My Life as a Holiday Album

My Life as an Album #5

by L.J. Evans

Come home for the holidays with this small-town, heartwarming story full of hidden secrets, true love, and the real meaning of family.

Turmoil might be prevalent in their personal lives, but that won’t stop Edie, Stephen, Ty, Eliza, Mayson, and Ginny from throwing their parents the biggest surprise 50th birthday party on New Year’s Eve. What they don’t realize is that the magic of family might just be the answer to the problems each of them face this season.

This interconnected standalone twines the lives of six couples as they find their way to a happily ever after with the help of family and friends.

“She was the bow to my present. The universe of stars to my small, round earth.”

Inspired by Lady A's "All I Want for Christmas Is You,” this second-generation, wintery goodness is the last book in the My Life as an Album series.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Friends To Lovers

383 pages, ebook

Published December 7, 2020

About the author

Award-winning author LJ Evans lives in Northern California with her husband, child, and the three terrors called cats. She's written compulsively since she was a little girl, often getting derailed from what she should be doing by a song lyric that sends her scrambling to jot a scene down.

A former first-grade teacher, she now spends her days deep in the pages of romance and mystery with a bit of the otherworldly thrown in. Her favorite characters are those who live resiliently—stubbornly and triumphantly getting through this wild ride called life with hope, love, and found families guiding the way.

Her novels have won multiple industry awards, including CHARMING AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM which was Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published E-book Romance of the Year.

Find out more about LJ and her books at www.ljevansbooks.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life as a Holiday Album is the fifth book in the My Life as an Album series by L.J. Evans. This is my very first book by LJ. I fell in love with the cover and was assured it could be read as a stand alone so I decided to take the leap and I’m so glad I did.



If you have read this series, which I haven’t, then you’ve already fallen in love with the couples of the first four books. This holiday book is comprised of seven short stories. The characters are the children of the main characters of the previous books. I’ll admit that if I already had a connection to the parents, it would have deepened my emotional response to this book. But the author did such a fabulous job of introducing us to each family that I was absolutely fine.



This was genius, really, the way it was put together. Each short story is a different couple, but they are told in an order that ties each one to the other. The parents are all turning fifty and the children all want to throw a surprise party for them under the disguise of a New Year’s Eve party. All the children are home for the holidays. But this holiday, it seems like the children, now adults themselves, are all changing course, spreading their wings and chasing their dreams. The poor parents are surprised with one reveal after another. One thing that impressed me, though, is the closeness of these families. How involved they are in one another’s lives. The way they support one another. And no matter what their children choose to do with their lives, everyone rallies around them with love!



In these stories, you will meet:
Edie Brennan and Garrett Drummond
Stephen Brennan and Khiley Abbott
Ty Waters and Maleena Crandall
Eliza Waters and Brett Davies
Mayson Abbott and Grace Carmen
Ginny Waters and Cole Hensley



I loved this author’s style of writing, loved the way she put this together along with the songs that inspired them. This really was a true holiday story of love, laughter, family and togetherness. I will definitely be checking out other work by her and also look forward to see what she is doing in the future.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4.5 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙

listen... I loved this series. It isn’t perfect or anything but it’s just so human. And it had all the feels and it’s just about flawed real people.

this book is about all the kids, the second gen. Some may think that the fact that they all got a HEA or HFN here is cheesy, but i don’t give a fuck, i’m a sucker for all of that. This one had that small-town magic, family and friendship love. I’m so sad this is the last I’ll see from this family. I loved them all, really. I kinda wish the ending had focused more on the family and not so much on Edie and Garrett, though...

still, i loved this. that scene with Ty, Cam and Jake?? yeah, i cried. It’s official, I cried in every single book of the series. It’s just Jake man... he got me. Every time.

I’m sooooo gonna be reading more of this author. I loved loved loved her writing and the people she created. *sigh* I highly recommend this series. It’s sweet and cheesy at times, but also emotional and sad, it’s full of life and heartbreak and just everything life is about 🤍

p.s. the love letters that were bonus content were so sweet. The jake one??? THE ONE EDIE WROTE TO HER MOM AND DAD??? 🥺🥺🥺 wholesome

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of sensitivity reading the interracial romance portion of this beautiful book of Christmas romance stories. I am so proud of LJ, and blessed to have walked with her through this whole experience. I love when non poc authors want to write people that are in the world around them, especially when they do it responsibly and right. These stories will fill you with all those sweet holiday feelings, and stir that romantic soul at heart. Love is love is love, and LJ depicted this beautifully in her book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book so much! I loved the way LJ reminded us who each of the characters were and how she narrated this book, introducing each story. And the way each of them intertwined and were wrapped together to make one novel was pure genius! The gorgeous, overwhelming love that I could feel from the characters was breathtaking.

This is so much more than a sweet trip down memory lane for the holidays, it's an emotionally charged journey that will make you laugh, cry and positively swoon! It's like all of your favorite holiday romances rolled into one. And while I enjoyed the ENTIRE THING and POSITIVELY DEVOURED IT, I have to point out that Ginny and Cole's story absolutely stole my heart!

A true delight to read! And definitely one you have to pick up these holidays! It left me wanting more. Straight to the favorites shelf for me!!!

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ALL THE FEELS stars⭐
A Heart-warming Holidays Themed Full-length Story With New Beginnings & Celebrating Milestones!

This book is #5 in the series & Have stories about the kids of the Original Crew, Now adults & In Love/Finding their HEA, as they all come back home for Holidays with Secrets which 1-by-1 get revealed!
I haven't read the Previous books & after the initial confusion of who's who (Thanks for the Family tree notes LJ!), I fell in Love with the Story & all the cast of Characters! I have this Series' books waiting for me in my e-reader now❤.

The book Shows Them all Planning The Parents' Surprise Birthday Party & these 6 Couples' Milestones along with Christmas & New year Celebrations in this one big Holiday RomCom Emotional Drama! (With Multiple POVs!)

~Each Couple have a Uniqueness with them & their “New Starts” that's so Gorgeous, Endearing & Melted my heart!

•Edie & Garret (Part 1)
These two are Happily married, their baby is due in a week, So Why is Garret not with her here? We see the Problem that's brewing b/w them in part 1 and in their Part 2 (which ends this book!), We'll see their Solution (I.e. HEA!).

•Stephen & Khiley
These two have been together & In love since they were kids. Have many plans for their Future, but Will an unplanned surprise change Everything?

•Ty & Maleena
He doesn't want to keep them a Secret, but she does. What happens when There's no reason for secrecy anymore? Will they choose a future together?

•Eliza & Brett
With famous Parents, Brett was the only person who've loved Eliza for who she is. They've taken a big leap towards their future and now it's time for Her family to find it out..

•Mayson & Grace
Mayson screwed up big time with Grace (Though it was kinda both of their faults!), This is his only Chance to make it right & Have the HEA They both want..

•Ginny & Cole
These two meet for the 1st time here. With him, She feels things she never has before. Both are the Forever-Love Kind of people, Is this Feeling b/w them the start of their Beautiful Journey?

•Edie & Garret (Part 2)
Omg, I'm so happy to see them realise the extent of their love & Resolve their Differences! Cue HEA❤.

This story packed the punch & it was quite Genius to write it this way! It's so Lovely to see the love b/w this Big Family, some by blood & Many by choice. The Reactions of our Original Crew (+ the kids' Siblings & Cousins) as the secrets came out were so fun! It's so hopeful, All young adults starting a new phase of their Lives. And I loved the Ending💙.
>>Do grab Dalton & Reese's Bonus HEA!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun way to start the holiday season! I loved how LJ Evans began each story with a little reminder of who was who and how they were connected. It was super fun to see all the babies from the My Life As An Album series all grown up and finding their own happy ever afters. Each story is it's own, but they are all woven through the same holiday celebrations. LOVED!
AND! Look at this cover! Just looking at it makes me feel happy. Need a little mood boost? Look at this cover and smile.
I give it all the stars possible!

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY LOVELY way to start your holiday reading!!! My Life as a Holiday Album written by the wonderful romance author LJ Evans is definitely one of my favorite holiday reads of this year!

The way the author planned out this unique holiday read was perfection! She brought together the families in the My Life Series and “wrapped” them all together for this incredible multiple POV romance. She outlined the story at the beginning of each section to let you know who the story was about and how they were involved in the complete story. It is a blended event of Christmas/New Year’s celebration, but told from the different couple’s POV. I absolutely ADORE author LJ Evans and the way she wrote this is phenomenal!

Story one: Edie & Garrett part 1 (My Life as a Mixtape)
Story two: Khiley & Stephen (My Life as a Mixtape & My Life as a Country Album)
Story three: Ty & Maleena (My Life as a Pop Album)
Story four: Eliza & Brett (My Life as a Pop Album)
Story five: Mayson & Grace (My Life as a Rock Album & My Life as a Country Album)
Story six: Ginny & Cole (My Life as a Rock Album & My Life as a Pop Album)
Story seven: Edie & Garrett part 2 (My Life as a Mixtape)

There are different types of tropes from second chance, brother’s best friend, accidental pregnancy, mixed-race, secret marriage….

I loved the songs that the author has chosen to relate to each of the storylines, they smooth way these were all blended together, and the incredible individual relationships that were formed. Even though it isn’t necessary to have read all of the My Life series before reading this, it definitely gives you the background and more insight into the history and relationships of this group. I would love to give this fantastic holiday romance more than 5 stars but since that is the max…I will just say that I would WHOLE-HEARTEDLY recommend this one!

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of why I fell in love with LJ Evans' writing in the first place. Her characters are so well-developed and family oriented. Their lives and their passions are shared amongst their extended families and friends who have become part of those families. It seemed like only yesterday I was reading the lives of these new adults in the My Life as an Album series, so seeing all of my favorite characters was like old home week, but all of them having new adult children now took a bit of getting used to. LJ Evans' writing reminds me of why I love reading, her words and characters are a balm to my heart and soul, one that was sorely needed in this past year, with the world turned upside down.
This book is structured a bit differently, it is seven stories of seven couple fighting their way through life and obstacles that eventually lead them to the loves of their lives. Members of each couple are directly related to the couples in the My Life as an Album series so the readers of those books get a glimpse at their favorite couples in their more mature state. I will tell you ALL the feels are in this book. I laughed, I cried, I sighed and I love the beauty of the words and the heartfelt emotions that rang true for each of the characters. No spoilers here but know that though Jake has been departed from Cam for most of her life, true love never dies even though the person moves on to another love. Her interaction with her nephew, Ty, is reason enough to read this book.
Grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable chair, put on some Christmas music, and celebrate the holidays with these characters, you'll be so glad you did.

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life as a Holiday Album (My Life as an Album #5) by LJ Evans is a contemporary romance collection of six holiday stories featuring the next generation from the My Life as an Album series. If you've read the series, you'll encounter familiar characters as these stories feature their children, all grown up and experiencing the ups and downs of love and relationships during the holiday season. Each complete story features a different couple and is told in dual POV, but the book is best read from start to finish because the stories follow a continuous linear timeline within the same setting and world.

There are many characters in the book, but the author makes it easy to follow along by providing an introduction and family tree at the beginning of each story. She also includes a series "Who's Who" listing all the characters and their relationships to one another. I enjoyed getting to know all the children as adults working through various issues to ultimately find their happy endings. I loved the family dynamics and the reactions that followed as each couples' secrets came to light. I also loved how each story was complete yet seamlessly weaved together with the other stories as part of the larger whole. Full of humor, heart, and holiday warmth, My Life as a Holiday Album is a great addition to the My Life as an Album series.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re not familiar with this talented lady's work then do yourself a favor and take a look at this series. Much of her writing is inspired by music, so each chapter has a song associated with it, which also means an awesome playlist to accompany each book. And if you’ve already read some of the album series, you'll love this book, because each couple's children are all grown up and finding their forever love! Is there anything better, especially at the holidays? I don’t think so.

The format of this book is sheer brilliance. Several short stories about each couple are laid out sequentially, forming a whole story. And if you haven’t read any of the previous books, not to worry. Evans does an amazing job of giving enough information about this cast so you don’t feel lost, but not spoiling things for when you read the other books.

This is really the perfect book for a busy holiday season. You can pick it up and put it down as needed but read a story in a short amount of time so you’re not left hanging. The writing is humorous, touching and heartfelt, so leave the busyness and distractions behind and treat yourself to these stories with the perfect balance of light-hearted fun, steam, and all of the happy sigh inducing feels!

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to see what's been going on with one of my favorite series. I loved that it showed the struggles that is called real life. I know we get to see all the couples but this mostly revolves around Edie and Garrett. I know it ends with (another) HEA but it was breaking my heart what they were going through. I cried liked a baby and I'm not even ashamed of it. It he was mine I'm not sure I'd take him back but I'm a bit hot headed so I'm not the one to listen to.

If it's not sure I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book!!!

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***

[Ariadna Basulto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection of holiday novellas by LJ Evans. Six separate stories interconnected into one great book. I loved getting glimpses of each of these families and couples beyond their ‘happily ever afters.’ This collection felt like revisiting with family for the holidays and was just such a treat! Definitely a great book for fans of LJ Evans. 5 stars.

[Luv 2 Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great way to see the six children that have now grown up from LJ Evans My Life As A... series.
It is centered around one holiday and how this series is intertwined between all the families I've become so invested in and have come to love. ❤

I truly hope that each one of these characters will be developed more fully into their own full length book as I know that there is so much more to tell to all of their stories. 🙏

As many have stated, we are left wanting more and this was such a great introduction to their happy-ever-after.

It also, made me want to listen to each of the audios for the My Life As a...Series as I loved the audios as much as I loved the books.

I love that fact that LJ Evans is not just your typical romance writer. It's just so much more and the emotional rollercoaster is one of the hardest to be on but so worth the ride.
I think I am one of her biggest fan.

[Amy Malek Concepcion · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found out LJ was writing another book for this series AND it was going to feature the original MC’s kids, I literally squeed out loud. I loved that little tease in the extended epilogue especially about Grace and Mayson (Seth’s daughter and Cam’s son). But after reading the whole book now, I can say it definitely held up to my expectations and then some. As always each chapter starts out with the perfect song lyric- this time they are from “holiday albums”. Usually I have a hard time connecting with short stories but that’s not the case here. I connected with the characters instantly. They were wonderful as stand-alones but then she weaves them all together spanning the course of about a week from just before Christmas to New Year’s Eve. I was blown away. I doing think I could pick a favorite storyline. (Ok maybe I can since I was already in love with the idea of Grace and Mayson). My only disappointment was that I didn’t get any scenes with my Love of the original series-Seth. But I did fall more in love with this crazy extended family and I will go cry now because this series is now truly over and I will miss every single one of them.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to decide where to start. The feel of this book is almost like an extended epilogue years later. We get updates on all of the couples from the original Album series. We find out what their kids are up to. You get the stories of six couples with six HEAs. Yes, it’s part of a series that I highly recommend, however, it’s written in a way that you could absolutely read it as a stand alone. Low angst, fun holiday reading. Beautifully written as always.

[Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, great holiday catch up with your favorites read. I blow through book in no time. I loved all the books in the "My Life" series so this was a much anticipated read for me. We got a glimpse of each couple and where they are now as well a chance to see where they are headed. A lovely, warm feeling total holiday book that I highly recommend.

[Leisa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a Christmas gift from LJ Evan’s to her readers all tied up with a big red bow. 6 stories with 6 happy endings all woven together to read like 1 book. The main characters in this book are the kids from the My Life series so we get a lot of time with all of the parents of these kids too. LJ Evan’s does such a fantastic job putting these stories together that you honestly can read it as a stand-alone and not be lost by who is who. Christmas time with family and happily ever afters are on my wish list and LJ Evan’s gave me not 1 but 6 happily ever afters!

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I love you too. I don't know what my life would be like without you in it, so please don't plan on going anywhere without me. I can't imagine anything in my life happening without you there at my side."

My Life As A Holiday Album is an emotionally heartwarming holiday romance that will put you in the holiday spirit.

Head back to small-town Tennessee where it all began with a boy and a girl who loved each other but never got their happily ever after which paved the path for a group of families and friends to come together to form a bond that is everlasting. All their kids have now grown up and this Christmas their secrets will be revealed as they fight for their happily ever afters, some even similar to their parents.

I was excited to jump into this book and read about the children of the My Life As An Album crew. It was nice to see where Cam, Blake, Mia, Derek, Wynn and Lonnie are now and how their children have grown to be a lot like them. LJ Evans is a master at her craft of weaving music and words together to create stories that are so emotionally realistic that you feel like you are living the story as you read it. As always there is a warning that tissues are recommended while reading. I experienced every emotion from heartbreak that had tears flowing from my eyes to my heart being so full of holiday spirit and love that I had a huge smile and happy tears. I highly recommend this series and all of LJ Evans books.

Story one: Edie & Garrett part 1 (My Life as a Mixtape)
Story two: Khiley & Stephen (My Life as a Mixtape & My Life as a Country Album)
Story three: Ty & Maleena (My Life as a Pop Album)
Story four: Eliza & Brett (My Life as a Pop Album)
Story five: Mayson & Grace (My Life as a Rock Album & My Life as a Country Album)
Story six: Ginny & Cole (My Life as a Rock Album & My Life as a Pop Album)
Story seven: Edie & Garrett part 2 (My Life as a Mixtape)

*arc generously provided in exchange for my honest review*

[Deeply Love Reading Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

LJ Evans has given a perfect winertery gift to her readers,giving us the My Life as a Album through the eyes of the children. It Is amazing how My Life as a Holiday Album has brought us full circle in the Album series. This is once again a raw emotional book by LJ Evans. “I love you because you know me inside and out and aren’t running for the hills. I love you because you know that I can’t sit still and find ways to make sure I don’t have to. I love you because you’ve been mine since before I knew what that meant. I love you because you’re my future and everything good in my life.”


Blurb
“She was the bow to my present, the universe of stars to my small round Earth.”

This holiday, all the children from the original cast of the album series come home with secrets sure to send their parents and their families into a frenzy. Will they be able to keep them hidden, or will they be exposed with a bang that isn't at all the New Year's Eve fireworks that are planned?

Edie is so pregnant she's about to burst, but she's come back to her small town in Tennessee minus her Scottish, whiskey distillery owning husband. What she doesn't tell anyone is her marriage may be over before it's had a chance to really begin.

Khiley and Stephen have been soulmates since they could crawl. Unfortunately, the secret they're keeping may be the one thing to tear them apart forever.

Ty is tired of being compared to his dead, football god of an uncle. He wants to be recognized for his own talent and passion. The chip he's wearing on his shoulder may be the one thing to keep him from getting the woman he loves and his future in the pros.

Eliza is ready to step into a future with the one man who's loved her for who she is rather than her famous family. The secret she shares with her Air Force cadet boyfriend is sure to knock everyone for a loop.

Joining Watery Reflection has been an experience most musicians would give a right eye for, but to Mayson, it’s a threat to everything he holds dear, especially his relationship with Grace. Can he set things right before he loses her completely?

Ginny is the family member who keeps everyone else’s dreams on course. She's the shoulder to cry on and the conscience to guide the way. But when Cole walks into the room, she sees something she wants for herself. Can she have him without sacrificing her family's happiness?

[Kat J · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHHHHH I can't believe the whole family is back. I got started on the series awhile ago and it gave me all the feels so this was put on my TBR list the minute I knew about it!

You can read #5 without reading the series. But why would you? #1 - #4 will make you laugh, cry and root for them all. Then you can start on #5 which gives you the characters from #1-#4 with minimal page time - but oh how powerful those pages are. #5 focuses on the next-gen and how they have really become a family - where blood is not always thicker than water.

Let's get the not so nice stuff out the way. #5 felt a bit rushed - like it could be more but didn't. It was difficult to tell 6 stories in 1 book, I agree. If there was one thing to change, is maybe this should have been 2 (maybe 3?) books. Definitely did want to see a little more of the original characters - to celebrate along with them the amazing family they have built.

This book celebrates and showcases that family is everything. It is the people you choose to be part of that close-knit group and those that you “are stuck with”. It really pulls at my heartstrings to see how the OGs made their family years later – how they have grown and shown their kids how life should really be – to always have each other backs.

And that scene with Cam and Ty – made me shed ugly tears again! Why do you do this to me, LJ Evans?!?!?!?!??!?

Remember, blood is not thicker than water. Yes, they are blood and should be there for them. But pick our water-family properly as well.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! It's absolutely overflowing with love and happiness! Watching these gorgeous characters embrace their happiness and take chances was joyous! It's the perfect time of the year for holiday magic to dance across your soul. And what better way than to read about the next generation and to see past favorites featured in such a way that is thoroughly entertaining and brilliantly captivating!?

I couldn't choose a favorite couple! It's an impossible task. Each couple and their story were so beautifully written. Hearts were mended along the way and the journey was breathtaking. I've no idea how the amazing LJ chose which couple to grace this gorgeous cover with. I think that seeing an image of each couple before their stories started was a phenomenal idea! I loved seeing each one!

What I love the most about LJ's writing is that she's not afraid to break your heart, nor those of her characters. She takes these real-life issues and brings about changes and tremendous character growth. Her words are living things that carry you away. I've learned that my poor heart is going to ache and I'm going to be in tears but that in the end, it's all so worth it.

[NovelMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when LJ said she was releasing this book. I absolutely love the holidays, and this is one of my all time favorite series, so it seemed to be the perfect combination! However, as usual, LJ went above and beyond with this book. She took what could have been a fluffy, easy book and turned it into so much more.

This book is full of heart, romance, and characters who learn to overcome struggles and live resiliently wrapped up in holiday traditions, the love of family and friends, and past characters I absolutely adore. It was everything I hoped for and so much more. It’s a holiday book with depth. The way these stories are woven together is perfection. I love that each couple has their own story with their own struggles and successes, but they all flow together to give a complete timeline. It really adds to the overall depth of the book as opposed to an anthology of standalones. Good luck choosing a favorite though. Each of these stories is so special and unique in its own way.

While this can be read without reading the series first, you will definitely fall in love with this group of friends and want to go back to read all of the original stories. You could also read each of these stories individually and out of order, but I really don’t recommend it. I think following the timeline adds a great flow and depth to these stories as you read through in order. But I fully admit I am a read the series in order kinda girl.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life As A Holiday Album
LJ Evans
We begin with the ultimate Christmas soundtrack from Elvis, to Mariah, to Lady A, to Cheap Trick, to Wham, to Gwen and Blake.
This is a collection of short stories featuring kids of the characters in the Album series books, who are all grown up!
Poetically and melodically written in the beautiful way LJ Evans makes the words go from the page to your heart. This book is a Christmas gift to her readers.
“It was like someone had taken ‘The Brady Bunch’ and ‘The Waltons’, thrown them together with a hint of ‘Nashville’ and called it a family.”
These kids are chips off the old block but awesome individuals in their own right. I don’t know how LJ Evans can right such well rounded characters in such short stories but she just does! Cole is just my favourite. These are are gentlemen you would want to meet and women you would be friends with. Characters for days.
Love, friendship and family.
Every couple finds their hea.
I received an arc of this book.
5 glittering Tennessee stars.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Life as a Holiday Album (My Life as a Album Book 5) a whirlwind romance that takes hold of you like a tropical storm with six different couples. I'm in love with the series; characters and their storylines, their history and the unforgettable world this author has created. I love the family tree and at the end how the author writes the bio of each character. It's easy to tell this author puts her whole heart and soul writing these stories unforgettable characters. Her signature music choices on the first page of each chapter. I absolutely love the idea of second generation kids book series and absolutely loved all the kids and loved reading about them and their parents making appearances in this book. I absolutely loved each story and can't pick a favourite.

A wonderful Christmas Holidays read to cherish forever. I need it in my signed bookshelf. I hope it gets turned into audio soon as I need it.

I highly recommend reading this book and the entire series as it breaks your heart into pieces and puts it back together with this unforgettable read.

[Julie D (Audio and Book Jewels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every one of these stories! Seeing where each of the “My Life as a” families are and what their children are doing is awesome. I really hope that this was shaping us for more!! I see plot lines for further stories all over these!

All of these have such great potential for future books, but it is Edie and Garrets story that had me in tears at 4 am this morning!! It’s one thing to know live and feel cherished... but knowing an author who is able to inject so much love, hurt, and regret into characters, making them real, is truly an honor. There is a reason I gush about L.J. Evans books, a reason I read every word of hers I can get my hands on. She writes real, honest, flawed characters. She makes them people you want to know more about... which, certainly, keeps ME reading!

Thank you L.J. Evans , for giving us a glimpse into the families we love from the My Life as as...” series of books. It is a great read!!

[Leslie Esteves · Rating 5 out of 5]

LJ Evans NEVER disappoints!!!

I was super excited when I found out that this book was coming out!!! Now that it is finally out and I have read it I am 110% satisfied. (If I’m going to be honest, a little sad because it’s over, but I loved every second of it.) I was lucky enough to get an Arc copy of it so I actually read it as soon as I got it, but I was absolutely enthralled by it! Every story (there’s a short story for each of the grandkids), chapter, second had you completely hooked and wanting more. It shows you how the little ones grew and what came of their lives, but it also shows you snippets of the original characters which I really liked.

Make sure that you have a lot of time to read this because I promise that once you start reading it you won’t want to put it down. I definitely recommend this book and if you haven’t read the first four books you will definitely want to after this!!! Read it now, I promise you’ll love every minute of it!!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The children of Cam, Blake, Mia, Derek, Wynn, Lonnie, PJ & Seth are grown up and are spreading their wings to find their place in this world. The lives of Edie, Garrett, Khiley, Stephen, Ty, Maleena, Eliza, Brett, Mayson, Grace, Ginny & Cole are so intertwined together that you don’t realize it’s actually 6 separate stories rolled into one FANTASTIC “album.” FAIR WARNING...have tissues handy when reading any LJ Evans book. Majority you will just tear up or have a small cry. A couple will have you ugly crying before she puts your heart bake together again. 🙃 I HIGHLY recommend reading this album and the entire series (in order.) I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Vera Blaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so uniquely written that I don’t think anyone could top it! I love how Ms. Evans began each short story with a tie-in to book that started their family’s story. These stories were a great way to meet the next generation of Album characters and get a glimpse into all their lives since we last visited with them. I’ve come to feel a deep connection to this small town where this cast of characters live and hold a piece of my heart for them all. This was the perfect book to culminate a not so perfect year.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun way to start the holiday season! LJ Evans gives us 6 stories with 6 happy endings all woven together to read like 1 book ‘My life as a Holiday Album’.
Every one of these stories is heartwrentching, the love, the sadness, the tears, all most losing your soul and finding them again. I was excited that the music fits each couple and story, the family love over anything always there to catch you when you fall.
Such an uplifting, inspirational series! I recommend this to anyone who loves to see a series through, but you don’t have to read in order though I highly recommend reading these in order.
LJ Evans as an author really knows what they’re doing.
I give this an easy 5 out of 5 stars.

***I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.***

[Me_myself_and_romance_ Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author and I know it won’t be my last. This book follows six couples. Each has their own novella with different tropes and are somehow related to one another. I absolutely loved every couple but my heart broke for Edie and Garrett the first couple. I couldn’t help but feel every emotion they both felt.

The more I read, the more I fell in love. Each one is so different but the way the author wrote them made you feel apart of what you were reading. This book kept me on an emotional rollercoaster. I ached, I laughed, I swooned and I might of cried but the ending had me swooning after Garrett. I love reading books with interconnected characters because no matter who’s story you were reading the other couples appeared. I could not at any stage put this book down, there was always something going on. I look forward to more books by this author.

I received an arc to give an honest opinion.