue for either event because the ladies in the society are being super snooty, and so she goes to the only available house in the rich neighborhood where they live that is unoccupied and for sale and convinces the handsome young owner to let her have the cookie sale there. He’s also a vet, which never makes for a bad romance 😊. This was a cute Christmas romance and I enjoyed it. 4/5 stars.
December 12, 2022
This is a super cute and sweet Christmas read with humor and light heartedness. I like the main character, Leela and Jay. Both are realistic and fun. We hear both sides of the story as the chapters go back and forth. There is a character that is not very nice and adds some stress, but it all works out. It is not too long to read during the busy Christmas season. Looking forward to the next in the series.
November 19, 2019
4.5*
It's story time with Julie and her rambling thoughts! When the author first wrote this book last year and did the cover reveal in her newsletter, I kept looking at the cover thinking something was familiar. I knew that house! But you know, what are the chances of actually knowing the house or the people on a book cover. Right?! But I kept staring at the house and kept thinking it is random but I know that house. Well after my stare down with the cover I started to read through the author's newsletter and guess what?! I was right! I did completely know that house. I kinda giggled and patted myself on the back for actually recognizing and remembering it. I loved that house (still do). I lived kinda by it for years and would drive past it quite regularly. When I was in college and people would ask me what kind of house was my dream house...if you guessed this house, you're completely right! I never went inside of it but dreamed about what it was like. Then from the author's newsletter I discovered I could take a virtual tour of the house. Woohoooo!!! Ok, I might be a touch excited about it but imagine my excitement when I had access to seeing the inside of my dream house. It was so cool! Even though I don't own it or live close by it anymore, I had (in a small sense) a little bit of my dream come true of seeing the inside of the house.
And then the author wrote a story about the house. It was like awesomeness all around! If you haven't read any books by Jennifer Griffith, I will tell you why I enjoy her books and keep coming back to them. Her humor, wit, goofiness, silliness, joy and love of life are written all over the pages of her books. This one was no exception. I smiled throughout the whole book and just truly enjoyed my time reading this story. Leela is my kinda gal. She's just go straight ahead and making things up as she goes. And boy, oh boy, does she have some doozy moments happen from her just jumping straight in. Her heart is great and in the right place but gives us readers a few mishaps to laugh at and hopefully avoid when we're trying to solve some problems in our community (and life).
Leela and Jay have a cute meet-cute (lol). And of course some little, itty-bitty, teensy-weensy, absolutely minor misunderstandings. Oopsy! Hold on tight readers because these minor misunderstandings don't quite get resolved right away and keep us yelling at the pages of our books to Leela and Jay to just fix it now. Tell them now! But of course that can't happen because then we'd not have any angst or struggle that needed to be fixed in the book.
I loved the Christmas time setting and the Layton mansion setting. All of it together with the cookies and festivities had me enjoying this fun and lighthearted Christmas story. A couple hour read for those who are able to sit and enjoy it in one sitting. I hope you enjoy it. Snuggle up with your cozy blanket and a steaming hot mug of cocoa with a candy cane to stir it with and dive into this cute a charming Christmas story! Oh and great news...there are a couple more books in this series coming out. Woohoooo!!!! *Happy Christmas Dance Commencing*
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
It's story time with Julie and her rambling thoughts! When the author first wrote this book last year and did the cover reveal in her newsletter, I kept looking at the cover thinking something was familiar. I knew that house! But you know, what are the chances of actually knowing the house or the people on a book cover. Right?! But I kept staring at the house and kept thinking it is random but I know that house. Well after my stare down with the cover I started to read through the author's newsletter and guess what?! I was right! I did completely know that house. I kinda giggled and patted myself on the back for actually recognizing and remembering it. I loved that house (still do). I lived kinda by it for years and would drive past it quite regularly. When I was in college and people would ask me what kind of house was my dream house...if you guessed this house, you're completely right! I never went inside of it but dreamed about what it was like. Then from the author's newsletter I discovered I could take a virtual tour of the house. Woohoooo!!! Ok, I might be a touch excited about it but imagine my excitement when I had access to seeing the inside of my dream house. It was so cool! Even though I don't own it or live close by it anymore, I had (in a small sense) a little bit of my dream come true of seeing the inside of the house.
And then the author wrote a story about the house. It was like awesomeness all around! If you haven't read any books by Jennifer Griffith, I will tell you why I enjoy her books and keep coming back to them. Her humor, wit, goofiness, silliness, joy and love of life are written all over the pages of her books. This one was no exception. I smiled throughout the whole book and just truly enjoyed my time reading this story. Leela is my kinda gal. She's just go straight ahead and making things up as she goes. And boy, oh boy, does she have some doozy moments happen from her just jumping straight in. Her heart is great and in the right place but gives us readers a few mishaps to laugh at and hopefully avoid when we're trying to solve some problems in our community (and life).
Leela and Jay have a cute meet-cute (lol). And of course some little, itty-bitty, teensy-weensy, absolutely minor misunderstandings. Oopsy! Hold on tight readers because these minor misunderstandings don't quite get resolved right away and keep us yelling at the pages of our books to Leela and Jay to just fix it now. Tell them now! But of course that can't happen because then we'd not have any angst or struggle that needed to be fixed in the book.
I loved the Christmas time setting and the Layton mansion setting. All of it together with the cookies and festivities had me enjoying this fun and lighthearted Christmas story. A couple hour read for those who are able to sit and enjoy it in one sitting. I hope you enjoy it. Snuggle up with your cozy blanket and a steaming hot mug of cocoa with a candy cane to stir it with and dive into this cute a charming Christmas story! Oh and great news...there are a couple more books in this series coming out. Woohoooo!!!! *Happy Christmas Dance Commencing*
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
November 13, 2019
It's no secret that I'd rather read than watch TV or movies, but a book that reads just like a Hallmark movie is a definite bonus. I love getting that feel-good fix that the Christmas season brings and this story brings a lot of holiday feels.
Leela is under pressure to find a location for the annual Cookie House fundraiser and has the perfect place--the Layton mansion. A load of complications arise, making this book full of drama, ingenuity, and a budding romance.
These characters are quirky and fun, bringing a light element to the drama, which really is the perfect recipe for a Hallmark show. Although a tad bit predictable, it's exactly what the heart needs to warm and swoon.
I can always count on this author to deliver a charming story and the gingersnap cookies that are mentioned throughout sound like they're to die for!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Leela is under pressure to find a location for the annual Cookie House fundraiser and has the perfect place--the Layton mansion. A load of complications arise, making this book full of drama, ingenuity, and a budding romance.
These characters are quirky and fun, bringing a light element to the drama, which really is the perfect recipe for a Hallmark show. Although a tad bit predictable, it's exactly what the heart needs to warm and swoon.
I can always count on this author to deliver a charming story and the gingersnap cookies that are mentioned throughout sound like they're to die for!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
December 21, 2019
I adored this Christmas romance, I can say that it was my favorite one that I have read this season. Very sweet and cute!
November 5, 2019
This is a clean, adult romance. There is some humour in it. It’s definitely a Hallmark Christmas movie type of romance story. A little bit cheesy, candy sweet. It was cute.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
November 26, 2023
Leela Miller returned to Massey Falls in the spring after the loss of her mother. Freesia Miller had created the Cookie House, the annual fundraiser for the Ladies Auxiliary of Massey Falls. All residents know that the 3rd Tuesday in December is the Christmas Cookie House fundraiser, followed by the Holiday Ball in the evening. The auxiliary depends on this annual event to fund the following year's service projects. This year's event is in jeopardy. Leela is determined to save her mother's legacy for the town regardless of the obstacles. Will the 3rd Tuesday in December be magical this year or a failure of epic proportions?
Contemporary romance in a holiday setting is joyous when the author creates a dilemma for the characters that affects them individually and as a potential couple. If you like romantic sparks, a small town setting, the glitter of holiday magic, and delicious descriptions on every page, you won't want to miss this story.
All who love Christmas cookies will be thrilled to discover the recipe for gingersnaps at the end of the story. By the way, not just any gingersnaps but "Truly the Most Delicious Soft Gingersnaps in the World" from the Griffith family.
Contemporary romance in a holiday setting is joyous when the author creates a dilemma for the characters that affects them individually and as a potential couple. If you like romantic sparks, a small town setting, the glitter of holiday magic, and delicious descriptions on every page, you won't want to miss this story.
All who love Christmas cookies will be thrilled to discover the recipe for gingersnaps at the end of the story. By the way, not just any gingersnaps but "Truly the Most Delicious Soft Gingersnaps in the World" from the Griffith family.
December 5, 2020
This is told in alternate chapters by Leela and Jay.
It is a sweet, clean novella about an old house with secrets to uncover in the attic ,
Leela is trying to keep her mother’s legacy alive with the annual Christmas Charity Cookie Sale and Gala Ball. She needs Jay’s help and this great old house he just inherited and renovated.
I loved discovering the treasures in the attic with Leela and Jay. Swoony romance, too.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
It is a sweet, clean novella about an old house with secrets to uncover in the attic ,
Leela is trying to keep her mother’s legacy alive with the annual Christmas Charity Cookie Sale and Gala Ball. She needs Jay’s help and this great old house he just inherited and renovated.
I loved discovering the treasures in the attic with Leela and Jay. Swoony romance, too.
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
December 12, 2022
I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it. The cover is super cute, and what drew me to the book. The romance was okay. It was a little insta-lovey, but I’m okay with that for a Christmas book because they tend to be shorter. I loved that it was clean!! That’s always a plus for me. I recommend for a short Christmas read.
December 20, 2020
The storyline was cute and had potential, but the writing ruined it for me. There was cheesy cliches and awkward phrasings. "His eyes, like tinsel, glinted on her inner Christmas tree." What is an inner Christmas tree and why did the author find that phrase good enough to use twice. Who edited this? I appreciate when an author doesn't use strong language, but the silly Christmas themed replacements in this writing were obnoxious and distracting to the story. Statements like, "jolly holidays," "good honk," and the worst, "holy wassails, Batman!". Ridiculous. Luckily, it was a quick read because I couldn't wait to be done with it. A decent story idea that went wrong with the writing and silly characters.
December 29, 2024
3.5⭐️
This was such a cute holiday novella! Full of sweet moments as well as some laugh out loud shenanigans this was such a joyful book. Also love the idea of the two of them being meant to be together sooo cute!!
This was such a cute holiday novella! Full of sweet moments as well as some laugh out loud shenanigans this was such a joyful book. Also love the idea of the two of them being meant to be together sooo cute!!
November 14, 2022
Just a perfect Xmas read. Puts you in a warm feeling!
I’ll check the other books in this series.
I’ll check the other books in this series.
tbr-1
January 18, 2023Free on Amazon 17.1.23!
November 26, 2022
3.5 stars…. maybe 4 if read during the holiday season. Definitely the book version of a Hallmark movie. Sweet, clean and happily ever after. I’m not a fan of romance except at Christmas so this worked for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2019
I read this story when it was published a year or two ago. It's been edited, some of the characters have different names, and there are a few new scenes. The parts I loved are still there, and it's worth reading the new version, if you caught it the first time too.
Leela Miller is trying to live up to her mother's legacy of service through the Ladies' Auxiliary in Massey Falls. When the organizer of the annual cookie house fundraiser has to bow out for health reasons, Leela volunteers to take her place. Una Mae Coldicott tries to put up roadblocks, first pulling her own house as the event location, then denying the use of her Christmas decorations, which they always use. Leela doesn't know why Una Mae is so set against her, but she is determined to succeed.
Leela thinks she's found the perfect venue for the event, the Layton Mansion. New owner, Dr. Jay Wilson, would love to help her, but he's also trying to sell the house in-time to buy into a veterinary practice with an expiring window of opportunity. Can they both get what they want for Christmas or will they find something even better?
This story is hands-down (or maybe up in the air squealing) adorable! The first meeting between Leela and Jay is priceless. I loved the descriptions of the beautiful old home, the family treasures in the attic, and the sweet simmering chemistry between Leela and Jay. There were some great embarasing moments, witty banter, villains I loved to hate, and side characters I wanted to get to know better.
This story will put you in the Christmas mood (or refresh you on a hot summer day).
Content: clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
Leela Miller is trying to live up to her mother's legacy of service through the Ladies' Auxiliary in Massey Falls. When the organizer of the annual cookie house fundraiser has to bow out for health reasons, Leela volunteers to take her place. Una Mae Coldicott tries to put up roadblocks, first pulling her own house as the event location, then denying the use of her Christmas decorations, which they always use. Leela doesn't know why Una Mae is so set against her, but she is determined to succeed.
Leela thinks she's found the perfect venue for the event, the Layton Mansion. New owner, Dr. Jay Wilson, would love to help her, but he's also trying to sell the house in-time to buy into a veterinary practice with an expiring window of opportunity. Can they both get what they want for Christmas or will they find something even better?
This story is hands-down (or maybe up in the air squealing) adorable! The first meeting between Leela and Jay is priceless. I loved the descriptions of the beautiful old home, the family treasures in the attic, and the sweet simmering chemistry between Leela and Jay. There were some great embarasing moments, witty banter, villains I loved to hate, and side characters I wanted to get to know better.
This story will put you in the Christmas mood (or refresh you on a hot summer day).
Content: clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
December 26, 2019
I did not finish this book.
It sounded interesting, but when the guy and girl have this strange “electric feeling as though they had put their fingers in an electric socket” when they touched hands, I rolled my eyes. And then there was talk from the 16-year-old cousin about how Leela should wear certain clothes so the guy will basically lust after her because of her “shape.” Ugh! I stopped. If this is how the story is going to start, I have no desire to see what else is thrown in.
It sounded interesting, but when the guy and girl have this strange “electric feeling as though they had put their fingers in an electric socket” when they touched hands, I rolled my eyes. And then there was talk from the 16-year-old cousin about how Leela should wear certain clothes so the guy will basically lust after her because of her “shape.” Ugh! I stopped. If this is how the story is going to start, I have no desire to see what else is thrown in.
January 17, 2024
This book was a good Christmas romance with a heck of a spin! The characters were cute but not in an over bearing way. This book has no smut but I must say the tension was there, which you don’t get a lot of in Christmas books.
November 24, 2021
Stopped at 48%. Holy cheese batman, eye rolled my way through way too many "the air around them tingled like Christmas morning's goodness" sort of lines
December 5, 2024
Adored this cute little read! 🤍
December 27, 2024
Livre assez simpliste avec peu de contenu malgré une belle fin! J’aurais aimé me sentir plus dans une ambiance de Noël : la page couverture est très prometteuse versus ce que l’on ressent en lisant.
November 16, 2020
This was one of the cutest books I’ve ever read. It was so light and cozy. The main characters are adorable. Such a fun read.
November 7, 2023
3.5 stars - a Hallmark movie of a book but really cute and light.
January 15, 2021
A sweet story about stepping into your parents shoes.
December 14, 2021
I'll be honest - I hated this book. It seemed like it was written for children back in the 1800's. The male lead character asked the female lead character to be his "precious companion". Who says that? What does that even mean?! I would never have chosen this book to read - my book club picked it - and I'm DEFINITELY glad I didn't pay for it. If you like your romances bland and with less actual "romance" than a Victorian novel then this book is for you. Otherwise, skip it.
October 3, 2020
I really wanted to like this book but I feel like I read a different book than the other reviewers. The story was cute while predictable but I couldn’t get past the extreme “cheesiness” of the writing. Lines like, “his mouth was a satin ribbon tied on the gift of his kiss” just made me cringe. It seemed like the author was trying too hard. The best thing about this book was the stunning cover.
November 27, 2022
3.5 STARS
A Christmas story that makes you want to bake cookies and have your own swoon worthy romance. Unless you already have the love of your life then just run out and bake those ginger cookies and read the book for a good clean Christmas romance.
PS The recipe for the ginger cookies they keep talking about is on the last page.
A Christmas story that makes you want to bake cookies and have your own swoon worthy romance. Unless you already have the love of your life then just run out and bake those ginger cookies and read the book for a good clean Christmas romance.
PS The recipe for the ginger cookies they keep talking about is on the last page.
September 6, 2024
I loved this book. It was a short get away from real life. The characters were so cute and real. A great get in a good mood read. Can't wait to read more of this series. I am excited to try the cookie recipe in the back of the book. I have to admit the cover was what drew me to the book while I was browsing for something to read. Great time to find this author. Two thumbs way up.
November 5, 2019
Leela and Jay discover treasure and not just in the attic. Loved how they were connected to each other. A really sweet romance with a bit of mystery as well as a villain. The author made me feel as if I was there eating the cookies and making discoveries alongside the characters.
November 28, 2022
awwww marriage and family and ughhh so cute. I loved this book. Just what I needed. Fast paced romance isn’t always my thing but this was wholesome and cute and it gave me all the cute vibes. I do wish we saw some more development with Jays mom but overall it was cute and I enjoyed it
December 27, 2024
3.5/5 • Light winter romance that’s perfect to read in one sitting or spread out like an advent calendar since there are 25 chapters !
I would’ve loved a more Christmas feel to this novel, but even though it didn’t have that, the story was cute and flowed well. Definitely a fast read, not a lot of filler as it is a 150 page book.
There’s a cookie recipe at the end which is a cute addition !
I would’ve loved a more Christmas feel to this novel, but even though it didn’t have that, the story was cute and flowed well. Definitely a fast read, not a lot of filler as it is a 150 page book.
There’s a cookie recipe at the end which is a cute addition !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews