What do you think?
Rate this book
Alone for the Holidays
Snow is falling hard near the picturesque town of Woodstock, Vermont, with its scrumptious bakeries, brightly lit storefronts, and twelve-foot Main Street Christmas tree. Romance is in the air for everybody except spicy Russian Clara Neverov, recently divorced, bitter, and alone for the holidays. As an acclaimed romance author, she revels in her solitary life relying only on Internet book groups for her socialization under a fake American name pulled from childhood memory and her best friend’s photo.
Giving up on Christmas after too many of them alone, she adores the solitary life free from Scrooges and messy entanglements. When a mysterious editor from a Goodreads book group she cares about shares a sad story about being alone for the holidays after his wife passes away, she accidentally invites him to spend them with her.
The only problem is that her snowy country cottage is nowhere close to the magical Santa’s wonderland that she described. In fact, it closely resembles the undergrown Grinch’s lair on a bad day.
The situation goes from bad to worse when Finn Jacobs drops an email that he’s on his way to spend Christmas with her. He doesn’t mention an arrival date and he believes her to be a trim blond bookshop clerk instead of her real identity as an overweight author with unruly espresso hair and black eyes. With some festive holiday intervention, icy roads slam her truck right into his car, where she quickly finds herself desperately scrambling for another false identity, terrified he’ll learn the truth.
When an unexpected storm snows them in while their cars are being repaired, Clara continues the ruse as somebody else with hopes that her online dream man will come to love her as she is and not as the fantasy women in his mind. The only way she can do that is to give him the Christmas of a lifetime.
There is one thing that is for sure, that spending Christmas alone is no longer an option. Lose yourself in this sweet holiday romantic tale of hope, second chances, and forgiveness during the most magical time of the year.
BONUS MATERIAL: Delicious tried-and-true family holiday recipes as seen in the book. Treat yourself to a cheesy chicken crunch-top casserole, dreamy peppermint dark chocolate mochas, a white chocolate peppermint cake, a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, buttercream frosted cutout cookies, and many more.
The perfect Christmas short story novelette ideal for sweet romance fans of authors like Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, Brenda Novak, Holly Martin, and Jenny Hale.
Giving up on Christmas after too many of them alone, she adores the solitary life free from Scrooges and messy entanglements. When a mysterious editor from a Goodreads book group she cares about shares a sad story about being alone for the holidays after his wife passes away, she accidentally invites him to spend them with her.
The only problem is that her snowy country cottage is nowhere close to the magical Santa’s wonderland that she described. In fact, it closely resembles the undergrown Grinch’s lair on a bad day.
The situation goes from bad to worse when Finn Jacobs drops an email that he’s on his way to spend Christmas with her. He doesn’t mention an arrival date and he believes her to be a trim blond bookshop clerk instead of her real identity as an overweight author with unruly espresso hair and black eyes. With some festive holiday intervention, icy roads slam her truck right into his car, where she quickly finds herself desperately scrambling for another false identity, terrified he’ll learn the truth.
When an unexpected storm snows them in while their cars are being repaired, Clara continues the ruse as somebody else with hopes that her online dream man will come to love her as she is and not as the fantasy women in his mind. The only way she can do that is to give him the Christmas of a lifetime.
There is one thing that is for sure, that spending Christmas alone is no longer an option. Lose yourself in this sweet holiday romantic tale of hope, second chances, and forgiveness during the most magical time of the year.
BONUS MATERIAL: Delicious tried-and-true family holiday recipes as seen in the book. Treat yourself to a cheesy chicken crunch-top casserole, dreamy peppermint dark chocolate mochas, a white chocolate peppermint cake, a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast, buttercream frosted cutout cookies, and many more.
The perfect Christmas short story novelette ideal for sweet romance fans of authors like Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, Brenda Novak, Holly Martin, and Jenny Hale.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 19, 2019
A lovely little read.
I enjoyed this little book, glad I read it as it's got me in the mood for Christmas and all things Christmassy.
Loved the recipes in the back, I will be trying these out over the next week or two
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this little book, glad I read it as it's got me in the mood for Christmas and all things Christmassy.
Loved the recipes in the back, I will be trying these out over the next week or two
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 5, 2019
3.5 Stars. This is a novelette. The theme is interesting. I specifically enjoyed the first chapters with the description of Clara's alone time in the cabin. It's relatable and funny. It did get too sappy towards the end for me, and because it was short we didn't get to see characters arcs and motivations, making it difficult to believe in their choices. However, for such a short read it was definitely entertaining.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
This was an ARC sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2019
I enjoyed Alone for the Holidays. This was my first book by Vivien Mayfair. I like Clara and Finn. I understood Clara a lot, though I was horrified by what she did. To be fair, so was she. She and I have some things in common. Finn was hunky and more. I loved the ending to this book. I definitely can’t go into that. Suffice it to say, my fascination turned into anxiety for a bit, in a good way. I loved that this Christmas book had a lot to do with Christmas. It was more than a background prop, (I’ve run into that a few times). This book gave me all the feels of Christmas all the way through. It is a short quick read. Perfect reading when your low on time but need to unwind. Get in the Christmas mood, any time of the year, with Alone for the Holidays.
The author has included recipes from the story. I love making recipes that characters I enjoy have made. The Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Gooey Chicken Casserole, Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Triple-Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate along with a couple of tasty but easy recipes I’ll let you discover are all going on my menu. As I live in Alaska, the hot chocolate recipe will be put to the test later today and be made often.
*I received an ARC via BookSprout. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest thoughts and feelings about the book.*
The author has included recipes from the story. I love making recipes that characters I enjoy have made. The Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Gooey Chicken Casserole, Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Triple-Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate along with a couple of tasty but easy recipes I’ll let you discover are all going on my menu. As I live in Alaska, the hot chocolate recipe will be put to the test later today and be made often.
*I received an ARC via BookSprout. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest thoughts and feelings about the book.*
October 4, 2019
Thanks to Book Sirens and Vivien Mayfair for giving me a chance to read and review this novella. Although I am writing this in toasty October, the story put me in a Christmas mood.
Clara is used to spending Christmas alone. When she was married, her pilot husband always seemed to have a flight on Christmas Eve. Now that she is on her own she spends her time in a small Vermont town writing romance novels and participating in an online book club. She uses a false name and picture so the others in the group won't know who she really is.
She becomes very close to a male member of the group,Finn, and they form an online friendship. She becomes very nervous when he emails her that he is coming to visit. She goes into a flurry of activity and is afraid he will be mad that she looks much different from her online picture.
Clara is not the typical romance heroine. She has some serious self esteem issues. She frets that she is a size sixteen. Finn is a good man who is able to accept people for who they are.
I loved the small town locale with its festive traditions. The author has crafted a heartwarming story that can be read in one sitting. As a bonus there are some of her family recipes at the end that look absolutely yummy.
This was by first book by Vivien Mayfair. I hope to read some of her holiday stories in the near future.
Clara is used to spending Christmas alone. When she was married, her pilot husband always seemed to have a flight on Christmas Eve. Now that she is on her own she spends her time in a small Vermont town writing romance novels and participating in an online book club. She uses a false name and picture so the others in the group won't know who she really is.
She becomes very close to a male member of the group,Finn, and they form an online friendship. She becomes very nervous when he emails her that he is coming to visit. She goes into a flurry of activity and is afraid he will be mad that she looks much different from her online picture.
Clara is not the typical romance heroine. She has some serious self esteem issues. She frets that she is a size sixteen. Finn is a good man who is able to accept people for who they are.
I loved the small town locale with its festive traditions. The author has crafted a heartwarming story that can be read in one sitting. As a bonus there are some of her family recipes at the end that look absolutely yummy.
This was by first book by Vivien Mayfair. I hope to read some of her holiday stories in the near future.
September 21, 2019
This book was really not my cup of tea. I didn’t like Clara. At first I felt sorry for her, because she’s only a size 16 and all she thinks about is how overweight she is, how no one could ever be attracted to her; and Finn, the guy she met online and is lying to. She doesn’t want to eat anything unhealthy in front of him. To be honest, she seems depressed.
Then suddenly, it’s all better because Finn wants to kiss her. It seems such a dangerous way to live, to have your self esteem totally wrapped up in a guy wanting you.
Then, she tells him more lies! Next, she puts her dog outside in the freezing cold, just because she chases a stray cat and her books get messed up. This is the point when I started to really dislike her.
I didn’t really feel the romance in this book - it all seemed far too quick. Obviously, that is the nature of a novella, but I have read some that I found more convincing.
Schizophrenia is also misused in this book - it is having hallucinations (put very simply). Nothing to do with having multiple personalities.
The atmosphere is nice and Christmassy, and the ending is happy.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Then suddenly, it’s all better because Finn wants to kiss her. It seems such a dangerous way to live, to have your self esteem totally wrapped up in a guy wanting you.
Then, she tells him more lies! Next, she puts her dog outside in the freezing cold, just because she chases a stray cat and her books get messed up. This is the point when I started to really dislike her.
I didn’t really feel the romance in this book - it all seemed far too quick. Obviously, that is the nature of a novella, but I have read some that I found more convincing.
Schizophrenia is also misused in this book - it is having hallucinations (put very simply). Nothing to do with having multiple personalities.
The atmosphere is nice and Christmassy, and the ending is happy.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2019
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would like to thank Booksiren & Vivien Mayfair for allowing me to read and review this Christmas novella.
Clara Neverov is a romantic novelist who hides away from world under an assumed name. She strikes up a friendship with Finn Jacobs through Goodreads online. She invites him to her home tocelebrate Christmas as he's lonely and so is she, but she doesn't actually think he will come. All of a sudden she receives an email to say he's coming. She's hidden who she really is from him, so what happens when his car and her car crash. Will she let him know who she really is or will he just carry on letting her fool him?
I struggled with the book as I couldn't quite understand the characters at the beginning, but as I carried on with the book I began to warm to the storyline, still in 2 minds about both characters and would of been nice to get to know Finn's background a bit more.
I would like to thank Booksiren & Vivien Mayfair for allowing me to read and review this Christmas novella.
Clara Neverov is a romantic novelist who hides away from world under an assumed name. She strikes up a friendship with Finn Jacobs through Goodreads online. She invites him to her home tocelebrate Christmas as he's lonely and so is she, but she doesn't actually think he will come. All of a sudden she receives an email to say he's coming. She's hidden who she really is from him, so what happens when his car and her car crash. Will she let him know who she really is or will he just carry on letting her fool him?
I struggled with the book as I couldn't quite understand the characters at the beginning, but as I carried on with the book I began to warm to the storyline, still in 2 minds about both characters and would of been nice to get to know Finn's background a bit more.
November 18, 2019
A short read for the christmas period. Based in Woodstock, Vermont.
Clara the main character is a Russian author who is newly divorced and is spending christmas alone. As a romance author she is quite solitary and ofter finds herself relying on the internet for chatrooms and company. She creates a somewhat false profile online and starts chatting with Finn who she doesn't believe that she will ever see, so is somewhat a little untrue when she describes herself online.
Clara gets the shock of her life when he tracks her down and turns up at her door.
Clara is not your usual romance character and is curvy and has some self esteem issues so she freaks a little when her cyber space friend shows up.
Lots of christmas traditions talked about in the very short novella and the bonus is there are christmas recipes in the back of the book.
Lovely book from Vivien Mayfair her debut novel. Thank you for the ARC.
Clara the main character is a Russian author who is newly divorced and is spending christmas alone. As a romance author she is quite solitary and ofter finds herself relying on the internet for chatrooms and company. She creates a somewhat false profile online and starts chatting with Finn who she doesn't believe that she will ever see, so is somewhat a little untrue when she describes herself online.
Clara gets the shock of her life when he tracks her down and turns up at her door.
Clara is not your usual romance character and is curvy and has some self esteem issues so she freaks a little when her cyber space friend shows up.
Lots of christmas traditions talked about in the very short novella and the bonus is there are christmas recipes in the back of the book.
Lovely book from Vivien Mayfair her debut novel. Thank you for the ARC.
September 12, 2019
This is my first read and I found the story OK. There are likeable characters, even Clare. I am tired that so many books push lying as the norm for behavior. Personally I avoid liars, cannot trust them, but other than the worn out lies theme, this is a good, sweet story well done.
The ending seemed rushed but Clare was an interesting person, although several things put Finn in a poor light as not too smart, but the story could not have went on along as it did.
The recipes took up a lot of pages and I cannot not recommended any as healthy, but rather amateurish about ingredients. Why organic sugar when the other ingredients are processed? Admitted food snob taught by German and Swiss-trained chefs, so processed foods laden with chemicals would never be a consideration. If you think Mickey Ds is the bomb, then these are for you.
I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
The ending seemed rushed but Clare was an interesting person, although several things put Finn in a poor light as not too smart, but the story could not have went on along as it did.
The recipes took up a lot of pages and I cannot not recommended any as healthy, but rather amateurish about ingredients. Why organic sugar when the other ingredients are processed? Admitted food snob taught by German and Swiss-trained chefs, so processed foods laden with chemicals would never be a consideration. If you think Mickey Ds is the bomb, then these are for you.
I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
November 14, 2020
Cute Christmas romance
Alone for the Holidays is the first book in the Short and Sweet Holiday Reads series by the new author Vivien Mayfair. This is the first book I have read by the author and her first published book, so I was not sure what to expect. I had actually got this book last year but somehow I missed reading it in time for the holidays so figured I would save it as a way to start off my this years holiday season, which it did nicely. This is a cute and engaging story with nice characters in Clara and Finn.
I thought the story was well written and nicely plotted with a good pace. There is some drama, humor, emotion and nice chemistry.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Alone for the Holidays is the first book in the Short and Sweet Holiday Reads series by the new author Vivien Mayfair. This is the first book I have read by the author and her first published book, so I was not sure what to expect. I had actually got this book last year but somehow I missed reading it in time for the holidays so figured I would save it as a way to start off my this years holiday season, which it did nicely. This is a cute and engaging story with nice characters in Clara and Finn.
I thought the story was well written and nicely plotted with a good pace. There is some drama, humor, emotion and nice chemistry.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
October 13, 2019
Alone for the Holidays was about an author, Clara, who wanted to be a part of an online book club but needed to avoid the distraction of her own identity. Clara set up a fake persona allowing her to interact with this book club but ended up developing a relationship with one of the members whose name was Finn. Clara and Finn shared things in common, such as the loss of their marriages, but for different reasons, and enjoyed talking to one another online. Finn shared his feelings about being alone for Christmas with Clara and she offered for him to share it with her. When Finn decides to surprise his online love is when the story takes an adventurous turn because he falls for Clara. Clara runs into problems the longer she waits to tell Finn her identity. Finn finds a book with a picture of the author on it and this is where things start to change for Clara.
My favorite character was Finn because he was so caring and comforting to someone that was a stranger to him, visually anyway. I could relate to Clara’s feelings about herself because we are our own greatest critics. I have never done any of the things Clara did in beginning or maintaining a relationship with anyone.
I enjoyed this book because it was related to Christmas as well as cozy and funny. My favorite part of the book was Clara and Finn completing holiday activities of decorating the tree and making Christmas snacks. My least favorite part of the book was Clara taking so long to tell the truth about her identity. The part of the book I would change is the length of time it took Clara to speak up about who she really was, even though Finn interrupted her a few times.
I would recommend this book to others, especially those that enjoy romance novels and that like short reads.
My favorite character was Finn because he was so caring and comforting to someone that was a stranger to him, visually anyway. I could relate to Clara’s feelings about herself because we are our own greatest critics. I have never done any of the things Clara did in beginning or maintaining a relationship with anyone.
I enjoyed this book because it was related to Christmas as well as cozy and funny. My favorite part of the book was Clara and Finn completing holiday activities of decorating the tree and making Christmas snacks. My least favorite part of the book was Clara taking so long to tell the truth about her identity. The part of the book I would change is the length of time it took Clara to speak up about who she really was, even though Finn interrupted her a few times.
I would recommend this book to others, especially those that enjoy romance novels and that like short reads.
October 27, 2019
Sweet Holiday Novella
Clara, a divorced successful romance author, and Finn, a book editor, become friendly through an online book club. To maintain her privacy, Clara has been using an alias online, and using her friend's picture. As she and Finn become closer, she tells him little lies about her usual Christmas celebrations. The problem is that Finn decides to surprise her with a visit and now she’s facing a dilemma.
What I liked about this story:
I enjoyed the humor. It was a fun story with cute dialogue and a Hallmark movie feel for the most part. Finn was all you'd want a hero to be. Loved the last chapter, although some of the dialogue was a little preachy about being OK with choosing to be alone or not.
What I didn’t like:
Her poor self-image, constantly berating herself for her size, which wasn't that big. Making size an issue between them all the time when it seemed obvious he was attracted to her from the beginning.
Another thing I wish were different. I liked the little quotes at the top of each chapter, but I'd suggest leaving off the signature "Vivien". It causes a disconnect from the story. Instead of immersing yourself in the story, the quotes are a constant reminder that this is just a story written by this author. It breaks up the natural momentum and interrupts the emotional buildup.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Clara, a divorced successful romance author, and Finn, a book editor, become friendly through an online book club. To maintain her privacy, Clara has been using an alias online, and using her friend's picture. As she and Finn become closer, she tells him little lies about her usual Christmas celebrations. The problem is that Finn decides to surprise her with a visit and now she’s facing a dilemma.
What I liked about this story:
I enjoyed the humor. It was a fun story with cute dialogue and a Hallmark movie feel for the most part. Finn was all you'd want a hero to be. Loved the last chapter, although some of the dialogue was a little preachy about being OK with choosing to be alone or not.
What I didn’t like:
Her poor self-image, constantly berating herself for her size, which wasn't that big. Making size an issue between them all the time when it seemed obvious he was attracted to her from the beginning.
Another thing I wish were different. I liked the little quotes at the top of each chapter, but I'd suggest leaving off the signature "Vivien". It causes a disconnect from the story. Instead of immersing yourself in the story, the quotes are a constant reminder that this is just a story written by this author. It breaks up the natural momentum and interrupts the emotional buildup.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2019
Not Alone for the Holidays
This is a super short, quick read. The heroine has gotten herself into a bit of a pickle when she invites a man she had met through a Goodreads group to spend Christmas with her. She had felt sorry for him because he had lost his wife the previous Christmas; this would be his first Christmas alone. She hasn't been telling the truth about herself online, however. She's a famous author but prefers to hang out on reader forums anonymously so she can just enjoy sharing books with like-minded book lovers. She's even lied about her looks, believing that no man would be interested in a middle-aged, overweight woman. When the man shows up, she gets deeper and deeper into lies.
I thought that some of the language choices were a bit strange in places. I also felt that sometimes the writing seemed like it was trying to decide whether it was omniscient or third person. The story is so short that we can't really get a window into the basis for their actual relationship, how they supposedly fell for each other while they were emailing back and forth. I just feel like this needed more.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This is a super short, quick read. The heroine has gotten herself into a bit of a pickle when she invites a man she had met through a Goodreads group to spend Christmas with her. She had felt sorry for him because he had lost his wife the previous Christmas; this would be his first Christmas alone. She hasn't been telling the truth about herself online, however. She's a famous author but prefers to hang out on reader forums anonymously so she can just enjoy sharing books with like-minded book lovers. She's even lied about her looks, believing that no man would be interested in a middle-aged, overweight woman. When the man shows up, she gets deeper and deeper into lies.
I thought that some of the language choices were a bit strange in places. I also felt that sometimes the writing seemed like it was trying to decide whether it was omniscient or third person. The story is so short that we can't really get a window into the basis for their actual relationship, how they supposedly fell for each other while they were emailing back and forth. I just feel like this needed more.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
September 30, 2019
Romance is in the air for everybody except spicy Russian Clara Neverov, recently divorced, bitter, and alone for the holidays.
Giving up on Christmas after too many of them alone, she adores the solitary life free from Scrooges and messy entanglements. When a mysterious editor from a Goodreads book group she cares about shares a sad story about being alone for the holidays after his wife passes away, she accidentally invites him to spend them with her. There is at least one drawback. Clara doesn't at all resemble the photo of her friend that she posted on her Goodreads profile.
The other problem is that her snowy country cottage is nowhere close to the magical Santa’s wonderland that she described. In fact, it more closely resembles the Grinch’s lair on a bad day.
Rushing around to make it closer to what she described she slides down the road and right into her prospective guest.
This delightful holiday short read makes you wish for the best for Clara and her online friend but things may not be what they seem.
I read this story twice and loved it more the second time around.
I gave this sweet and humorous romance 4.25 of 5.0 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Giving up on Christmas after too many of them alone, she adores the solitary life free from Scrooges and messy entanglements. When a mysterious editor from a Goodreads book group she cares about shares a sad story about being alone for the holidays after his wife passes away, she accidentally invites him to spend them with her. There is at least one drawback. Clara doesn't at all resemble the photo of her friend that she posted on her Goodreads profile.
The other problem is that her snowy country cottage is nowhere close to the magical Santa’s wonderland that she described. In fact, it more closely resembles the Grinch’s lair on a bad day.
Rushing around to make it closer to what she described she slides down the road and right into her prospective guest.
This delightful holiday short read makes you wish for the best for Clara and her online friend but things may not be what they seem.
I read this story twice and loved it more the second time around.
I gave this sweet and humorous romance 4.25 of 5.0 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2019
Alone for the Holidays makes me feel I'm not alone
I'm like Clara, keeping busy by reading books on Goodreads lol. I also blog when I want to. Nothing too stressful. I like how the author describes being alone: "She cooked her meals for one, stuck with a four-pack of toilet paper, and stopped shaving her legs months ago...She could eat as much as she wanted without embarrassment. Laundry day only came every other week, hair washing once a week, and housecleaning once a month" Yup. pretty much ;) I feel like exclaiming "SAME!"
Clara Neverov has gotten herself in a bind, wrapped in Christmas when a guy she meets in an online book group invites himself over. He doesn't know Clara isn't who she says she is. She posts online as Abigail for privacy reasons and now she is overwhelmed to have to spill the beans to this guy. O, good lord. No hilarity ensues, unfortunately, probably because the guy was too serious. Idk. I didn't like him. There is no surprise everything works out in the end. HEA.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm like Clara, keeping busy by reading books on Goodreads lol. I also blog when I want to. Nothing too stressful. I like how the author describes being alone: "She cooked her meals for one, stuck with a four-pack of toilet paper, and stopped shaving her legs months ago...She could eat as much as she wanted without embarrassment. Laundry day only came every other week, hair washing once a week, and housecleaning once a month" Yup. pretty much ;) I feel like exclaiming "SAME!"
Clara Neverov has gotten herself in a bind, wrapped in Christmas when a guy she meets in an online book group invites himself over. He doesn't know Clara isn't who she says she is. She posts online as Abigail for privacy reasons and now she is overwhelmed to have to spill the beans to this guy. O, good lord. No hilarity ensues, unfortunately, probably because the guy was too serious. Idk. I didn't like him. There is no surprise everything works out in the end. HEA.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 6, 2019
Clara meets Finn in an online readers group. They feel a connection and soon form an online friendship. The only problem is, she is pretending to be another person named Abigail. Her ruse is complete with a fake profile picture. She just wanted to be a normal part of a reading group without people knowing that she is a famous author. Clara invites Finn for Christmas as a gesture of good will to cheer him up. Little did she think he would take her up on the offer. Clare just keeps spinning a bigger web of lies when he shows up in her neighborhood. Her identity may be a lie, but Clara and Finn can’t deny the truth of the feelings that they are developing for each other. The joy of Christmas has truly brought love back to their fragile hearts. Can they keep that love alive when Finn finds out her real identity, or will her deception drive him away? I really loved this story! The characters and the story were very sweet. I thought the recipes at the end were a cute bonus! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2019
Alone for the Holidays is like a Hallmark movie and "The Holiday" wrapped into one. Its a fun light read for the season and I loved it even if some things were slightly unbelievable. The premise is that Clara "meets" the man of her dreams in a Goodreads reading group. The only problem is she was using a fake name and photo so people didn't know she was an author. When Finn man decides to surprise her with a visit, Clara is caught up in even more fibs until the truth is finally discovered. Of course this doesn't go over well, but we do have a happy ending of course.
As a fan of cheesy holiday movies, this book was exactly what I hoped it would be. A fun and light romantic read. I definitely recommend if you love those movies too! Also, the author included some holiday recipes at the end which I thought were a nice touch. They are "semi-homemade" types of recipes which don't look too difficult but should be delicious!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a fan of cheesy holiday movies, this book was exactly what I hoped it would be. A fun and light romantic read. I definitely recommend if you love those movies too! Also, the author included some holiday recipes at the end which I thought were a nice touch. They are "semi-homemade" types of recipes which don't look too difficult but should be delicious!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 23, 2019
Holiday novelettes are always my favorites. There is something so sweet and addicting about them. And that’s exactly what I got with this book.
Great characters.
Great story line and the perfect ending.
Clara is divorced, she lives by herself out in the woods. She enjoys being alone. As writer she has the best job, she can be at home in her pjs if she wants. But she strikes up a friendship with another reader online.
When Finn says he didn’t have anyone for Holidays Clara invites him to her cabin, never thinking he’d come. But he does and Clara find herself in a pickle.
When Finn arrives Clara can’t find the time to tell the truth and when it’s out things get a bit rocky. But as always LOVE WINS!
Cute quick read for any romance lover.
*I was given a free advanced copy of this book by Book Sirens in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are those of my own.*
Great characters.
Great story line and the perfect ending.
Clara is divorced, she lives by herself out in the woods. She enjoys being alone. As writer she has the best job, she can be at home in her pjs if she wants. But she strikes up a friendship with another reader online.
When Finn says he didn’t have anyone for Holidays Clara invites him to her cabin, never thinking he’d come. But he does and Clara find herself in a pickle.
When Finn arrives Clara can’t find the time to tell the truth and when it’s out things get a bit rocky. But as always LOVE WINS!
Cute quick read for any romance lover.
*I was given a free advanced copy of this book by Book Sirens in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are those of my own.*
November 11, 2019
This was an enjoyable story and I felt that the message, don’t judge a book by the cover, was very apt. I loved the way that Finn made Clara feel alive again but do feel that the story wasn’t long enough. Everything just felt slightly rushed and could have done with being a bit longer.
Clara meets a man via an online book club and invites him to visit, never thinking he would accept. Now all Clara has to do is work out how she is going to tell him she used an alias and the photo was her best friend’s!
I would have liked the book to have explored Finn’s background a little more and to be honest although I felt that characters were likeable I didn’t love them, but I do think that was because I didn’t get to know them enough.
The book did however make me feel Christmassy and the recipes were a nice addition at the end.
Thank you to Vivien Mayfair and Book Siren for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
Clara meets a man via an online book club and invites him to visit, never thinking he would accept. Now all Clara has to do is work out how she is going to tell him she used an alias and the photo was her best friend’s!
I would have liked the book to have explored Finn’s background a little more and to be honest although I felt that characters were likeable I didn’t love them, but I do think that was because I didn’t get to know them enough.
The book did however make me feel Christmassy and the recipes were a nice addition at the end.
Thank you to Vivien Mayfair and Book Siren for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
September 2, 2019
Christmas is a time for family and friends, but Clara is alone again this season. After being left by her ex husband, her only friend lives across the country, Clara gets a surprise in the form of hot and sexy Finn, that she has been crushing on for months. Meeting through a chat group many months ago, she throws out an invitation in jest, not thinking it would truly be accepted. Much to her horror, Finn accepts her offer and heads out on a road trip...straight to her.....the only thing is, she isn't who she says she is.....
Nice story concept, great characters, entertaining read. Written as a 3rd person single pov.
Would I recommend this novella? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nice story concept, great characters, entertaining read. Written as a 3rd person single pov.
Would I recommend this novella? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2019
Clara, an author, joins a reader group at goodreads.com, using an alias and fake persona so no one will realize who she is. She and Finn, another group member, become friendly, and she halfheartedly invites him for Christmas in Vermont. He tells her he's coming when he's almost there, and they run into each other on the road. Literally. She doesn't have the nerve to confess the truth to him, even as they are falling for each other. When she finally spills it all, he leaves. Clara learned a lesson about honesty, how to accept herself as she is, and that happiness comes from within. Sweet, clean holiday romance, I enjoyed Clara's journey, and her happy ending with Finn. This is my first read from this author - not the last. I especially liked the family recipes included at the end of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2019
Vivien Mayfair's "Alone for the Holidays" is a sweet and uplifting read. Clara Neverov has a successful career but her personal life plagued with hurt and pain. Haunted by her own insecurities she has let fear win until now where she has to make a decision of repeating that cycle when Finn Jacobs comes into the picture. The book has some laugh out moments and Vivien's descriptions really immerse you into the festive spirit. Overall, it is a good story with some insightful lessons about learning to love yourself, being alone and letting go of the past. I really enjoyed Snowbell antics throughout the book. It's really sweet of Vivien to attach a few Christmas recipes at the end of the book and maybe just maybe I'll have a go with a few of them.
A thank you to BookSirens allowing me to be a part of the review team of this book. This review has been left voluntarily.
A thank you to BookSirens allowing me to be a part of the review team of this book. This review has been left voluntarily.
September 12, 2019
❄This was a nice, sweet holiday story of two lonely souls who find comfort and joy in preparing for a joint Christmas with a huge secret hanging in the snug country cottage's atmosphere. Clara's self-esteem issues lead to some big deception and obfuscation, but, given her marital history, she has reason for her insecurities. I really sympathized with her. Since the story is told from her perspective, her surprise holiday guest/on-line flirt remains a bit of a mystery and not as fully developed. With a good plot, lots of nice, cozy Christmas touches and some tart, self-deprecating humor, I enjoyed this short gem.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2019
This is a new author for me but a wonderful surprise because she has a way of writing that pulls you in and keeps you entertained until the very last sentence. Finn and Clara are in a readers group and he tells her how he doesn't like to be alone on Christmas since his wife died so since Clara liked him already so she invited him to stay with her but she didn't think about how she described herself until he arrived so she lied and said she was Abigail's roommate but the Finn falls in love with Helga and then he finds her book and they fight and he leaves. Finn comes back on Christmas Eve and asks her to marry him and she says yes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2019
Clara Neverov is an author or erotica and romance novels. Supremely ironic since her now ex husband the pilot/ heir to an airline left her alone a lot to spend time with a half dozen other women whom he supported.
She enjoyed being part of an online book group, using a pseudonym and the photo of a friend.
Somehow she found a friend through the group, and he invited himself for Christmas.
So is it time to confess her true identity? Maybe it might be fun- or less embarrassing- to just let him think she was the roommate.
Hilarity and humiliation follow.
Fun and funny KU short romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She enjoyed being part of an online book group, using a pseudonym and the photo of a friend.
Somehow she found a friend through the group, and he invited himself for Christmas.
So is it time to confess her true identity? Maybe it might be fun- or less embarrassing- to just let him think she was the roommate.
Hilarity and humiliation follow.
Fun and funny KU short romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2019
I received an advanced review copy from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a quick Christmas themed romantic read that was enjoyable enough. I usually enjoy reading a few of these types of books at Christmas to get myself into the spirit of things. This is one that had me laughing at times and rooting for the main character, Clara. It's unfortunate that she behaved the way she did, by pretending to be someone else, but in the end things seemed to come together for her. It was short enough to probably read in one sitting. The story is well written and the main characters made this to be an enjoyable enough read, so much so that I might check out more of the series closer to Christmas.
This is a quick Christmas themed romantic read that was enjoyable enough. I usually enjoy reading a few of these types of books at Christmas to get myself into the spirit of things. This is one that had me laughing at times and rooting for the main character, Clara. It's unfortunate that she behaved the way she did, by pretending to be someone else, but in the end things seemed to come together for her. It was short enough to probably read in one sitting. The story is well written and the main characters made this to be an enjoyable enough read, so much so that I might check out more of the series closer to Christmas.
October 6, 2019
Clara is a best selling romance author who is also divorced, middle-aged, overweight and tall. She belongs to a Goodreads book group under an assumed name of Abigail Flowers and uses the picture of her friend as her profile picture to hide her true identity. Finn also belongs to the same book group and begins corresponding with Abigail on a personal basis. An on line romance results. when Abigail invites Finn to spend Christmas with her she never expects him to actually show up. When he does what follows is funny and entertaining. Will Finn find out that the Beautiful Abigail exists only in Clara's imagination? And what will happen next? Will they spend Christmas together?
I received a ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2019
This book was adorable, and a much-needed break from the disappointments I’ve been getting lately. It’s lighthearted and fun, but with enough heart to get you invested in both Clara and Finn. One of the more well rounded novelettes I’ve read, probably due in large part to the circumstances. No need for a bunch of extra characters, or extraneous detail. The only flaw that I really feel like it has is that Clara seemed to need a man to help her realize her value, after she was rejected... by a man. Would’ve been nice if she could’ve got there on her own, and eventually she sort of does. It’s definitely a quick read, but I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2019
So, my normal reading is Christian based. This book, in most eyes, would be clean but there are a couple of places where it is a bit suggestive. That is my least favorite thing about this book. The editing was good but a few errors of extra words as if a sentence had been edited but not all the words removed.
The characters were fairly well written, after all, how deep can you go in a story less than 100 pages long? It was cute and mostly light-hearted. Not really believable, but a fun read. It moved along well but the ending was a bit off, like she just wanted to finish the book so she quit writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were fairly well written, after all, how deep can you go in a story less than 100 pages long? It was cute and mostly light-hearted. Not really believable, but a fun read. It moved along well but the ending was a bit off, like she just wanted to finish the book so she quit writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 12, 2019
Thank you to book sirens and author Vivien Mayfair for this book in exchange for my honest review.
📚
This was a short, sweet Christmas read. Perfect to get you in the mood for the holidays.
Clara has found herself in a bit of a mess as the man she met online shows up in her home town. Will Clara confess to all the lies or will she continue to portray herself as someone else.
This book had me smiling and reminiscing of all my Christmas’s growing up. I could picture Claras little cottage home all decked out in holiday splendor.
I did think it got a little cheesy at the end and it definitely gives you a happily ever after. I enjoyed the characters and especially liked the added recipes at the end.
This is the first book I’ve read by Vivien but you can guarantee not the last.
📚
This was a short, sweet Christmas read. Perfect to get you in the mood for the holidays.
Clara has found herself in a bit of a mess as the man she met online shows up in her home town. Will Clara confess to all the lies or will she continue to portray herself as someone else.
This book had me smiling and reminiscing of all my Christmas’s growing up. I could picture Claras little cottage home all decked out in holiday splendor.
I did think it got a little cheesy at the end and it definitely gives you a happily ever after. I enjoyed the characters and especially liked the added recipes at the end.
This is the first book I’ve read by Vivien but you can guarantee not the last.
October 1, 2019
Alone for the Holidays is a delightfully unique short romance. Although we only get a brief glimpse into the lives of Clara and Finn, we get to see considerable growth in Clara over the short span of the book.
Their meeting and previous online acquaintance bring a different foundation to this romance. Clara has misrepresented who she is in their online group so Finn believes her to be someone else when he arrives. It’s amazing that Finn doesn’t catch on to her deception sooner, but it adds to his charm.
I recommend this book for a light holiday read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Their meeting and previous online acquaintance bring a different foundation to this romance. Clara has misrepresented who she is in their online group so Finn believes her to be someone else when he arrives. It’s amazing that Finn doesn’t catch on to her deception sooner, but it adds to his charm.
I recommend this book for a light holiday read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews