Christmas Dreams

Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge #5

by Ev Bishop, Tammy L. Grace, Violet Howe

Random circumstances brought them together. Love made them family.

Chef Stevie Fox isn’t just looking forward to a luxurious holiday celebrating her sister’s Christmas wedding, she needs it. A difficult year has her brain bursting and her heart starving. A menu of late-night chats, lots of laughter, and tons of pampering with her beloved foster sisters and Maddie, the woman who made them a family fifteen years ago, promises the nourishment she craves.

But then her sister’s fiancé calls off the wedding, and Stevie’s dreams of a restorative vacation and a love story that actually works out go up in smoke. Heartbroken and simmering with anger on her sister’s behalf, Stevie agrees with her family to stick to their holiday plans to show support.

Throwing oil on her fiery emotions, Stevie runs into her old high school flame and long-cooled feelings boil over. She’s determined to put a lid on them, however. Jackson Bassett may be full of zest and passion, but she’s been scalded too many times.

If you’re a fan of small towns, heartwarming holiday romance stories, second chances, and furry dog friends, you’ll fall in love with Stevie and her soul sisters in CHRISTMAS DREAMS, Book 5 of Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge, from USA Today bestselling author Ev Bishop.

Don’t miss a Soul Sisters book - download them all today!

Book 1: Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Book 2: Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Book 3: Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Book 5: Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson

Genres: Romance, Holiday, Christmas, Chick Lit

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2020

About the author

Ev Bishop is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author, who believes in the power of fiction to transform lives, knowing we both lose ourselves—and find ourselves!—in good stories.

Best known for her small-town contemporary romance series, River’s Sigh B & B, readers describe her books as “full of humor, love and wisdom,” set in places “where breathtaking scenery and the magic of love are the best medicine for the soul.”

In addition to writing novels—her favorite length of story because she always has so much she wants to fit in!—Ev was a columnist with the Terrace Standard for almost twenty years and is a prolific scribbler of . . . other things. Her articles, essays, short stories, and poems appear in a variety of publications, and she also writes under the pen name Toni Sheridan.

When Ev’s nose isn’t in a book or her fingers aren’t on her keyboard, you’ll find her with her family and dogs or playing outside, usually at the lake or in the middle of a forest somewhere.

She loves any and all garden-related talk and work, cooking (and eating!), and making all sorts of random things—especially out of upcycled or reclaimed items.

For more information, visit Ev’s website at https://evbishop.com. You can also connect with Ev on Twitter @Ev_Bishop, or follow her on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEvBishop, but the best way to keep in the loop re: current works, upcoming books and events, and other fun tidbits is to subscribe to her newsletter at: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

She looks forward to hearing from you!

Fall in love with books by Ev Bishop today:

RIVER’S SIGH B & B SERIES
Wedding Bands
Hooked
Spoons
Hook, Line & Sinker
Silver Bells
Reeling
One to Keep
The Catch

SOUL SISTERS AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN LODGE
Christmas Sisters – perma-FREE prologue book
Christmas Kisses by Judith Keim
Christmas Wishes by Tammy L. Grace
Christmas Hope by Violet Howe
Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
Christmas Rings by Tess Thompson

STANDALONES
Bigger Things
A Sharla Brown Christmas

WRITING AS TONI SHERIDAN
The Present
Drummer Boy

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop

Book 5 of the Cedar Mountain Lodge series by various authors. Contemporary sweet romance. Best read as part of the series. Second chance troupe.
Stevie’s story.

Stevie likes the feeling of a crush. As long as it stays that way. A crush is safe and will eventually fade.
Jackson fell for Stevie back in their school days. But Stevie’s insecurity and mother issues drove a wedge between them. Will those same issues break them up again?

Stevie’s self esteem issues caused a lot of drama both in her head and between her and Jackson. I really wanted her to just talk it out. I admired Jackson for being the smart one more than once in the romance. He may have been afraid or worried, but he put himself on the line several times.

Sweet. Sometimes frustrating. Wonderful ending. Looking forward to the next and final book of this series.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Five in the series is Stevie's story. Stevie was the first young girl chosen by Maddie to become part of her family. Stevie's life is different than the other girls because she has a biological mother - a mother who often disappeared out of her life and only came back when she needed money. This has made Stevie adopt a hard shell about her life that only seems to ease when she is with her sisters. She is a chief who is on the road a lot cooking for various groups and even lives in her camper. She is looking forward to spending her time with her sisters at the wedding and when the wedding is called off it only strengthens her feeling that there are no happy endings in life...until she meets an old boyfriend who is a chief at one of the restaurants at the lodge. Will she be able to give up her negative feelings about life and love and open her heart and mind to a happy future with the man she loves?

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie may be the most damaged of the young girls Maddie took in so many years ago. With a mother who comes into her life only when she wants something while being filled with empty promises and lies, to her inability to feel worthy of anything permanent in her life, the talented chef even lives a life of impermanence in her small trailer, like a nomad wandering an emotional minefield. Only once had she given her heart away, and it came back in tattered shreds, but whose fault was that?

Now, back for Christmas and her sister’s on again. Off again wedding, running into Jackson Bassett was like adding salt to a festering wound that never healed. Can she trust her heart to the very person who destroyed it? They say time heals all wounds, but how much time is enough to learn to trust, share and be honest?

Ev Bishop’s CHRISTMAS DREAMS adds to the romantic and wonderful series Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge with warmth, a bit of an edge as she perfectly colors in Stevie’s story. Anything sweeter would not have done justice to Stevie’s sharp edges, anything with more tart, emotional pain would have been too bitter to swallow.

Ms. Bishop has, as she always does, created the perfect texture, passion and flavor for romance that feels believable, for the sister of the soul who needed it her way. A fabulous series that will melt the hearts of every reader who believes in the magic of love, family and fate during the Holidays!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Ev Bishop! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge - Book 5
Publisher : Winding Path Books (October 22, 2020)
Genre: Holiday Romance | Family
Print Length : 220 pages
Available from:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just brilliant story you can relate to in more ways you'd like to admit. I absolutely loved Stevie and Jackson's second chance romance. I really need more than 5 stars to give!
Christmas Dreams, book 5 in series pulled at my heartstrings and made me so emotional. I had to cry, laugh, been sorry, confused, even angry and wanted to punch someone.
Those wonderful but so realistic characters that easily became my friends, no even a family!
Story line just flows seamlessly though (or because!) series is written by 5 amazing authors and each book gives you so many more puzzle pieces and the whole picture as if by a magical touch appears before your eyes and become alive! And what a piece of art is that! Great beautiful small town built specially for our mind eyes in a very detailed way you can see it, feel it!
I highly recommend this series to everyone who loves Christmassy love stories but this is so much more!

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best series ,

Love the theme of Soul sisters. This is Stevie 's story that I have been waiting for, I knew I would love her Character when we met her in Christmas Sister's. Stevie is the best character to love, she is strong willed, loyal, kind, and she just grabs ahold of your heart from the get go! I am happy she gets her one of a kind Happily ever after,perfect story for her and Jackson.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop is the fifth book in the Soul Sisters and Cedar Mountain Lodge series. Each of the books except for the introductory book focus on one of the main characters - this one is focused on Stevie, the red haired, quick tempered chef. I was so excited to read her book - for some reason, books about chefs always intrigue me.

Stevie is one of my favorite characters in this series. Out of all of the sisters, Stevie might have the most tragic background. In her fast forward, the events in her past are reflected in the way that she lives a nomadic lifestyle in her RV, not wanting to commit to anywhere or really trust in anyone other than her family. All of that is put to the test when she heads to the lodge for her family reunion/sister’s now cancelled wedding. Her character shows so much growth throughout the events of this book as she deals with her family, a new animal friend, and an old/new flame. With everything she has experienced in her past, she has a very hard time trusting new situations, which I completely relate to. It was very fascinating to watching as she made the decisions despite of, or maybe because of, her past.

Ev Bishop is a new to me author, but I love her style of writing in this book. It is very easy to read. I will definitely be looking into more of her books after reading this one.

[Serena Soape · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge Series is one that will have you sad crying for a second and then happy crying immediately after but you will never want the stories to end.
This collection of novels by the different authors pair together so easily and going from one to the next is like you never miss a beat.
I was enthralled with Stevie’s story from reading the other novels but loved getting to know her in “Christmas Dreams”.
Ev Bishop takes into an intricate account of Stevie’s difficult life and she is so easy to love in this whimsical romance ride that she travels.
I would 100% recommend that you read “Christmas Dreams” as well as all of the other books in this series. You will not regret it and will be left wanting more.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.

[Carol Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series by various authors is so good! Maddie, who lost her husband and daughter to a car crash and is not looking forward to Christmas without them, lovingly takes in four foster girls at Christmas, with the thought of adopting them. All the girls are adults now, and the family has gathered for Alicia’s wedding. This book follows Stevie as she works through her insecurities while falling once again for her high school sweetheart. It was easy to read this book in an afternoon. The author brings all the characters to life, and they are all realistic and easy to like. I recommend this book, and especially the series.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Dreams

Since I read this series out of order, this is the last book for me and it, as were all of them, wonderful. Stevie and Jackson were great. May we all have family that love us like the soul sisters love each other.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid second chance romance!

Stevie was the first of Maddie's "soul" daughters to come into her life, so I've been most interested in reading about her experiences and romance and I was not disappointed by this story. Stevie has a bit of a hard shell, having had to maintain some contact with her bio-mom despite all the problems there, causing her to have serious trust and esteem issues long before Jackson entered her life.

These two were an item in high school for a quick minute, but their relationship couldn't withstand the external nor internal problems caused by each of their parents. Stevie's mom is the least reliable person in her life, and Jackson's dad made sure his approval was a unattainable goal.

Meeting again at the Cedar Mountain Lodge just before Christmas gives them both a second chance, and it's a beautiful story start to finish. The honesty with which both Jackson and Stevie examined their own hearts and held each other accountable was refreshing to see. Their instinctive connection was palpable, and I absolutely swooned at the use of a very common trope towards the end. I can't detail it without revealing spoilers, but it was simply perfect for these two and I just loved every bit of how it played out.

Their one-year-later epilogue was heartwarming and joyous. I couldn't love this story more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book in the Cedar Mountain Lodge series. I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
I think many women will relate to Stevie. She is a very remarkable woman who doesn't see herself the way others do. When she meets her childhood friend, Jackson again at the lodge, he tries to show her how amazing she is. They hadn't seen each other since they were kids and each thought the other owed them an apology. I loved how completely honest they were with each and sometimes they couldn't understand each other but I just kept hoping.
There were many of my favorite scenes from the previous books and this book just came alive for me. There was warmth, the magic of the season, and hope that Stevie and Jackson would see who they really were and not the images they had in their heads from their past. I was surprised at the ending but the author really got right into their heads and wrote what she was seeing.
There are 5 authors writing this series and it is amazing how it all comes together and flows seamlessly. It is like the soul sisters becoming a family, they just blended together, their lives were enriched with love and a bond that is so strong, they are always there for each other.

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to remind me of Little Women which I believe is some of the charm. Stevie so reminds me of Jo in that classic and Jackson is her beloved professor. This book continues the story of the four sisters who were fostered and in some cases adopted by Maddie. Stevie is the most insecure of the girls and feels the least self worth. Her story of finding her way through the maze of live and trying to feel worth of love is a classic Christmas story. this is a series best read from start to finish so the reader can keep up with each of the characters. This is a sweet story and well worth reading just for pure enjoyment.

[Maxine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Ev Bishop read. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story. Her character development is fantastic. The book is a combination of great characters, small town values and love. It’s a must read.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of The Soul Sisters Series. Each one better than the next. Seamless transition from one book to another. Impossible to know several different writers are writing for each character. Loved this story so much. I think we all have a bit of Stevie deep inside. Can't wait for book 6, but hate knowing series is ending. Highly recommend you read them all.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in Tears and Love!  Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop is number five in the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series. I'm still loving this series and I'm in tears because I'm dreading the end of the series. Just one more to go! 

Again, I'm amazed at how seamless these women are that have written all of these books. I can't tell one from another except for their name on the front of the book. That is such a good thing because you don't have to keep switching gears between books. They write as one! 

This book is about Stevie. She is the second oldest and the chef that lives in an RV. I didn't think I would enjoy this one as well as the others but I did. It was every bit as good. I never re-read books but, I might be tempted to read this series again next year! The whole series is just wonderful. 

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you! I feel very blessed.

[Ley Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful Christmas story. This is book 5 in a continuity series but can be read alone.The story flows effortlessly as we follow the adult life of Stevie one of 4 soul sisters.Dogs family and Christmas spirit will entice you to read and relax with this story.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Dreams is a wonderful, heartwarming romance. This wonderful series should be on everyone's must read list this year. (Can be read as a stand alone but I would not have wanted to miss a single book in the series. You will not want them to end! They flow together perfectly!) This book has some of my favorite scenes - especially the one with the cake topper. Stevie and Jackson are both awesome characters. I could not put the book down once I started reading! I love their journey to resolve old hurts and to find love. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.

[B. Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Dreams for Stevie
Stevie is the fourth daughter of Maddie’s and had an unstable life with her mother who would leave her for long periods of time. Stevie feels she is unable to commit and love anyone because of her life with her mother, Marilyn. She never felt loved and family was a fantasy to her until she joins Maddie and her sisters.
Stevie meets the rest of her soul sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge even though Alissa’s wedding has been called off. Her sisters and Maddie have always spent Christmas together and plan to do so this year.
On her first walk in Granite Ridge, Stevie meets a former classmate, Jackson Basset. Jackson is someone she always wanted but thought she could not have due to her mother’s unstable life and Jackson’s father. As they reconnect, Stevie wonders if she can take the risk to trust and love someone, or would this be a mistake? Will her dreams of what she really wants in life come true?Will her transient life and Jackson’ desire to settle in Granite Ridge bring them together or separate them?

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Ev Bishop for my honest and voluntary review.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"No matter how much you grow as a person or strive to work through them, some things are so deeply formative that even when you no longer let them define you, they’re forever a shadow side of you, shaping your view of the world and your place in it."

The above quote from this book pretty much sums up the message of this book. Stevie's story was the most difficult one to read in this series. While she is an adult now, her childhood baggage is still being dragged around, as is true for most adults. She was adopted by a loving women, Maddie, at the same time as 3 other young girls. Her situation is different in that her biological mother is still living, just not capable to care for her.

I think the author wrote an excellent story of this difficult situation, and after reading the other books in this series, and getting to know in more detail each of the girls adopted, it is so heartwarming to see that Stevie grew into a beautiful woman inside and out.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in the series. This is Stevie's story with Jackson. Stevie, the only Soul Sister who has one biological parent still living, suffers from insecurity due to her Mother's poor parenting skills. I feel the topics addressed in this novella, and Stevie's emotional growth, are realistically portrayed. I also love the inclusion of the pets in these novellas. It is an added layer of love in a fun romance series. Thank you to the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read an Advanced Review Copy. All opinions are my own.

[KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soul sister second chance at love.

This story is Stevie's and although Stevie might not have lost her family in the tragic way her soul sisters and Maddie did...in some ways - her life has been the toughest and she seems to have struggled the most.

You really should read these from Book 1 as each builds on the others even though they all take place at the same moment in time. The stories intertwine quite well which is kudos to these six authors.

Stevie is prickly about love and scoffs at it being a part of her life. Then she lays eyes on her high school crush who crushed her long ago and causes her to re-evaluate things. Maybe things weren't quite as they appeared. The back and forth - will she give in? - will he walk away? - almost drove me crazy, but it resolves in such a sweet way.

This is still a clean romance, but there is a hint of steam to this story. Although events happen quickly - it somehow works for Stevie and Jackson. And that epilogue - so sweet. And Syd...oh my goodness - I could picture him so clearly!

This has been a fun, yet touching series about the power of a family bonded not by blood, but by love.

I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.

[Michele Anne Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

The luscious picturesque descriptions continue! Ev Bishop out does herself depicting the magical Christmas displays as well as the ever beautiful mountains of Idaho. Having had the pleasure of visiting epic destinations during the holiday season, I could visualize all the splendors of Christmas Ev so eloquently portrayed. This story is about Soul Sister Stevie, the most jaded of the sisters. It’s understandable that Stevie has more of a vagabond spirit due to her tough younger years as well as the continued strife her biological mother causes. I could relate to Stevie as I too was jaded and had constructed walls of steel to guard me from heartbreak. When Maddie talks to Stevie, asking her, “what would life be without love?”, I felt a true connection. My mother knew she was passing away from cancer. Her end being near, she wrote a letter to her family, addressing each of us individually. I will never forget her words of wisdom to me, “never lose your compassion for others”. Words I have lived by! This story, like the others, will have you laughing and crying and of course, another handsome man is introduced. Oh la la! I highly recommend Christmas Dreams, Soul Sisters At Cedar Mountain Lodge Book 5, by Ev Bishop. Be prepared to smile!

[Kris Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop
In this book, we learn the back story of Stevie and see the “wedding weekend” from her perspective. Stevie has overcome a lot to get to where she is. She does not want to feel dependent on anyone. She struggles with abandonment and self-worth. She is a chef and travels in her travel trailer from job to job. Food is her comfort. As Stevie cheers everyone up with her wonderful food concoctions, she discovers that change and growth are inevitable. When she comes in contact with an old friend, she learns that happiness is worth the risk. Setting down roots and allowing oneself to be vulnerable may not be that bad.
I really enjoyed the character of Stevie. She was very relatable. She has a lot of the issues that children in foster care go through. This is a great addition to the series. Clear your calendar for the evening as you will not want to put this book down.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another insta-love stories in the series that I didn't care for. I gave it 2 stars only because it was written better than the first few in the series. Stevie is too messed up and it was awful reading about her constant insecurities. She needs to get some therapy and grow up. Jackson had the right idea on Christmas Eve to see that they were too different in who they are and what they want. Unfortunately he was stupid and went back to the crazy. I would have liked the story more if they had just decided to work through things as a couple and really get to know each other before making a giant ridiculous decision. As for the epilogue, it doesn't take a year to get a restaurant set up. What were they doing for work for a year to pay bills, etc? I guess too realistic to really bother about in romantic fiction but little details like that bug me. Except for Maddie's story this series has been extremely disappointing.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Dreams by Ev Bishop is the 5th book in the multiauthor Series Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge. I am just loving this series, even though each book is written by a different author they all flow seamlessly. I love how each author starts from the beginning. I had fun returning to Cedar Mountain Lodge and the characters I’ve met there. This is very well written, has well developed and likable characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Ms. Bishop has written a wonderful story which drew me right in. I did not want to put this book down and read well past my bedtime. I can't wait for the next book in this series to be available! This is such a great series you want to read each book and then when you have them all this is one series you will want to read over and over again it is that good

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough Stevie is there for her sister, but who is there for her?

Stevie is back in town to support her soul sister who has been let down in the last few days before her wedding. But when she gets there she meets up with former crush Jackson, who apparently had had a crush on her as well. They both love food and cooking, but can anyone ever break through her emotional walls to keep her safe from pain? Can she open up to love? Read this and see. Read this series in order, but #2, 3, 4 and 5 all cover the same basic time frame, but from different points of view, making it all very engrossing.

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has some kisses but no other steam. The characters are vivid and endearing. Enjoy this complex story roles from 5 different people's point of view. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series, by some really talented authors. Ev Bishop is the author of Book#5, and what a great story this is. Stevie Fox, one of the Soul Sisters adopted by Maddie, is a chef, and the family are all gathering at the Cedar Mountain Lodge for Alissa and Jed’s wedding on Christmas Eve. However, something goes wrong, but they all decide to go anyway. Stevie runs into her old high school flame, Jackson Bassett, at the Lodge. Both of them feel the rekindled spark that may light into a flame at any moment. But Stevie has been hurt before, and confusion over takes her as to go with her heart or go with her gut. Just love this series, all of the books, and how the different authors work together in bring these characters to life.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of the Cedar Mountain Series. This special
Holiday read is Stevie’s story. Stevie was taken in by Maggie after being abandoned by her mother, who drifts into her life and then back out, each time kindling painful memories and bringing fresh hurt. The current return is accompanied by her mom’s request for money.

Stevie is currently living a nomadic life in the comfy, RV but she loves her family time. Out for a late night walk Stevie spots a chef in need of kitchen help. Turns out the chef is high school flame Jackson Bassett. Jackson is looking for stability and permanence while Stevie is content with her nomadic life. Can the two have a future?

[Shelleen Toland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef Stevie Fox isn’t just looking forward to a luxurious holiday celebrating her sister’s Christmas wedding, she needs it. A difficult year has her brain bursting and her heart starving. A menu of late-night chats, lots of laughter, and tons of pampering with her beloved foster sisters and Maddie, the woman who made them a family fifteen years ago, promises the nourishment she craves.
This is book 5 of the Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge series.
Stevie is supposed to be cooking for her sister's wedding and she needs the kitchen and ends up running into an old friend who is the chef at the lodge.

[Betty Conway erb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in a series about a group of women who find themselves in very sad situations and how they came together to become a family of love, kindness, and compassion. This book is about Stevie. She seems to be the most understood and awkward of the sisters. Stevie reunites with a childhood sweetheart, who ultimately helps her to feel alive and comfortable in her own skin. Ev Bishop does a fabulous job of telling Stevie's story and making you feel as if she was someone who you personally know.