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Her Holiday Man
Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she's left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she's learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she'd be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail's son comes home, Christina's vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.
Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being "that poor man" who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it's time to go home. Only his mother's not alone. She's taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.
As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.
Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being "that poor man" who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it's time to go home. Only his mother's not alone. She's taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.
As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.
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First published November 3, 2014
27 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Stacey
145 books2,641 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
December 6, 2014
I expected a "feel good" holiday romance and was not disappointed!
Christina Forrester and her 7-year old son are starting over in a small New Hampshire town following her divorce from her former wealthy husband, now in prison for financial investment fraud. She's struggling to make ends meet but on many levels, her life is so much better. Will Broughton returns home after a 5-year absence following the death of his wife, only to find his recently widowed mother has taken Christina and her son under her maternal wings.
It's a lovely story of two lonely but healing people who were badly hurt and are a bit wary of investing in another relationship. Christina's son, Nathaniel, is not only adorable but their bridge to each other. They redefine family during the holiday season and learn to treasure the time they have now.
I really liked how both Christina and Will were crafted...once broken but mending nicely. This is a perfect story for the Christmas season, not too sweet but extremely heartwarming. Loved it.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Christina Forrester and her 7-year old son are starting over in a small New Hampshire town following her divorce from her former wealthy husband, now in prison for financial investment fraud. She's struggling to make ends meet but on many levels, her life is so much better. Will Broughton returns home after a 5-year absence following the death of his wife, only to find his recently widowed mother has taken Christina and her son under her maternal wings.
It's a lovely story of two lonely but healing people who were badly hurt and are a bit wary of investing in another relationship. Christina's son, Nathaniel, is not only adorable but their bridge to each other. They redefine family during the holiday season and learn to treasure the time they have now.
I really liked how both Christina and Will were crafted...once broken but mending nicely. This is a perfect story for the Christmas season, not too sweet but extremely heartwarming. Loved it.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
November 15, 2014
This was my third Shannon Stacey, and I enjoyed it almost as much as the first two I read. But here's the problem; while they're sweet and engaging, well-written and with likable characters, there isn't much to them. I couldn't figure out why I simultaneously wanted to read more, but also felt empty after each one. Shannon Stacey's books are a lot like Twinkies; fun to eat while you're in the moment, but when they're gone, you're still hungry, you haven't contributed any nutrients to your body, and you feel slightly ashamed of yourself.
July 31, 2019
This was a super cute quick read. We are introduced to two very different people who seem to have faced lots of tragedy in their short lives. Christina is rebuilding after her husband was sent to jail for stealing peoples money, this resulted in her and her son losing everything and starting over. Will lost his wife and unborn daughter to a drunk drivers years ago. When Will's father passes away he decides to move back home to be close to his mom. Christina is living across the street and it is quick to discover there is some chemistry between them. This was a cute holiday book of HEA just when you think you are never going to be able to open your heart to someone else.
December 3, 2014
Really nice Holiday Read!
November 22, 2019
3.5***
February 22, 2015
4 ½ stars!
Her Holiday Man was a wonderful quick holiday read that managed to be both entertaining and touching. I love a good romance where a lonely man and a lonely one another find one another around the holidays. Add in a child, and the “making of a family” storyline is even better.
This novella features an affluent woman who has financially been devastated following her ex-husbands money laundering. She is desperately trying to make ends meet and raise her young son as a single parent.
Our hero lost his pregnant wife and unborn son in a car accident and had not been able to move on since. He has lived a very nomadic life and has finally come “home” to live near his mother who is also living alone.
After initially being skeptical of Christina and her motives towards his mother, Will gradually begins to fall for this woman who has a heart of gold and a ton of grit. He also falls hard for her young son. Unfortunately, Will’s post-traumatic stress from loosing his family is a major barrier for this couple as he vacillates between craving the intimacy of a new family, and being scared to death of experiencing loss again.
I loved this book. It felt very realistic to me and I loved how this relationship gradually evolves into something meaningful and lasting. The epilogue was the best part of the story, and solidifies this as a truly remarkable holiday novella.
Highly recommended!
Her Holiday Man was a wonderful quick holiday read that managed to be both entertaining and touching. I love a good romance where a lonely man and a lonely one another find one another around the holidays. Add in a child, and the “making of a family” storyline is even better.
This novella features an affluent woman who has financially been devastated following her ex-husbands money laundering. She is desperately trying to make ends meet and raise her young son as a single parent.
Our hero lost his pregnant wife and unborn son in a car accident and had not been able to move on since. He has lived a very nomadic life and has finally come “home” to live near his mother who is also living alone.
After initially being skeptical of Christina and her motives towards his mother, Will gradually begins to fall for this woman who has a heart of gold and a ton of grit. He also falls hard for her young son. Unfortunately, Will’s post-traumatic stress from loosing his family is a major barrier for this couple as he vacillates between craving the intimacy of a new family, and being scared to death of experiencing loss again.
I loved this book. It felt very realistic to me and I loved how this relationship gradually evolves into something meaningful and lasting. The epilogue was the best part of the story, and solidifies this as a truly remarkable holiday novella.
Highly recommended!
November 24, 2014
Why I read it: I was provided with a review copy by the publisher via NetGalley.
What worked for me (and what didn't): Oh, man! I needed tissues for this book. Of course it has a HEA (it's a romance after all) but Will has been through the wringer after losing his wife and their unborn daughter shortly before Christmas a few years before the story begins. He's stayed away from his hometown at Christmas since then but, after also losing his dad suddenly six months before, he feels he needs to come home to stay and make sure his mother is okay. When he's doing things like going through his dead wife's hope chest - well, let's just say I had convenient dust in my eyes.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2014/1...
What worked for me (and what didn't): Oh, man! I needed tissues for this book. Of course it has a HEA (it's a romance after all) but Will has been through the wringer after losing his wife and their unborn daughter shortly before Christmas a few years before the story begins. He's stayed away from his hometown at Christmas since then but, after also losing his dad suddenly six months before, he feels he needs to come home to stay and make sure his mother is okay. When he's doing things like going through his dead wife's hope chest - well, let's just say I had convenient dust in my eyes.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2014/1...
April 5, 2015
3.5 stars
Her Holiday Man was a quick, sweet and entertaining read.
My interest was held from the first page until the last.
A great holiday read.
Thank you Netgalley and Carina Press for the ARC.
Her Holiday Man was a quick, sweet and entertaining read.
My interest was held from the first page until the last.
A great holiday read.
Thank you Netgalley and Carina Press for the ARC.
January 6, 2016
Topla i simpatična priča koja će zagrijati svačije srce u ovo blagdansko vrijeme.
January 1, 2024
overwhelmingly beautiful. absolutely loved it. it has been ages since i read single-parent trope!
December 17, 2018
I gave the book 4stars it was a lovely light read that had you laughing and crying and hoping that they will become a family. Will had a tragic loss of his wife a little girl. Now he feels guilty in loving his neighbor and little boy, but decides on giving love another shot.
January 21, 2021
**3.5 estrellitas
Ay que bonito este libro... me encantó el personaje de Nathaniel, que dulce ese niño!!
En general es una historia corta, entretenida y ligera que se lee rapidito, con buenos personajes, sin mucho drama y los malentendidos se aclaran rápido
y ese último capítulo me encantó!!
Ay que bonito este libro... me encantó el personaje de Nathaniel, que dulce ese niño!!
En general es una historia corta, entretenida y ligera que se lee rapidito, con buenos personajes, sin mucho drama y los malentendidos se aclaran rápido
y ese último capítulo me encantó!!
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
I love Shannon Stacey’s humorous style of writing, and I’ve been a huge fan of her Kowalski series for many years. It’s fun, romantic, sexy, and always ultimately great for a belly laugh or two. But this is Shannon Stacey in a contemplative, emotional mood, and it suits the holiday season well!
Christina and her seven-year old son Nathaniel have made a new home in a small New Hampshire town. Thank goodness, because they’d had no where else to go! Her former husband’s financial scandal sent him to jail and left Christina and Nathaniel essentially broke and abandoned. Everything had been sold to pay off their debts, and they’d been left with only the clothes on their backs, literally. Unfortunately, Christina had no real-world experience at taking care of herself, financially or otherwise. But she was determined to do it for herself and her son, and she wasn’t very fond of men because of how her husband had treated them. She found a job at the gas station’s QuikStop convenience store, and they were surviving.
And then she met Gail Broughton. Gail had recently lost her husband, and her two grown children had moved away. So she’d been left home alone and loved the opportunity to help the newly divorced Christina and her son find a soft place to land and lots of comfort and friendship. Before they knew it, she’d found them a place to rent right across the street from her and was babysitting Nathaniel after school until Christina got off of work. She was quickly finding ways to cook for them and make life easier for them and louder and busier for herself.
But then Will comes home. Will Broughton is Gail’s thirty-two year old son who lost his young wife Emily and their unborn baby daughter five years earlier. At first he’d been a little angry and concerned that Christina and Nathaniel were taking advantage of Gail, but he soon realized that they were giving her a lot more than they were taking. Plus, he realized that Christina wasn’t that kind of person. And he soon becomes as fond of Christina and Nathaniel as Gail is. But when sparks ignite between him and Christina, he’s not sure what to do.
Will is emotionally frozen after the death of his wife pregnant wife Emily. Nearly six years earlier, she’d been on her way home two weeks before Christmas when a drunk driver had hit her and killed them both. He’d lost everything in an instant, and the overwhelming grief and loss were more than he could take. He’d had to leave and just wander, taking jobs different places, to quiet the ache and loneliness deep inside. He’d returned home for the funeral of his father earlier in the year, and as he’d driven away after back to Ohio, he’d felt bad looking in the rear view mirror at his mother crying in the background. He’d had to come back. But he certainly hadn’t reconciled the emotions over losing his wife and child; they’d gotten easier to bear but they were still there.
But Christina and Will keep feeling the chemistry between them and ending up together alone, and the inevitable happens. A kiss. More than a kiss. Will this feeling last? Is it enough to take these wounded lovers past their reservations and into a lasting relationship and commitment? Who will get hurt if it doesn’t work? But who will win if it does? Everyone.
Deeper than your normal Christmas read, but more heartfelt. Worth the effort! Thanks, Shannon Stacey.
4.5 stars
I love Shannon Stacey’s humorous style of writing, and I’ve been a huge fan of her Kowalski series for many years. It’s fun, romantic, sexy, and always ultimately great for a belly laugh or two. But this is Shannon Stacey in a contemplative, emotional mood, and it suits the holiday season well!
Christina and her seven-year old son Nathaniel have made a new home in a small New Hampshire town. Thank goodness, because they’d had no where else to go! Her former husband’s financial scandal sent him to jail and left Christina and Nathaniel essentially broke and abandoned. Everything had been sold to pay off their debts, and they’d been left with only the clothes on their backs, literally. Unfortunately, Christina had no real-world experience at taking care of herself, financially or otherwise. But she was determined to do it for herself and her son, and she wasn’t very fond of men because of how her husband had treated them. She found a job at the gas station’s QuikStop convenience store, and they were surviving.
And then she met Gail Broughton. Gail had recently lost her husband, and her two grown children had moved away. So she’d been left home alone and loved the opportunity to help the newly divorced Christina and her son find a soft place to land and lots of comfort and friendship. Before they knew it, she’d found them a place to rent right across the street from her and was babysitting Nathaniel after school until Christina got off of work. She was quickly finding ways to cook for them and make life easier for them and louder and busier for herself.
But then Will comes home. Will Broughton is Gail’s thirty-two year old son who lost his young wife Emily and their unborn baby daughter five years earlier. At first he’d been a little angry and concerned that Christina and Nathaniel were taking advantage of Gail, but he soon realized that they were giving her a lot more than they were taking. Plus, he realized that Christina wasn’t that kind of person. And he soon becomes as fond of Christina and Nathaniel as Gail is. But when sparks ignite between him and Christina, he’s not sure what to do.
Will is emotionally frozen after the death of his wife pregnant wife Emily. Nearly six years earlier, she’d been on her way home two weeks before Christmas when a drunk driver had hit her and killed them both. He’d lost everything in an instant, and the overwhelming grief and loss were more than he could take. He’d had to leave and just wander, taking jobs different places, to quiet the ache and loneliness deep inside. He’d returned home for the funeral of his father earlier in the year, and as he’d driven away after back to Ohio, he’d felt bad looking in the rear view mirror at his mother crying in the background. He’d had to come back. But he certainly hadn’t reconciled the emotions over losing his wife and child; they’d gotten easier to bear but they were still there.
But Christina and Will keep feeling the chemistry between them and ending up together alone, and the inevitable happens. A kiss. More than a kiss. Will this feeling last? Is it enough to take these wounded lovers past their reservations and into a lasting relationship and commitment? Who will get hurt if it doesn’t work? But who will win if it does? Everyone.
Deeper than your normal Christmas read, but more heartfelt. Worth the effort! Thanks, Shannon Stacey.
November 3, 2014
I’m not a huge fan of Christmas romance in general, but there comes a point in November where I feel the need to read at least a couple, in order that I don’t turn into a total Grinch, and so I was happy to find a no-risk Shannon Stacey Christmas novella to ease me into the holiday season.
Of course, being a story by Shannon Stacey, I loved Her Holiday Man. But I have to admit it wasn’t the light holiday read I was expecting. I know I’m a total wimp, but, seriously, I cried all the way through!
Her Holiday Man follows the story of Will who left town after his wife and baby died, but returns to help look after his mother. Far from needing his help, his mother, it turns out, is busy looking after the small son of her new neighbor Christina, who has her own troubled past. As the four spend time together, they become a family without intending to, and Christina and Will have difficulty keeping their hands off each other even as they aren’t quite ready to go into new relationships.
So given their pasts, a lot of the conflict in this story comes, quite justifiably, from fear of commitment on both Will and Christina’s parts. Neither want to be hurt as they were before, and they have both been hurt to such huge degrees – pretty much losing everything.
Will is still very much mourning the loss of his wife and baby, and can’t bear the thought of going through that again. He is very loyal to his family, though, even initially concerned that his mother is being use by Christina. But she and her son soon become part of his family, even before Will and she are romantically involved.
Christina lost everything after her divorce and her ex-husband was sent to jail. Now she is determined to learn how to be independent, but of course, with a small child, that's easier said than done. One of the things I particularly liked about this story was that there was no cop out in her search for independence – Will doesn’t just become someone to look after her, but someone who helps her find independence even as their relationship is developing.
The sexy scenes between Will and Christina are sweet rather than steamy, but the sexual tension throughout is pretty hot.
My only difficulty with this novella was that there is a hell of a lot of back story and emotional trauma for our hero and heroine to come to terms with in such a short piece. I definitely felt satisfied at the end – there’s an especially sweet epilogue – but I think I would have liked a little more time to deal with all the background and turmoil with these characters.
Although it was a little heavier than I was expecting, I’ve loved every contemporary romance I’ve read by Shannon Stacey and this was no exception.
Of course, being a story by Shannon Stacey, I loved Her Holiday Man. But I have to admit it wasn’t the light holiday read I was expecting. I know I’m a total wimp, but, seriously, I cried all the way through!
Her Holiday Man follows the story of Will who left town after his wife and baby died, but returns to help look after his mother. Far from needing his help, his mother, it turns out, is busy looking after the small son of her new neighbor Christina, who has her own troubled past. As the four spend time together, they become a family without intending to, and Christina and Will have difficulty keeping their hands off each other even as they aren’t quite ready to go into new relationships.
So given their pasts, a lot of the conflict in this story comes, quite justifiably, from fear of commitment on both Will and Christina’s parts. Neither want to be hurt as they were before, and they have both been hurt to such huge degrees – pretty much losing everything.
Will is still very much mourning the loss of his wife and baby, and can’t bear the thought of going through that again. He is very loyal to his family, though, even initially concerned that his mother is being use by Christina. But she and her son soon become part of his family, even before Will and she are romantically involved.
Christina lost everything after her divorce and her ex-husband was sent to jail. Now she is determined to learn how to be independent, but of course, with a small child, that's easier said than done. One of the things I particularly liked about this story was that there was no cop out in her search for independence – Will doesn’t just become someone to look after her, but someone who helps her find independence even as their relationship is developing.
The sexy scenes between Will and Christina are sweet rather than steamy, but the sexual tension throughout is pretty hot.
My only difficulty with this novella was that there is a hell of a lot of back story and emotional trauma for our hero and heroine to come to terms with in such a short piece. I definitely felt satisfied at the end – there’s an especially sweet epilogue – but I think I would have liked a little more time to deal with all the background and turmoil with these characters.
Although it was a little heavier than I was expecting, I’ve loved every contemporary romance I’ve read by Shannon Stacey and this was no exception.
October 31, 2014
Will Broughton returns to his hometown, this time for good, after a couple of years away from home. The thought that his mother would be all alone during the coming holidays and even though Will knows she would put up a good front to not let anyone know how alone she was feeling is what makes Will’s decision for him. After the tragic death of his wife and unborn child, Will had found it hard to put up with the sympathy and pity of the people he’d known all his life and he’d taken off.
Christina Forrester has basically lost everything that she has known in her life. Coming from a wealthy family and marrying into even a wealthier one, Christina had never had to worry about where her next meal would come from. That is until financial ruin and scandal leaves Christina the sole caretaker of her son, juggling a job to make ends meet. The minute she meets her kindly neighbor’s son Will, Christina knows that the essence of what makes her a woman had not died along with the ashes to which her entire life as she had known it had burned to crisp right in front of her. Will makes her want thing she would rather not, and ignoring the mounting feelings hardly seem to work when the answering light of desire burns in Will’s eyes.
Will doesn’t want to do serious. Will believes that his heart wouldn’t be able to take being torn apart a second time. But even then, Will does find it hard to stay away from Christina and her adorable son. Feelings Will had thought had died along with his wife comes back in full force and it isn’t long before Will is battling his inner needs with more cold showers than he can count. The holiday spirit explored in the story lends a helping hand along the way to make both Will and Christina take a second chance at love and happily ever after.
I liked Her Holiday Man and the story it had to offer though it didn’t make my heart race and pulse pound. This was a slow moving romance, sometimes brought to mind novels of Betty Neels that I used to read a long time back. Will is the type of hero readers would swoon over. He is gentle, giving and handsome. Christina turned out to be a beautiful woman, inside and out. One would expect someone like Christina to be spoilt due to affluent life she had led but turns out Christina had just gone through the motions of her life and had never known that life could be more rewarding when you are surrounded by people who genuinely care about you.
Recommended for fans of Shannon Stacey and those who love feel good holiday romances.
Rating = 3.5/5
For more reviews & quotes, visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
Christina Forrester has basically lost everything that she has known in her life. Coming from a wealthy family and marrying into even a wealthier one, Christina had never had to worry about where her next meal would come from. That is until financial ruin and scandal leaves Christina the sole caretaker of her son, juggling a job to make ends meet. The minute she meets her kindly neighbor’s son Will, Christina knows that the essence of what makes her a woman had not died along with the ashes to which her entire life as she had known it had burned to crisp right in front of her. Will makes her want thing she would rather not, and ignoring the mounting feelings hardly seem to work when the answering light of desire burns in Will’s eyes.
Will doesn’t want to do serious. Will believes that his heart wouldn’t be able to take being torn apart a second time. But even then, Will does find it hard to stay away from Christina and her adorable son. Feelings Will had thought had died along with his wife comes back in full force and it isn’t long before Will is battling his inner needs with more cold showers than he can count. The holiday spirit explored in the story lends a helping hand along the way to make both Will and Christina take a second chance at love and happily ever after.
I liked Her Holiday Man and the story it had to offer though it didn’t make my heart race and pulse pound. This was a slow moving romance, sometimes brought to mind novels of Betty Neels that I used to read a long time back. Will is the type of hero readers would swoon over. He is gentle, giving and handsome. Christina turned out to be a beautiful woman, inside and out. One would expect someone like Christina to be spoilt due to affluent life she had led but turns out Christina had just gone through the motions of her life and had never known that life could be more rewarding when you are surrounded by people who genuinely care about you.
Recommended for fans of Shannon Stacey and those who love feel good holiday romances.
Rating = 3.5/5
For more reviews & quotes, visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
November 18, 2014
3.5 stars This is the time of year that I start binge reading Christmas romances. Something about them just screams "Comfort read!" to me. I'm usually not one for children in romances, but I tend to be a bit more tolerant with my holiday stories. Perhaps that's why I downloaded Her Holiday Man. Shannon Stacey's short novella is certainly sweet, but the leads just don't have the emotional connection to make it magical.
Christina Forrester grew up wealthy and then did the expected thing by marrying the wealthy son of a family friend. However, it all turned upside down when her husband got caught running what sounds like a financial scam of Bernie Madoff proportions. Now divorced and all-but-penniless, she lives in small-town New England and tries to make ends meet while working in a convenience store.
Where many folks would likely rely upon the support of friends and family, Christina finds herself largely alone. The family seems to be conveniently dead for the most part, and her friends have all deserted her. So, she raises her son alone. Luckily, she has the perfect neighbor who is apparently happy to provide all kinds of free childcare so that she can actually survive on whatever the convenience store pays.
Not so surprisingly, when Will Broughton comes back to town and finds that his mother seems to have taken Christina on as a project, he gets a bit suspicious. He's protective of his newly widowed mother and worries someone might try to take advantage of her kindheartedness. However, as he gets to see more of the situation with Christina, he comes to realize that far from taking financial advantage of Mrs. Broughton, Christina seems determined to stand on her own two feet. Christina doesn't always have all the answers, but she seems both strong and willing to learn, and I found her quite likable.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
Christina Forrester grew up wealthy and then did the expected thing by marrying the wealthy son of a family friend. However, it all turned upside down when her husband got caught running what sounds like a financial scam of Bernie Madoff proportions. Now divorced and all-but-penniless, she lives in small-town New England and tries to make ends meet while working in a convenience store.
Where many folks would likely rely upon the support of friends and family, Christina finds herself largely alone. The family seems to be conveniently dead for the most part, and her friends have all deserted her. So, she raises her son alone. Luckily, she has the perfect neighbor who is apparently happy to provide all kinds of free childcare so that she can actually survive on whatever the convenience store pays.
Not so surprisingly, when Will Broughton comes back to town and finds that his mother seems to have taken Christina on as a project, he gets a bit suspicious. He's protective of his newly widowed mother and worries someone might try to take advantage of her kindheartedness. However, as he gets to see more of the situation with Christina, he comes to realize that far from taking financial advantage of Mrs. Broughton, Christina seems determined to stand on her own two feet. Christina doesn't always have all the answers, but she seems both strong and willing to learn, and I found her quite likable.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
November 22, 2014
When your life has been completely turned upside down of everything you lived in you become jaded. Right from wrong, good and evil, and all that lays in between.
You see Christina Forrester is in her late twenties a single mother of Nathaniel, 7. She came from a family of great wealth as well as her ex, which she married into. That all went down the drain when her husband was arrested for a financial scandal and the government ceased everything. She divorced him and now lives in New Hampshire. Across the street from Gail Broughton.
Gail would stop into the gas station where Christina works often and they would chat if Christina wasn’t busy. Christina asked if she knew of anyone renting because the motel and preschool were eating up her paycheck. Gail’s neighbor’s had just become “Snow Birds” and really didn’t want to sell their home until they knew if they really like being birds in Florida. Then Gail offered to watch Nathaniel after school for her.
Then after Gail’s husband suddenly passes away and two trips from Ohio Will Broughton felt guilty and decided it was time to come home and face the past memories. Leaving his mom alone with her grief was not an option he knew the price it cost a soul. You see he knows what that’s like 8 years ago this coming Christmas season his wife Emily and their unborn daughter were killed by a drunk driver. So, coming home and finding out his mom is regularly sitting for the neighbor is making him cranky.
Watch and see how this author weaves a story of what dreadful pain can do to people. Yet, see also with a little help or with your own tenacity can make the worse situation better. Nathaniel steals your heart in every way. I just loved his character. I give this story 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
You see Christina Forrester is in her late twenties a single mother of Nathaniel, 7. She came from a family of great wealth as well as her ex, which she married into. That all went down the drain when her husband was arrested for a financial scandal and the government ceased everything. She divorced him and now lives in New Hampshire. Across the street from Gail Broughton.
Gail would stop into the gas station where Christina works often and they would chat if Christina wasn’t busy. Christina asked if she knew of anyone renting because the motel and preschool were eating up her paycheck. Gail’s neighbor’s had just become “Snow Birds” and really didn’t want to sell their home until they knew if they really like being birds in Florida. Then Gail offered to watch Nathaniel after school for her.
Then after Gail’s husband suddenly passes away and two trips from Ohio Will Broughton felt guilty and decided it was time to come home and face the past memories. Leaving his mom alone with her grief was not an option he knew the price it cost a soul. You see he knows what that’s like 8 years ago this coming Christmas season his wife Emily and their unborn daughter were killed by a drunk driver. So, coming home and finding out his mom is regularly sitting for the neighbor is making him cranky.
Watch and see how this author weaves a story of what dreadful pain can do to people. Yet, see also with a little help or with your own tenacity can make the worse situation better. Nathaniel steals your heart in every way. I just loved his character. I give this story 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley. Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 30, 2015
Hotness rating 3 out of 5
Oh my goodness, Shannon Stacey is amazing! Only she can write a heartwarming Christmas story that made me sob and laugh within sentences of each other. I loved, loved, loved Her Holiday Man.
Christina Forrester may have been raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she's doing pretty good in the real world if she does say so herself. Sure she needs help and is thankful for the amazing neighbor that has helped her and her son so much! But, it's not like she takes advantage of her. She tries to keep their friendship balanced as much as possible.
When Will Broughton decides to move home to be closer to his mom after the death of his dad he expects the ghosts that have haunted him for way too long to make an appearance. But, he doesn't expect his mom to have a little boy hanging out at the house and a friendship with a young neighbor that Will finds way too attractive for their own good.
Like I said expect to shed lots of tears. Will's past is full of pain due to a tragic accident that claimed the life of his pregnant wife and his unborn child. Even though years have passed Will is still protecting his heart and not letting any one new in. Christina and her little boy sneak right past Will's barriers. I loved Christina. She was pretty much thrown to the wolves by family and friends after her husband got arrested for embezzlement. It made her stronger. It made her better and she was smart enough to see that rather than lament all that she lost.
I am so glad I read this book this holiday season.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Oh my goodness, Shannon Stacey is amazing! Only she can write a heartwarming Christmas story that made me sob and laugh within sentences of each other. I loved, loved, loved Her Holiday Man.
Christina Forrester may have been raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she's doing pretty good in the real world if she does say so herself. Sure she needs help and is thankful for the amazing neighbor that has helped her and her son so much! But, it's not like she takes advantage of her. She tries to keep their friendship balanced as much as possible.
When Will Broughton decides to move home to be closer to his mom after the death of his dad he expects the ghosts that have haunted him for way too long to make an appearance. But, he doesn't expect his mom to have a little boy hanging out at the house and a friendship with a young neighbor that Will finds way too attractive for their own good.
Like I said expect to shed lots of tears. Will's past is full of pain due to a tragic accident that claimed the life of his pregnant wife and his unborn child. Even though years have passed Will is still protecting his heart and not letting any one new in. Christina and her little boy sneak right past Will's barriers. I loved Christina. She was pretty much thrown to the wolves by family and friends after her husband got arrested for embezzlement. It made her stronger. It made her better and she was smart enough to see that rather than lament all that she lost.
I am so glad I read this book this holiday season.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
November 3, 2014
My Review:
If you're looking for a light, quick, holiday read, this is a good choice.
Will & Christina both have tragic romance histories, but they are brought together in this small town by their ties to Will's mother. The story is filled with movie-worthy holiday vignettes from decorating the houses, drinking hot chocolate, and Christmas parades, complete with snuggling-inducing fireworks in the cold outside. Every picturesque scene you imagine when you think about Christmas occurs in this book and it completes the peaceful effect I look for when I look for holiday stories. There isn't a lot of angst, although the conflict is believable and works for the history of the characters. Both of them were wretchedly hurt before and don't plan to ever experience that kind of pain again.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. There was enough back-story so that the story didn't have a novella feel and I enjoyed the chemistry between Will and Christina. The Christmas setting in this small town was all things happy and joyful during the holiday season and I can recommend it just for that. It's a good little escape for some holiday magic and ambience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
If you're looking for a light, quick, holiday read, this is a good choice.
Will & Christina both have tragic romance histories, but they are brought together in this small town by their ties to Will's mother. The story is filled with movie-worthy holiday vignettes from decorating the houses, drinking hot chocolate, and Christmas parades, complete with snuggling-inducing fireworks in the cold outside. Every picturesque scene you imagine when you think about Christmas occurs in this book and it completes the peaceful effect I look for when I look for holiday stories. There isn't a lot of angst, although the conflict is believable and works for the history of the characters. Both of them were wretchedly hurt before and don't plan to ever experience that kind of pain again.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. There was enough back-story so that the story didn't have a novella feel and I enjoyed the chemistry between Will and Christina. The Christmas setting in this small town was all things happy and joyful during the holiday season and I can recommend it just for that. It's a good little escape for some holiday magic and ambience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 22, 2014
3.5 stars.
Mini-review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog:
Her Holiday Man is all about second chances: Christina is on her own for the first time in her life after her husband embezzled money and Will has returned to live in his hometown, knowing full well memories of how his life should have been will be everywhere. Christina and her young son befriend Will’s mom (who is dealing with the holidays as a widow) and Will is immediately taken with the enthusiastic and sweet little boy living across the street, and, even more so, the mother who works so hard to take care of her little family.
For a novella, the development of each of the main characters plus the romance between Christina and Will is well-developed even as the couple keeps resisting what is happening between them. I did not want to take one break while I was reading, and I mostly succeeded in that (thanks to huge Black Friday lines). It was so nice to see a family come together, neighbors become friends, and two people come to the realization that life can begin again. (Plus the small town is adorable — so many holiday events!)
Mini-review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog:
Her Holiday Man is all about second chances: Christina is on her own for the first time in her life after her husband embezzled money and Will has returned to live in his hometown, knowing full well memories of how his life should have been will be everywhere. Christina and her young son befriend Will’s mom (who is dealing with the holidays as a widow) and Will is immediately taken with the enthusiastic and sweet little boy living across the street, and, even more so, the mother who works so hard to take care of her little family.
For a novella, the development of each of the main characters plus the romance between Christina and Will is well-developed even as the couple keeps resisting what is happening between them. I did not want to take one break while I was reading, and I mostly succeeded in that (thanks to huge Black Friday lines). It was so nice to see a family come together, neighbors become friends, and two people come to the realization that life can begin again. (Plus the small town is adorable — so many holiday events!)
December 11, 2014
I'm a really big fan of Shannon Stacey and was very excited to see she had a new Christmas story out this year. While her Kowalski series is my absolute favorite by Stacey, I'm very excited to read any books she writes.
I really enjoyed Her Holiday Man. I loved the strength I felt from Christina as she started her life over with her son Nathaniel. I know she didn't really feel strong all the time and was super grateful to have her neighbor Gail to help out. I loved the relationship Gail had developed with both Christina and Nathaniel. They came into her life at a time when she needed someone to take care of, and it felt like they became a little family.
When Gail's son Will returns, the attraction between Will and Christina was there from their first meeting. I also loved that Nathaniel finally had a good man to look up to, who showered him with attention. The ghost from Will's past made it very hard for him to think about having a relationship or even a future with another person.
Her Holiday Man was a sweet family Christmas story and a very fast read. Her Holiday Man is a novella length story filled with passion and emotion.
I really enjoyed Her Holiday Man. I loved the strength I felt from Christina as she started her life over with her son Nathaniel. I know she didn't really feel strong all the time and was super grateful to have her neighbor Gail to help out. I loved the relationship Gail had developed with both Christina and Nathaniel. They came into her life at a time when she needed someone to take care of, and it felt like they became a little family.
When Gail's son Will returns, the attraction between Will and Christina was there from their first meeting. I also loved that Nathaniel finally had a good man to look up to, who showered him with attention. The ghost from Will's past made it very hard for him to think about having a relationship or even a future with another person.
Her Holiday Man was a sweet family Christmas story and a very fast read. Her Holiday Man is a novella length story filled with passion and emotion.
December 8, 2014
3 stars - Adult Christmas / Contemporary Romance
After all the angst of pull-and-push thing between H and h, it ended up with...
I kept turn the page back and forth, worried that I might miss the words I want to read.
After realisation hit... OH NOOO YOU DID NOT JUST DID, MS. STACEY!
That's it? I know saying I-love-yous is kinda common and cheesy but it's a declaration of something important two people who's in love deeply with each other. There's a power of to that three words eight letters.
How could you deprive me the magic words, Ms Stacey? *cry*
Anyway, moving on. I liked the story because it's Christmas romance! Also, it was fine and light read. Recommended if you're love Christmas and romance as much as I do.
After all the angst of pull-and-push thing between H and h, it ended up with...
...shining with love and contentment."
I kept turn the page back and forth, worried that I might miss the words I want to read.
After realisation hit... OH NOOO YOU DID NOT JUST DID, MS. STACEY!
That's it? I know saying I-love-yous is kinda common and cheesy but it's a declaration of something important two people who's in love deeply with each other. There's a power of to that three words eight letters.
How could you deprive me the magic words, Ms Stacey? *cry*
Anyway, moving on. I liked the story because it's Christmas romance! Also, it was fine and light read. Recommended if you're love Christmas and romance as much as I do.
March 31, 2015
It was a lot of fun to jump into this holiday novella - which I should have read way before now but since the weather is keeping pretty chill, I think I'm still in time... sort of - and to met Christina and her son and the new home they made for themselves in this new town.
I loved that, while this was a small-town novella, the town never overpowered the story, it stays small, focused mostly on Will and Christina and how their relationship progresses once he returns to town to keep an eye on his mom, who has befriended Christina and her son.
Both Will and his mother Gail were excellent friends first, before their relationship got complicated. I liked how encouraging was Gail of this new relationship, even when Will was reluctant because of his past and the people he had lost. He wasn't closed up to love though, which was nice.
All in all, it was a sweet novella for any time of the year!!!
I loved that, while this was a small-town novella, the town never overpowered the story, it stays small, focused mostly on Will and Christina and how their relationship progresses once he returns to town to keep an eye on his mom, who has befriended Christina and her son.
Both Will and his mother Gail were excellent friends first, before their relationship got complicated. I liked how encouraging was Gail of this new relationship, even when Will was reluctant because of his past and the people he had lost. He wasn't closed up to love though, which was nice.
All in all, it was a sweet novella for any time of the year!!!
October 28, 2014
*I received a free ARC of Her Holiday Man from Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
*sighs* This story was so sweet! I loved Will, and I also loved Christina and Nathaniel! Christmas, new love, hope, and a lot of emotions concerning the past.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
*sighs* This story was so sweet! I loved Will, and I also loved Christina and Nathaniel! Christmas, new love, hope, and a lot of emotions concerning the past.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
July 26, 2015
Book 5/24 of the 2015 Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge. A Romance.
Shannon Stacey is one if my favorite contemporary romance authors. The book stayed true to form and delivered a short & sweet story. Unfortunately, I felt as though the main characters could have been developed a bit more and their motivations more defined if given a chance (i.e. more word count). All in all a nice, quick read.
Shannon Stacey is one if my favorite contemporary romance authors. The book stayed true to form and delivered a short & sweet story. Unfortunately, I felt as though the main characters could have been developed a bit more and their motivations more defined if given a chance (i.e. more word count). All in all a nice, quick read.
November 12, 2014
the heroine was a bit too happy about everything in spite of hard times. i get that her life is better now without the big house and snooty friends, but that she has so little regret or bitterness seems impossible.
the hero enough bitterness for both of them, maybe.
overall, a good story of two people starting over.
the hero enough bitterness for both of them, maybe.
overall, a good story of two people starting over.
July 19, 2016
Her Holiday Man was such a sweet novella, you guys!
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Read my full review, originally posted on Gone with the Words
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Read my full review, originally posted on Gone with the Words
December 15, 2014
#HoHoHoRaT
November 30, 2014
Christmas romance with two broken hearts starting fresh.
December 25, 2021
A perfect end to Ms. Stacey's holiday treats, I saved all four to read again next Christmas!
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