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Darling, VT #4
Merry Christmas, Darling
Come home for Christmas in Darling, VT…and the magic of the holiday season!
Hannah Gallagher is a woman who knows how to get things done – and the annual literacy benefit is no exception. There’s just one problem: her headlining author has canclled. Where can she find a celebrity to fill in, this close to Christmas? It’s just her luck that her brother’s best friend and hockey superstar, Cam Collier, is in town for the holidays. It doesn’t take long for Hannah to imagine him reading to kids at the local library – and all that money pouring in.
Sidelined with his second concussion, Cam takes the opportunity to spend Christmas with his family. He’s barely in town twenty-four hours when Hannah Gallagher hits him up to do a charity event, and Cam knows he must decline. Of course Hannah doesn’t understand his reasons…because he’s holding onto a secret that he’s never shared with anyone. He’ll make it up to her, though, by donating an amazing item for the silent auction. And the fact that he gets to spend time with his best friend’s hot older sister is a definite perk.
Things are heating up between them, and it looks like this is destined to be a sizzling holiday fling. Especially as Cam’s health is improving and he’s counting the days until he can rejoin his team. But then feelings get in the way…and fears, too. Can they move past their insecurities to change this Christmas to remember to a Christmas that lasts forever?
Hannah Gallagher is a woman who knows how to get things done – and the annual literacy benefit is no exception. There’s just one problem: her headlining author has canclled. Where can she find a celebrity to fill in, this close to Christmas? It’s just her luck that her brother’s best friend and hockey superstar, Cam Collier, is in town for the holidays. It doesn’t take long for Hannah to imagine him reading to kids at the local library – and all that money pouring in.
Sidelined with his second concussion, Cam takes the opportunity to spend Christmas with his family. He’s barely in town twenty-four hours when Hannah Gallagher hits him up to do a charity event, and Cam knows he must decline. Of course Hannah doesn’t understand his reasons…because he’s holding onto a secret that he’s never shared with anyone. He’ll make it up to her, though, by donating an amazing item for the silent auction. And the fact that he gets to spend time with his best friend’s hot older sister is a definite perk.
Things are heating up between them, and it looks like this is destined to be a sizzling holiday fling. Especially as Cam’s health is improving and he’s counting the days until he can rejoin his team. But then feelings get in the way…and fears, too. Can they move past their insecurities to change this Christmas to remember to a Christmas that lasts forever?
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
126 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Donna Alward
285 books692 followersSince 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 8, 2020
3.5 stars
As a huge fan of the Darling, VA series, I’ve been hoping that at some point Donna Alward would take us back for the Gallagher sister’s stories.
There’s nothing like a Darling Christmas.”
I enjoyed Hannah and Cam together as well as revisiting the couples we’ve grown to love over the series. Granted there were some minor editing issues—getting the hero’s name wrong in the middle of a sexy scene was a bit of a rookie move considering Alward is no stranger to being published—but nevertheless an easy, enjoyable, romantic addition to the overall series.
As a huge fan of the Darling, VA series, I’ve been hoping that at some point Donna Alward would take us back for the Gallagher sister’s stories.
There’s nothing like a Darling Christmas.”
I enjoyed Hannah and Cam together as well as revisiting the couples we’ve grown to love over the series. Granted there were some minor editing issues—getting the hero’s name wrong in the middle of a sexy scene was a bit of a rookie move considering Alward is no stranger to being published—but nevertheless an easy, enjoyable, romantic addition to the overall series.
December 26, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
This is the series that got me into reading Donna Alward. I really loved this series and was sad when there wasn't anymore. When I saw that she was going to have a holiday book in Darling VT I was so thrilled.
I really enjoy that little town.
So we are now ready for the girls of the Gallagher family to find love. You can't see me but I'm rubbing my hands together that's how excited I was.
I loved Hannah from the minute you meet her. She's the one family member that seems to be totally put together. She has her life in order and works hard within her business. She loves her town and does all she can for it.
But she's also standoffish.
I knew there had to be a good reason she is the way she is and when you read her story you really get the feeling of who Hannah is. There is so much more to her than what she shows everyone. At times I wanted to give her a hug. What I loved about her and that she felt bad about how her life was going but she didn't take it out on others.
You'll also love Cam. He has secrets of his own and the way he revealed them to the world was so sweet and loving. He is a super nice guy who's not a player (like the play on words?) which I liked about him. Hannah doesn't need a man that will be in her bed one night and someone else the next.
These two just work. The funny part is that he figured it out before she did. Love when that happens. So often the woman falls in love and has to wait on the guy doing the same thing. I love when it's in reverse.
Merry Christmas, Darling is full of good cheer and the Gallaghers. I think you'll really enjoy it. But do yourself a favor and for Christmas get the other books in the series and read them in order. Yes, this can be read as a standalone but I think you'll enjoy it more knowing the family and Hannah from the beginning.
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This is the series that got me into reading Donna Alward. I really loved this series and was sad when there wasn't anymore. When I saw that she was going to have a holiday book in Darling VT I was so thrilled.
I really enjoy that little town.
So we are now ready for the girls of the Gallagher family to find love. You can't see me but I'm rubbing my hands together that's how excited I was.
I loved Hannah from the minute you meet her. She's the one family member that seems to be totally put together. She has her life in order and works hard within her business. She loves her town and does all she can for it.
But she's also standoffish.
I knew there had to be a good reason she is the way she is and when you read her story you really get the feeling of who Hannah is. There is so much more to her than what she shows everyone. At times I wanted to give her a hug. What I loved about her and that she felt bad about how her life was going but she didn't take it out on others.
You'll also love Cam. He has secrets of his own and the way he revealed them to the world was so sweet and loving. He is a super nice guy who's not a player (like the play on words?) which I liked about him. Hannah doesn't need a man that will be in her bed one night and someone else the next.
These two just work. The funny part is that he figured it out before she did. Love when that happens. So often the woman falls in love and has to wait on the guy doing the same thing. I love when it's in reverse.
Merry Christmas, Darling is full of good cheer and the Gallaghers. I think you'll really enjoy it. But do yourself a favor and for Christmas get the other books in the series and read them in order. Yes, this can be read as a standalone but I think you'll enjoy it more knowing the family and Hannah from the beginning.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
July 31, 2025
Absolutely delightful!
After reading about Hannah in previous stories, I knew she needed a special man to sweep her off her feet. Turns out the Cameron Collier was that man. Pro hockey player, hometown golden boy, was someone who could be her match.
The author developed their romance slowly and I fell in love with the process. When Can came clean with his secret, I fell hard for him too.
The author wrote a beautiful love story and one great holiday read. Thank you!
July 2025
What a wonderful story. I love it when you push through the fear to go for it. there was one mistake I read this time around because I've been re-reading this series back to back. George was mentioned that he helped with the wreaths for the auction this year and he lived in town with his girlfriend Lindsay. Lindsay? In Deck the Halls he was falling in love with Amy Merck, his best friend's sister. mistake? new person?
After reading about Hannah in previous stories, I knew she needed a special man to sweep her off her feet. Turns out the Cameron Collier was that man. Pro hockey player, hometown golden boy, was someone who could be her match.
The author developed their romance slowly and I fell in love with the process. When Can came clean with his secret, I fell hard for him too.
The author wrote a beautiful love story and one great holiday read. Thank you!
July 2025
What a wonderful story. I love it when you push through the fear to go for it. there was one mistake I read this time around because I've been re-reading this series back to back. George was mentioned that he helped with the wreaths for the auction this year and he lived in town with his girlfriend Lindsay. Lindsay? In Deck the Halls he was falling in love with Amy Merck, his best friend's sister. mistake? new person?
November 9, 2019
Wonderful Return to Darling
It’s been a couple of years since the last book in the Darling, Vermont series came out and I’m so excited to make a return visit! This book was definitely worth the wait! Not reading the previous books in the series isn’t necessary to enjoy this one, but, for me, I love the feeling of reuniting with friends and watching Hannah and Cam’s HEA develop. Both are very afraid of getting involved. Both have secret “flaws” they think make them destined to be alone. This is the story of overcoming those feelings of being less than worthy, the love of friends and family, the building of trust, and the payoff of learning to let another person in. Such a heartwarming story - I laughed and cried, and loved every minute!
It’s been a couple of years since the last book in the Darling, Vermont series came out and I’m so excited to make a return visit! This book was definitely worth the wait! Not reading the previous books in the series isn’t necessary to enjoy this one, but, for me, I love the feeling of reuniting with friends and watching Hannah and Cam’s HEA develop. Both are very afraid of getting involved. Both have secret “flaws” they think make them destined to be alone. This is the story of overcoming those feelings of being less than worthy, the love of friends and family, the building of trust, and the payoff of learning to let another person in. Such a heartwarming story - I laughed and cried, and loved every minute!
December 7, 2020
Darling!!!
A wonderful Christmas story in one of my favorite towns Darling, VT! Donna Awards books are always entertaining and some of my favorites!!!
A wonderful Christmas story in one of my favorite towns Darling, VT! Donna Awards books are always entertaining and some of my favorites!!!
December 24, 2021
That was stinkin’ cute! Still not a fan of romance, but I love the characters Donna Alward comes up with!
August 21, 2021
Donna Alward has another Hit book!
I never know what to write in the review. The book has been reviewed by professionals and I am sure by many of her fans. The only thing I can add is WOW!!! If you love reading about small quaint New England Villages at Christmas with love swirling in the air then Merry Christmas, Darling is your go to book! I look forward to her next book in the series (if there is one) anxiously!
I never know what to write in the review. The book has been reviewed by professionals and I am sure by many of her fans. The only thing I can add is WOW!!! If you love reading about small quaint New England Villages at Christmas with love swirling in the air then Merry Christmas, Darling is your go to book! I look forward to her next book in the series (if there is one) anxiously!
November 19, 2019
Another great story
This one is great. Can’t wait to read the twins stories (hint,hint). Keep the Kleenex handy. I was also glad to visit and catch up on the others siblings and see the changes in their lives.
This one is great. Can’t wait to read the twins stories (hint,hint). Keep the Kleenex handy. I was also glad to visit and catch up on the others siblings and see the changes in their lives.
December 26, 2020
Loved it.
It's a worthy addition to the Darling VT series.
Personally most enjoyed that the hero is the younger one in this couple, who gets to meet again and fall in love with his childhood crush. His perspective feels perfectly relatable. :)
It's a worthy addition to the Darling VT series.
Personally most enjoyed that the hero is the younger one in this couple, who gets to meet again and fall in love with his childhood crush. His perspective feels perfectly relatable. :)
June 23, 2021
Dream come true
Being 13 and having a crush on an older woman. What happens when you meet16 years later. Both single but also have the same qualities.
Being 13 and having a crush on an older woman. What happens when you meet16 years later. Both single but also have the same qualities.
February 14, 2023
Loved It! This story had be captivated in such a way that I became fully emerged into the world of the story. The type of stories that you have a hard time putting it down until you realize that hours have gone by. Donna Alward is one of those authors that can create those amazing stories that won't disappoint. If you ever have the pleasure of reading this amazing piece of work, do so, for you won't regret. I am even more proud to have met her in person and call her a friend.
December 18, 2021
Enjoyable Christmas romance involving a strong woman character who finds instant attraction to town's professional hockey star recuperating at home for Christmas following an injury on ice. Established and independent, Hannah initially guards herself viewing it more as a fling than a romance with her younger brother's best friend all grown up. This novel involves admitting hesitancy of commitment to admission of disabilities that both need to overcome. Mild profanity and explicit sexual scenes portrayed. Some formatting issues within the book. However, despite it all, a very entertaining novel for the open-minded.
September 28, 2021
Merry Christmas, Darling by Donna Alward is one of her novellas in her Darling, Vermont series. I’m just loving all her books set in this picture-perfect town with its wonderful Christmas Traditions and of course its famous Kissing Bridge. This is the story of the beautiful ballbuster Hannah Gallagher and Cam Collier the town’s Hockey Superstar. I liked that this one had a very strong female lead, who is actually a few years older than Cam. I enjoyed the dates they went on, skating through the park and kissing under the bridge. This is the perfect read to get into the holiday spirit.
December 4, 2021
A pleasant, if long winded addition to this series that ends in a HFN like the last book.
I really prefer a definitive HEA rather than this open ended happy for now.
Liked that Cam, the prodigal son, returned and found his future with go getting Hannah.
Though I liked Hannah and always have, her hesitancy over grasping a happy future with Cam just felt flat. She had her trust issues due to an ex but I felt it seemed a minor thing that happened long ago.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
I really prefer a definitive HEA rather than this open ended happy for now.
Liked that Cam, the prodigal son, returned and found his future with go getting Hannah.
Though I liked Hannah and always have, her hesitancy over grasping a happy future with Cam just felt flat. She had her trust issues due to an ex but I felt it seemed a minor thing that happened long ago.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
July 14, 2022
Loved Hannah's story!
Going to miss the Gallagher family when this series is over. Being originally from New England it is great to go home in a story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.Enjoy!
Going to miss the Gallagher family when this series is over. Being originally from New England it is great to go home in a story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.Enjoy!
August 11, 2021
Hometown girls and boys
I really enjoyed the real life issues in each characters lives marking them relatable to her readers .. kudos to Donna Alward .
I really enjoyed the real life issues in each characters lives marking them relatable to her readers .. kudos to Donna Alward .
September 9, 2021
Good
a book where two people who have known each other and are now adults. both are single and have no
a book where two people who have known each other and are now adults. both are single and have no
December 22, 2021
Hannah banana
Great Christmas book. Liked TBE characters. very good descriptions of the town and its citizens. Just a good little feel good book.
Great Christmas book. Liked TBE characters. very good descriptions of the town and its citizens. Just a good little feel good book.
October 17, 2022
A nice enough story. a nice enough read.
January 19, 2024
Merry Christmas, Darling by Debbie Macomber is a delightful festive read that wraps you up in the warmth of the holiday spirit. From the very first page, I was transported to a charming Christmas setting, complete with twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and a tale of love that unfolds like a cherished holiday card.
The main characters, Merry and Jason, are portrayed with authenticity and charm. Macomber effortlessly captures the magic of the season through their interactions, creating a sense of connection that resonates with readers. Their journey is not just a romance but a reminder of the joy and surprises the holiday season can bring.
Macomber's writing style is inviting and heartwarming, making the narrative easy to dive into. The small-town atmosphere she crafts adds an extra layer of coziness, immersing the reader in a world where Christmas miracles are not only possible but expected.
The plot, while centered on romance, also explores themes of family, community, and the true meaning of Christmas. The pacing is well-balanced, with just the right amount of holiday magic sprinkled throughout the story. Macomber skillfully weaves together the various elements, creating a narrative that feels like a cup of cocoa by the fireplace.
What sets Merry Christmas, Darling apart is its ability to capture the essence of the holiday season. The festive details, from the beautifully decorated tree to the aroma of freshly baked cookies, create a vivid backdrop for the unfolding love story. It's a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into the enchanting world of Christmas romance.
In conclusion, Merry Christmas, Darling is a heartwarming holiday escape that celebrates love, family, and the magic of Christmas. Debbie Macomber's festive storytelling and the endearing characters make this book a must-read for those seeking a cozy, feel-good romance during the holiday season. If you're a fan of Christmas cheer and sweet love stories, Merry Christmas, Darling is the perfect book to curl up with on a winter evening.
The main characters, Merry and Jason, are portrayed with authenticity and charm. Macomber effortlessly captures the magic of the season through their interactions, creating a sense of connection that resonates with readers. Their journey is not just a romance but a reminder of the joy and surprises the holiday season can bring.
Macomber's writing style is inviting and heartwarming, making the narrative easy to dive into. The small-town atmosphere she crafts adds an extra layer of coziness, immersing the reader in a world where Christmas miracles are not only possible but expected.
The plot, while centered on romance, also explores themes of family, community, and the true meaning of Christmas. The pacing is well-balanced, with just the right amount of holiday magic sprinkled throughout the story. Macomber skillfully weaves together the various elements, creating a narrative that feels like a cup of cocoa by the fireplace.
What sets Merry Christmas, Darling apart is its ability to capture the essence of the holiday season. The festive details, from the beautifully decorated tree to the aroma of freshly baked cookies, create a vivid backdrop for the unfolding love story. It's a perfect read for anyone looking to escape into the enchanting world of Christmas romance.
In conclusion, Merry Christmas, Darling is a heartwarming holiday escape that celebrates love, family, and the magic of Christmas. Debbie Macomber's festive storytelling and the endearing characters make this book a must-read for those seeking a cozy, feel-good romance during the holiday season. If you're a fan of Christmas cheer and sweet love stories, Merry Christmas, Darling is the perfect book to curl up with on a winter evening.
November 30, 2023
Hannah Gallagher runs a business in Darling, Vermont and is putting on a charity event to raise funds for literacy. Established in town, her fingers are in other ventures and she’s been successful in business. Losing her celebrity at the last minute puts her in a desperate state to find a new one.
Cam Collier is off the ice for a concussion and has to take some time to rest and recuperate. While I’m Darling, his hometown, he finds rest with family in friends. He’s on his second rest and worried it’ll keep him off the ice longer than he wants. Hannah hits him up to be the star celebrity but he has his own reasons for turning him down.
The thing that kept me reading this book was purely the characters being endearing. I’m not much for hook up books where things get complicated. It is played out, in my opinion. I wanted to give it a chance and see where it led. I wasn’t a fan of how the story ended. I feel it was brisk and a bit of a let down. I understand the author was teasing another book but I wasn’t wrapped up enough to want to proceed. I also feel there wasn’t enough intrigue for me to go back and read previous books. It was a cute Christmas story but left me wanting more.
Cam Collier is off the ice for a concussion and has to take some time to rest and recuperate. While I’m Darling, his hometown, he finds rest with family in friends. He’s on his second rest and worried it’ll keep him off the ice longer than he wants. Hannah hits him up to be the star celebrity but he has his own reasons for turning him down.
The thing that kept me reading this book was purely the characters being endearing. I’m not much for hook up books where things get complicated. It is played out, in my opinion. I wanted to give it a chance and see where it led. I wasn’t a fan of how the story ended. I feel it was brisk and a bit of a let down. I understand the author was teasing another book but I wasn’t wrapped up enough to want to proceed. I also feel there wasn’t enough intrigue for me to go back and read previous books. It was a cute Christmas story but left me wanting more.
November 25, 2023
It was nice to revisit Darling Vermont, see favorite characters from the past, and focus on Hannah Gallaghers story. She is the organized member of the family. She runs her own business, is a silent partner and investor in many others in town and chairs the annual literacy benefit. The author that is the main event has to back out and Hannah isn't used to failure. Cam, the local boy turned hockey star is back in town for the holidays and she asks him to read at it instead. He refuses but has reasons she knows nothing about. He is her younger brother's best friend and has always had a crush on her. They both know it's a bad idea- he is leaving soon to rejoin his team. Will this bad idea actually be a great one?
August 11, 2023
Love makes you stronger
Hannah is an independent, driven businesswoman who's world gets upended when Cam comes home to recuperate. He's her little brother's best friend and was around the house when they were growing up but he's certainly grown into a fine man.
They agree to a relationship while he's home and then they'll be back to their respective jobs on cities across the country from each other. But fate and life has a way of throwing us a curve ball. Can they put aside fears to forge ahead in a complete relationship? You'll want to read this novella to find out. A great addition to the Darling, VT series.
Hannah is an independent, driven businesswoman who's world gets upended when Cam comes home to recuperate. He's her little brother's best friend and was around the house when they were growing up but he's certainly grown into a fine man.
They agree to a relationship while he's home and then they'll be back to their respective jobs on cities across the country from each other. But fate and life has a way of throwing us a curve ball. Can they put aside fears to forge ahead in a complete relationship? You'll want to read this novella to find out. A great addition to the Darling, VT series.
July 15, 2023
This book was FANTASTIC. I especially loved the heroine as I related to her on a personal level. Which made the book even more special for me. I really liked both Hannah and Cam as individuals and how they treated one another - left you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Throw in Christmas and this book was perfect for me! I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
April 19, 2024
What a Christmas story
This was a perfect Christmas story to read. The only things is it left me wanting a little more. Guess that's one way to push me to hurry up and read the next book. This author is really good at that.
This was a perfect Christmas story to read. The only things is it left me wanting a little more. Guess that's one way to push me to hurry up and read the next book. This author is really good at that.
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February 2, 2022Post modern immorality bad language
Foul language and post modern hooking up and a general lack of personal morality. Other reviews did not warn me.
Foul language and post modern hooking up and a general lack of personal morality. Other reviews did not warn me.
August 24, 2023
loving this series
Good book. I’m enjoying reading the series. Good romantic book. I recommend it as a good quick read that is very enjoyable
Good book. I’m enjoying reading the series. Good romantic book. I recommend it as a good quick read that is very enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews