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Home to Chestnut Grove
A heartwarming, small-town Christmas story about restoring broken hearts and remembering those you love.
When Faith Winters returns to Chestnut Grove, Virginia, for the community’s annual Christmas celebration, she’s desperate to get in and out as quickly as possible. She’s failed at making it on Broadway and is certain her hometown will never accept her again after her sudden departure eight years ago. Despite that, she’s vowed to honor a promise and face the heartache she left behind.
Jake Whitmire is the sheriff in Chestnut Grove, but keeping the area free of crime is the least of his worries. Most days are filled with trying to keep the community’s spirits up as businesses have closed and jobs disappeared. He never expected to see the woman who broke his heart return home to lead up the town’s Christmas concert, nor is he sure he can ever forgive her.
As someone in town begins sabotaging the community’s celebration, Faith and Jake work together to find the person responsible and ensure their friend Aimee’s last request is fulfilled. Can holiday hope heal the broken spirit afflicting Chestnut Grove residents? Or is it time for everyone—including Faith and Jake—to treasure the memories of the past but to move on?
When Faith Winters returns to Chestnut Grove, Virginia, for the community’s annual Christmas celebration, she’s desperate to get in and out as quickly as possible. She’s failed at making it on Broadway and is certain her hometown will never accept her again after her sudden departure eight years ago. Despite that, she’s vowed to honor a promise and face the heartache she left behind.
Jake Whitmire is the sheriff in Chestnut Grove, but keeping the area free of crime is the least of his worries. Most days are filled with trying to keep the community’s spirits up as businesses have closed and jobs disappeared. He never expected to see the woman who broke his heart return home to lead up the town’s Christmas concert, nor is he sure he can ever forgive her.
As someone in town begins sabotaging the community’s celebration, Faith and Jake work together to find the person responsible and ensure their friend Aimee’s last request is fulfilled. Can holiday hope heal the broken spirit afflicting Chestnut Grove residents? Or is it time for everyone—including Faith and Jake—to treasure the memories of the past but to move on?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2019
259 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,674 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 25, 2019
This would make a good Hallmark movie! Have the tissues ready. ♥️
January 18, 2020
Better than a Hallmark movie
I loved this well written Christmas. This one even brought tears to my eyes at the end. This book is different than what Christy Barritt usually writes. There is just one tiny bit of mystery in this book in that Christmas decorations are coming up missing from people's home and the reason why will surely warm your heart. I am not ready to say goodbye to Chestnut Grove. I hope to see it again in another book in the future.
I loved this well written Christmas. This one even brought tears to my eyes at the end. This book is different than what Christy Barritt usually writes. There is just one tiny bit of mystery in this book in that Christmas decorations are coming up missing from people's home and the reason why will surely warm your heart. I am not ready to say goodbye to Chestnut Grove. I hope to see it again in another book in the future.
October 28, 2019
This book is a bit of a departure from the romantic suspense/cozy mysteries Christy Barritt’s best known for, but it’s not less wonderful.
While there is a small (fairly predictable) mystery thread in Home to Chestnut Grove, the story is more about the people. This is a story about forgiving past hurts, celebrating the important people in life, and discovering where you belong.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good, small-town Christmas story with its own grinch and plenty of Christmas spirit, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
While there is a small (fairly predictable) mystery thread in Home to Chestnut Grove, the story is more about the people. This is a story about forgiving past hurts, celebrating the important people in life, and discovering where you belong.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good, small-town Christmas story with its own grinch and plenty of Christmas spirit, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 23, 2019
Author Christy Barritt, known for her various mystery series and other novels of suspense, takes on the challenge of creating a winter romance set in Chestnut Grove, Virginia, and succeeds!
Faith Winters and Jake Whitmore are old friends who are reunited after more than two years. Jake can't forgive Faith for not coming to his sister's -- Faith's best friend Jenny -- funeral; Faith can't handle the burden of guilt she carries because her father sold the business that employed a good number of townspeople.
Barritt isn't trying to reinvent the Christmas romance here. She succeeds, however, in doing what she does best: creating characters that readers want to spend time with, and in a Christmas setting. I can easily picture this book becoming a Hallmark movie. Definitely worth 5 stars!
Faith Winters and Jake Whitmore are old friends who are reunited after more than two years. Jake can't forgive Faith for not coming to his sister's -- Faith's best friend Jenny -- funeral; Faith can't handle the burden of guilt she carries because her father sold the business that employed a good number of townspeople.
Barritt isn't trying to reinvent the Christmas romance here. She succeeds, however, in doing what she does best: creating characters that readers want to spend time with, and in a Christmas setting. I can easily picture this book becoming a Hallmark movie. Definitely worth 5 stars!
November 30, 2019
“Christmas is meant to be spent at home with loved ones gathered around crackling fires, exchanging gifts and reading about Baby Jesus.”
“Now a mountain stood between Jake and Faith—a mountain full of forgotten chestnut trees and a town without hope.”
“Was it possible that she could somehow help restore the Christmas spirit here? The spirit that had once been so strong and vibrant? She was going to have to walk by faith if she was going to make this work. But it was worth a shot.”
This was a nice, heartwarming Christmas book that also has themes of forgiveness and redemption. It has wonderful characters, a great setting in my home state of Virginia, a little bit of mystery, and the perfect Hallmark ending. Everything you could hope for during this Christmas season.
“Now a mountain stood between Jake and Faith—a mountain full of forgotten chestnut trees and a town without hope.”
“Was it possible that she could somehow help restore the Christmas spirit here? The spirit that had once been so strong and vibrant? She was going to have to walk by faith if she was going to make this work. But it was worth a shot.”
This was a nice, heartwarming Christmas book that also has themes of forgiveness and redemption. It has wonderful characters, a great setting in my home state of Virginia, a little bit of mystery, and the perfect Hallmark ending. Everything you could hope for during this Christmas season.
October 6, 2019
HOME TO CHESTNUT GROVE is Ms. Barritt's newest release and I think I have a new favorite of her books!
HOME TO CHESTNUT GROVE is Hallmark Christmas movie worthy. A sweet romance. A cozy mystery. A small town reeling and struggling to survive. Hurts, unforgiveness, untold secrets and more combined to make a Christmas novella I couldn't put down. My own job got set aside so I could read this.
If you are looking for a holiday read grab a copy of Ms. Barritt's HOME TO CHESTNUT GROVE. Maybe you'll have a new favorite too.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
HOME TO CHESTNUT GROVE is Hallmark Christmas movie worthy. A sweet romance. A cozy mystery. A small town reeling and struggling to survive. Hurts, unforgiveness, untold secrets and more combined to make a Christmas novella I couldn't put down. My own job got set aside so I could read this.
If you are looking for a holiday read grab a copy of Ms. Barritt's HOME TO CHESTNUT GROVE. Maybe you'll have a new favorite too.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2020
This sweet holiday story includes a bit of suspense and a bunch of overcoming problems from the past. I love the town and its chestnut festivities. Faith Winters returns to her hometown after the death of her best friend to help with the Christmas performance. She has been in New York trying to make it on Broadway, but may be ready to return to her roots. Yet will she be accepted back after what her father did to the town? Her former boyfriend, Jake Whitmire, is now sheriff but doesn’t want much to do with her. can they help revive the town before it’s too late? This is a different type of book than Christy Barritt usually writes, but enjoyable just the same. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2023
4.5 stars
Delightful little Christmas story with a gentle mystery. When Faith comes back home to her small town after her father sells their main business, she knows no one's going to welcome her, least of all her childhood sweetheart. But she made a solemn promise to her best friend, who died a month ago, and now she's going to go back and do what her friend asked her to, no matter what.
There's a small mystery threaded through it, of what is happening to various Christmas decorations in town.
Super cozy but with more depth than your average Hallmark show.
Delightful little Christmas story with a gentle mystery. When Faith comes back home to her small town after her father sells their main business, she knows no one's going to welcome her, least of all her childhood sweetheart. But she made a solemn promise to her best friend, who died a month ago, and now she's going to go back and do what her friend asked her to, no matter what.
There's a small mystery threaded through it, of what is happening to various Christmas decorations in town.
Super cozy but with more depth than your average Hallmark show.
March 14, 2020
Another winner!!!
I love Christy's books, this one included. A wonderful Christmas story of sacrifice, forgiveness, love and finding your true self. Faith goes to seek her dreams, the town she leaves behind and the people have lost there hope and the main source of jobs, a candy factory. Her x boyfriend has lost his sister and Faith has
lost her best friend. All is about to change.
I love Christy's books, this one included. A wonderful Christmas story of sacrifice, forgiveness, love and finding your true self. Faith goes to seek her dreams, the town she leaves behind and the people have lost there hope and the main source of jobs, a candy factory. Her x boyfriend has lost his sister and Faith has
lost her best friend. All is about to change.
December 14, 2020
Amazing
What a great Christmas story. I smiled so much my face hurt, I cried and I laughed. Oh and the mystery, as is Christy's style you'll not have a clue until she reveals. Merry Christmas Christy thanks for this book.
What a great Christmas story. I smiled so much my face hurt, I cried and I laughed. Oh and the mystery, as is Christy's style you'll not have a clue until she reveals. Merry Christmas Christy thanks for this book.
December 9, 2021
Another awesome read
Faith's return to town after her friend's death is hard given both Jake's and the town's reaction to her but eventually some good comes from the tragedies and misunderstandings. Awesome Christmas romance.
Faith's return to town after her friend's death is hard given both Jake's and the town's reaction to her but eventually some good comes from the tragedies and misunderstandings. Awesome Christmas romance.
January 19, 2024
This is a complicated story. Faith returns to a town that doesn't like her because of her father's actions that have hurt the town. Then someone is stealing Christmas decorations. The ending is unlike a "normal" mystery, so I greatly enjoyed it.
July 17, 2020
Sweet
A delightful story the little Christmas Town we'd all like to be in. Takes your mind away to a simpler time.
A delightful story the little Christmas Town we'd all like to be in. Takes your mind away to a simpler time.
February 4, 2021
Home
This is a fun story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were well developed and interesting. it's a nice Christmas story.
This is a fun story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were well developed and interesting. it's a nice Christmas story.
December 26, 2023
Home to Chestnut Grove
This was a great Christmas love story with a small town feel. The community spirit was enjoyable and believable and a great added touch.
This was a great Christmas love story with a small town feel. The community spirit was enjoyable and believable and a great added touch.
January 1, 2024
Great second Chance Romance
This one pulled on my heartstrings! Poignantly beautiful and memorable. Set at Christmas time, this is a read anytime book. Definitely worth the read!
This one pulled on my heartstrings! Poignantly beautiful and memorable. Set at Christmas time, this is a read anytime book. Definitely worth the read!
January 4, 2024
No place like home
A heart warming story of the innocent love of two girls that lasted a lifetime. And a love story almost destroyed by Misunderstanding and misplaced trust.
A heart warming story of the innocent love of two girls that lasted a lifetime. And a love story almost destroyed by Misunderstanding and misplaced trust.
May 29, 2024
Lovel
The characters were sweet. Small towns are so wonderful, but can sometimes be mistrusting. I really enjoyed the story , and perfect ending..
The characters were sweet. Small towns are so wonderful, but can sometimes be mistrusting. I really enjoyed the story , and perfect ending..
January 23, 2020
And happiness was felt by all!
A touching story thst can be felt, lived and loved by ALL. If this doesnt get to you, then.......
I was touched!
A touching story thst can be felt, lived and loved by ALL. If this doesnt get to you, then.......
I was touched!
January 3, 2020
A nice, light story for Christmas, from one of my favorite authors!
October 10, 2019
Have you ever had a friendship so close you thought nothing could separate it? Has something happened in your life you had no control over, and yet everyone felt you were the one responsible and that separated your friendships?
Well, in this story by Christy Barritt, that’s exactly what happened to Faith, Jake, and Jenny. They were so close growing up and were always together, but then Faith went away to college. During this time her father sold the factory many of the town people worked at and that caused quite a downhill slide for the town. In the meantime, Jake and Jenny’s family also experienced a devastating event and life changed forever. Faith’s future didn’t turn out how she thought it would and now she’s just trying to find her roots again. Can this trip back to Chestnut Grove provide direction and healing for her life?
This new story by Christy Barritt is a change from all her suspense books. However, it still has the same wonderful flow all her books do. Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life all these characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing.
I love this new storyline, it’s a sweet addition to my many Christmas books collection.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well, in this story by Christy Barritt, that’s exactly what happened to Faith, Jake, and Jenny. They were so close growing up and were always together, but then Faith went away to college. During this time her father sold the factory many of the town people worked at and that caused quite a downhill slide for the town. In the meantime, Jake and Jenny’s family also experienced a devastating event and life changed forever. Faith’s future didn’t turn out how she thought it would and now she’s just trying to find her roots again. Can this trip back to Chestnut Grove provide direction and healing for her life?
This new story by Christy Barritt is a change from all her suspense books. However, it still has the same wonderful flow all her books do. Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life all these characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing.
I love this new storyline, it’s a sweet addition to my many Christmas books collection.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2019
I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Christy Barritt’s novels. Most of them are mysteries, some may contain a humorous touch, but all have inspired me to read most everything she writes. Home to Chestnut Grove is a bit different than previous books I’ve read by her but I am also a sucker for Christmas stories this time of year so naturally I had to read it. A story about a young woman whose dreams of Broadway have been a disappointment and who returns home to a dying small town uncertain of her reception. As her readers can probably guess, even in a Christmas romance, Barritt cannot resist adding a bit of a mystery to round things out. This is a lovely story with a strong theme of forgiveness and hope that should touch all but the hardest hearts and it might just soften them. Don’t miss this one for sure if you are a lover of Christmas books.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
December 2, 2019
Home to Chestnut Grove is a departure from author Christy Barritt's "normal' storytelling of quirky, fun suspense stories,, but it was an enjoyable Hallmark Movie-type holiday read (and I enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies). Faith left her small town community to find fame and fortune on the big stage, and now returns home amid rumors, negativity, and downright resentment from many of the townsfolk. Faith wants to make amends for something her father did, and get the town to accept her back. The one with the biggest grudge against Faith is Jake, who is not town sheriff. Circumstances keep throwing Faith and Jake together, but both are reluctant to talk about the past. As with any sweet holiday read, it has a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this novel but the opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this novel but the opinions are my own.
December 25, 2019
A Christmas story to cherish
This is my favorite Christmas book this year. It has surprises, humor, love, and even made me cry. A definite must read and enjoy again in years to come.
This is my favorite Christmas book this year. It has surprises, humor, love, and even made me cry. A definite must read and enjoy again in years to come.
October 6, 2019
Home to Chestnut Grove is a wonderful romance full of forgiveness that's sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. It's uplifting, heartwarming, and oh so good! It's a little bit of a different type of story from Christy Barritt, but, goodness, did I love it or what!
With a deep message that really hit home, it spoke to me on so many levels. It really touched my heart. I wont lie, it even made me teary-eyed a few times. I want to say so much more, but I don't want to spoil a thing.
This is a novella that I know I'll be wanting to reread every Christmas. It's a new favorite that I highly recommend to everyone.
With a deep message that really hit home, it spoke to me on so many levels. It really touched my heart. I wont lie, it even made me teary-eyed a few times. I want to say so much more, but I don't want to spoil a thing.
This is a novella that I know I'll be wanting to reread every Christmas. It's a new favorite that I highly recommend to everyone.
December 12, 2019
Faith Winters returns to the town she grew up in, the one who now hates her father for closing the candy factory and putting many out of work, the one where her ex-boyfriend is the sheriff, and her best friend died one month ago. Jake Whitmire is angry with Faith - angry that Faith missed his sister Jenny’s funeral, that she broke his heart, that the town is going under. Will Faith be able to help infuse some Christmas spirit into the town and possibly do something to undo all of the damage her father caused? Can Jake see past his pain to gain understanding and possibly be able to forgive Faith? And who is stealing the town’s Christmas decorations?
An enjoyable romantic Christmas story.
An enjoyable romantic Christmas story.
September 24, 2019
Sweet and cozy meets small town Christmas with a departure from the typical genre of Christy Barritt.
The town darling turned pariah returns to a chilly reception from most of the Chestnut Grove residents. Whether they continue to treat her as Scrooge is in question while a secret Grinch ruins the holiday.
Enjoy this delightful tale of the season while mixing ingredients from the included bonus recipes.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
The town darling turned pariah returns to a chilly reception from most of the Chestnut Grove residents. Whether they continue to treat her as Scrooge is in question while a secret Grinch ruins the holiday.
Enjoy this delightful tale of the season while mixing ingredients from the included bonus recipes.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
September 25, 2019
I love Christy Barritt's mystery books so I wasn't sure what to expect with this Christmas story. I was not disappointed! I like mysteries because there are "puzzles" to solve and there are lots of questions in this story. Why does everyone seem to hate Faith? Why is the town "dying"? Who is stealing Christmas decorations around town? And who is following Faith? The town sheriff Jake Whitmore, and Faith's ex-boyfriend, helps to solve this mystery. A wonderful story with twists, turns and ways to make amends and "come home" for Christmas!
October 30, 2019
Totally different style book for Christy Barritt, but extremely delightful! I love a sappy love story once in awhile. As always, Christy Barritt develops her characters well. You get to know them deeply and begin to feel what they are experiencing. The story of the wealthy woman seeking her roots and making amends in her hometown never gets old with me. I love the entwined theme with one of the main characters with Down Syndrome. This warms your heart to the main character, Faith, even more. I highly recommend this story for a read to fill a fall or winter day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews