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Love in Millar's Crossing #1
A Family's Christmas
“I need to talk to you”
These words from her estranged father brought Sarah Westerveld home to Millar’s Crossing for Christmas after many lonely years away.
But when she arrives her father’s sudden stroke renders him unable to speak.
For years Sarah has yearned to be forgiven for the past. A forgiveness that involves her father’s enemy and the man who had haunted her dreams – the ruggedly handsome Logan Carleton.
Sarah’s father and Logan have a dark past she’s only heard hints of. But that hasn’t stopped her from being attracted to him at one time.
Can Sarah discover the secret her father is hiding? A secret woven into the tragedies that haunt Logan as well? And will the discovery tear apart the fragile relationship she and Logan have struggled to rebuild?
A Family’s Christmas is the first book in the Love in Millar’s Crossing series.
Previouisly published as Yuletide Homecoming
These words from her estranged father brought Sarah Westerveld home to Millar’s Crossing for Christmas after many lonely years away.
But when she arrives her father’s sudden stroke renders him unable to speak.
For years Sarah has yearned to be forgiven for the past. A forgiveness that involves her father’s enemy and the man who had haunted her dreams – the ruggedly handsome Logan Carleton.
Sarah’s father and Logan have a dark past she’s only heard hints of. But that hasn’t stopped her from being attracted to him at one time.
Can Sarah discover the secret her father is hiding? A secret woven into the tragedies that haunt Logan as well? And will the discovery tear apart the fragile relationship she and Logan have struggled to rebuild?
A Family’s Christmas is the first book in the Love in Millar’s Crossing series.
Previouisly published as Yuletide Homecoming
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2007
502 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Carolyne Aarsen
213 books727 followersEven with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 28, 2023
This is my first time reading a book by Carolyne Aarsen and I was completely drawn into the story. The books ending had me crying tears of happiness . This book was sweet romance that bought a couple of high school sweethearts back together for a second chance. The main theme of this story dealt with Forgiveness and there seemed to be a need for that because there was a lot of hurt feelings between the characters in this story. A lot of misunderstandings and one very domineering father. Christmas comes near the books ending and everything works out for the best. The beautiful cover wraps itself around a heart felt story that I’m very glad I got to read.
I recommend this book to readers of Christian Fiction and Women’s fiction. Those who enjoy Contemporary Romance will also like this book.
I purchased my own copy.
I recommend this book to readers of Christian Fiction and Women’s fiction. Those who enjoy Contemporary Romance will also like this book.
I purchased my own copy.
December 3, 2024
Sweet, spiritual story about second chances in life with family and romance.
March 5, 2021
3.5 rounded up to a 4
I struggled with the rating for this book. I've gone from a 5 to a 3 and finally settled on 3.5 rounded up. It's an emotionally intense book with a darkness hovering over it. I prefer light and fluffy books. Books that make me feel happy when I finish them. This is not that book. I actually felt sad, emotionally drained, and exhausted when I finished reading this book.
My biggest issue with this book is the dead sister. I kind of felt like Jan from the Brady Bunch. "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!" except in this case it was "Marilee, Marilee, Marilee!" The dead sister cast a dark pall over the entire book.
Some examples of how heavy handed the author was with the whole Marilee thing:
"Though he had dated her sister Marilee at one time, Sarah was far more interesting."
"It didn’t matter to her that her sister was more popular, more vivacious and, generally, more fun. It didn’t even matter to Sarah that her sister had more boyfriends. Including him at one time."
"Marilee was your father’s favorite."
"And showing such obvious preference for Marilee? He should never have treated Marilee the way he did. He didn’t do that girl any favors.”"
"He finished high school but then he dated Marilee. But their father had no love for Logan and Marilee had to sneak out to see him. They broke up after only a few dates"
"Marilee again. Marilee still. Her father could not get Marilee out of his mind even after all these years."
I actually liked Sarah and Logan. I felt bad for them and the things they had to endure. I was pulling for them and I wanted to see them come together as a couple. I wanted them to have their HEA. However, I struggled with this obsession over Marilee. I wanted more time spent on Sarah and Logan and their relationship. It felt rushed at the end. A flip was switched and TADA! all is forgiven and they are back together.
Perhaps if the author had spent less time on Marilee, Marilee, Marilee and telling us how wonderful and bubbly and perfect she was then she could have spent more time on Sarah and Logan and their relationship (holy run-on sentence Batman! LOL). The book suffered because of this.
I struggled with the rating for this book. I've gone from a 5 to a 3 and finally settled on 3.5 rounded up. It's an emotionally intense book with a darkness hovering over it. I prefer light and fluffy books. Books that make me feel happy when I finish them. This is not that book. I actually felt sad, emotionally drained, and exhausted when I finished reading this book.
My biggest issue with this book is the dead sister. I kind of felt like Jan from the Brady Bunch. "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!" except in this case it was "Marilee, Marilee, Marilee!" The dead sister cast a dark pall over the entire book.
Some examples of how heavy handed the author was with the whole Marilee thing:
"Though he had dated her sister Marilee at one time, Sarah was far more interesting."
"It didn’t matter to her that her sister was more popular, more vivacious and, generally, more fun. It didn’t even matter to Sarah that her sister had more boyfriends. Including him at one time."
"Marilee was your father’s favorite."
"And showing such obvious preference for Marilee? He should never have treated Marilee the way he did. He didn’t do that girl any favors.”"
"He finished high school but then he dated Marilee. But their father had no love for Logan and Marilee had to sneak out to see him. They broke up after only a few dates"
"Marilee again. Marilee still. Her father could not get Marilee out of his mind even after all these years."
I actually liked Sarah and Logan. I felt bad for them and the things they had to endure. I was pulling for them and I wanted to see them come together as a couple. I wanted them to have their HEA. However, I struggled with this obsession over Marilee. I wanted more time spent on Sarah and Logan and their relationship. It felt rushed at the end. A flip was switched and TADA! all is forgiven and they are back together.
Perhaps if the author had spent less time on Marilee, Marilee, Marilee and telling us how wonderful and bubbly and perfect she was then she could have spent more time on Sarah and Logan and their relationship (holy run-on sentence Batman! LOL). The book suffered because of this.
February 17, 2022
DNF
I am sure that this story was going somewhere but it was taking the long way to get there and I simply got tired of waiting for who knows what.
I am sure that this story was going somewhere but it was taking the long way to get there and I simply got tired of waiting for who knows what.
January 4, 2021
A Family’s Christmas by Carolyne Aarsen
Love in Millars Crossing Series Book One
Sarah Westerveld’s life was never fantastic, but it took a turn for the worst when her sister died. It was no secret that her dad’s favorite daughter died. So Sarah left Millars Crossing and never returned...until now.
Logan Carleton has been struggling with anger and bitterness for some time. There had never been any love lost between the Carletons and the Westervelds, but that hadn’t stopped him from falling for Sarah all those years ago. And then she broke up and left. And they both moved on... Now, he was just trying to keep his business going and help his little brother to escape Millars Crossing...since he was never able to do so himself.
Sarah has returned after her father asked her to. When she left, she had left her faith behind. Now, as Sarah and Logan face the past, it seems God is opening His Word to them and revealing to both of them what they need in their lives. Mostly, to forgive others. Wonderful story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Love in Millars Crossing Series Book One
Sarah Westerveld’s life was never fantastic, but it took a turn for the worst when her sister died. It was no secret that her dad’s favorite daughter died. So Sarah left Millars Crossing and never returned...until now.
Logan Carleton has been struggling with anger and bitterness for some time. There had never been any love lost between the Carletons and the Westervelds, but that hadn’t stopped him from falling for Sarah all those years ago. And then she broke up and left. And they both moved on... Now, he was just trying to keep his business going and help his little brother to escape Millars Crossing...since he was never able to do so himself.
Sarah has returned after her father asked her to. When she left, she had left her faith behind. Now, as Sarah and Logan face the past, it seems God is opening His Word to them and revealing to both of them what they need in their lives. Mostly, to forgive others. Wonderful story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
December 21, 2020
A beautifully written story of returning to your home and family after an absence of several years. The characters are well portrayed as they face some of the the assumptions and misperceptions of the past.
This book touched all the right buttons with me. So many things happening in the background that kept my interest spot on through the entire book. The scenarios were so well written it just kept me "turning the pages" through the night hours. However, I enjoy reading at night and Carolyne Aarsen's books are a pretty safe bet that I will burn the midnight oil.
The characters were another interesting mix that went from one extreme to the other. Some of the underlying issues were ones that I myself had earlier in my life. God's grace and presence is such a strong foundation in this story.
An excellent read that I would highly recommend.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
This book touched all the right buttons with me. So many things happening in the background that kept my interest spot on through the entire book. The scenarios were so well written it just kept me "turning the pages" through the night hours. However, I enjoy reading at night and Carolyne Aarsen's books are a pretty safe bet that I will burn the midnight oil.
The characters were another interesting mix that went from one extreme to the other. Some of the underlying issues were ones that I myself had earlier in my life. God's grace and presence is such a strong foundation in this story.
An excellent read that I would highly recommend.
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
December 9, 2020
Sarah is only back in Miller Crossing because her estranged father wanted to speak to her. This is the first time in eight years that Sarah had been back home. What she doesn't expect is to see her ex-boyfriend Logan within in minutes of arriving and for her father to have a stroke before she could speak to him. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I like seeing Sarah being volunteered to coach a boys’ basketball team and the struggles she had for respect with the boys and their parents. I admire how she dealt with them and with her own hard-hearted father. I also love seeing how through prayer, scripture, and conversations that Sarah and Logan are able to overcome the hurt and anger and are able to forgive. This helped me reflect on hurt and forgiveness in my own life. I love this Christian second chance romance.
December 25, 2019
This was my first time reading a book by Carolyn and my first time reading a Christmas book from Love Inspired Series which i really loved!!
The Plot Setting and Characters were very easy to get into and the storyline ran so smoothly. I wish it hadnt concentrated on Sarah and Logan's disagreements as much in the first few chapters but over all i really enjoyed this book!!
Can't wait to read more by Carolyn and Love Inspired in the future!!
The Plot Setting and Characters were very easy to get into and the storyline ran so smoothly. I wish it hadnt concentrated on Sarah and Logan's disagreements as much in the first few chapters but over all i really enjoyed this book!!
Can't wait to read more by Carolyn and Love Inspired in the future!!
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January 3, 2022Love stands the test of time!
I gave this story a five star rating, which is like the same as last time. I didn't realize I had read this book before I had read the book before. Still thoroughly enjoyed it! Logan had the patience to give Sarah another chance though she had broken up with him eight years previous. Obviously I did really liked this story since I read the whole again , tho I had read once already. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romance!
I gave this story a five star rating, which is like the same as last time. I didn't realize I had read this book before I had read the book before. Still thoroughly enjoyed it! Logan had the patience to give Sarah another chance though she had broken up with him eight years previous. Obviously I did really liked this story since I read the whole again , tho I had read once already. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romance!
January 10, 2022
A good coming home story.
This a story about a daughter that comes home at the request of her father that she has been separated from for 8 years. She is returning to her home town that is filled with family but it is not where she really wants to be. Then things happened that changed all her plans and maybe her future. It was interesting learning about her journey through the years she was gone and the progress she is making now.
This a story about a daughter that comes home at the request of her father that she has been separated from for 8 years. She is returning to her home town that is filled with family but it is not where she really wants to be. Then things happened that changed all her plans and maybe her future. It was interesting learning about her journey through the years she was gone and the progress she is making now.
January 15, 2022
A beautiful story. I loved seeing how the different characters came to forgive those who had hurt them after realizing that they too did wrong and were always forgiven by God. Nice romance too with past misunderstandings cleared up and love triumphing.
February 11, 2022
Enjoyable
Right years is a long time to live with guilt, resentment and without your true love. Sarah and Logan had some mighty big battles to overcome to find their way back to each other.
Right years is a long time to live with guilt, resentment and without your true love. Sarah and Logan had some mighty big battles to overcome to find their way back to each other.
December 18, 2020
What a beautiful, heartfelt story about Sarah Westerveld returning to Millars Crossing to see her father who needed to talk with her. She had never really had a relationship with her father because her older sister was his pride and joy but she had died eight years ago. It was amazing to see the person Sarah had become with everything that she had gone through.
I liked that Sarah and her high school boyfriend, Logan were finding their way back to God and to attending church. It was so nice to see that they might have a second chance together.
I also liked the minister's sermon on forgiveness that really helped Sarah come to terms with her past and to be able to have the future she wanted to have. I truly enjoyed how the story ended. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I liked that Sarah and her high school boyfriend, Logan were finding their way back to God and to attending church. It was so nice to see that they might have a second chance together.
I also liked the minister's sermon on forgiveness that really helped Sarah come to terms with her past and to be able to have the future she wanted to have. I truly enjoyed how the story ended. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
December 9, 2020
It’s the time of the year when Christmas stories are popular; new books are published; and, romance is sweet in the hearts that come together. That being said, Millars Crossing has so much going on that the book is a busy read from beginning to end. Sarah returned after eight years; her father has asked her to come home, please; and, her lost love and friend, Logan, is still there in town. I loved the basketball games as well as the experiences of scripture that changed lives. Reading the Psalm of praise and thanksgiving that was all about forgiveness while being in a hospital room, was especially touching. This is a wonderful Christian story. Thanks to the author for giving me an early copy to enjoy.
December 9, 2020
Sarah has been estranged from her emotionally-distant father for years and she has very little hope of that improving when she returns for a short time to her hometown. Logan, her first love, is still angry that she broke up with him because of a feud between the families and then left him behind when she moved away. What is the answer to the messiness of families? How do we find wholeness when surrounded by broken people and relationships? This book goes a long way toward answering those questions—and not in a trite way. In the process, the author weaves an engaging story with wonderful characters and a satisfying ending. I highly recommend it! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
December 11, 2020
I loved this book, and I loved the romance between Sarah and Logan. They tried to fight it, but they had a strong connection that just wouldn’t be denied. I liked how protective Sarah’s family was of her, and how loved she was. I liked the growth in her over the course of the story, and I liked that she finally learned how to stand up to her father. Ms. Aarsen is one of my favorite authors, and I always know I’m going to get a good story when I start one of her books. A Family’s Christmas was no exception. It had everything I look for in a romance, it had wonderful characters, and it left me feeling happy. I can’t wait for the next book in this series! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, am giving my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 9, 2021
I have to admit...for most of this I was thinking this was a 2 star read. The premise was fine but it was SLOW. I didnt realize going in that it was a Christian romance. I have no issue with faith playing a large role in a story like this about forgiveness and second chances...but it felt very heavy handed to me and pulled me out of the story. That said...I know people who would love that about this book...but that style just wasnt for me and it got super repetitive as the story went on. But...overall I did like the premise and plot of this story and I did enjoy the was basketball was woven into the story as well. This is one of those where the bad and the good kind of offset each other and make this fall into the 3 star "just ok" category.
December 10, 2020
Loved Sarah and Logan's story. They had been High school sweethearts until Sarah broke up with him because of her father. Logan's Family had been hurt financially because of Sarah's father. And his father died from all the stress and strain. I was cheering Sarah on to give Logan and her another chance. And shocked at all the hurtful things Sarah's father had said to her in the past and present. If you like clean heartfelt stories with second chances, you will like A Family Christmas'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
January 23, 2018
January 9, 2010
WOW!
This story really hit home for me. As someone who has serious issues with her father, this was at times both painful AND poignant to read. And it was also a great reminder that I need to NOT try and please my father here, but my Heavenly Father. That is all that is ultimately important.
It was wonderful to see the characters grow in the Lord and learn that forgiveness heals even the deepest wounds!!!
WOW!
This story really hit home for me. As someone who has serious issues with her father, this was at times both painful AND poignant to read. And it was also a great reminder that I need to NOT try and please my father here, but my Heavenly Father. That is all that is ultimately important.
It was wonderful to see the characters grow in the Lord and learn that forgiveness heals even the deepest wounds!!!
March 23, 2021
Wonderful!
This story is a wonderful start to what I'm sure will be a great series. My heart ached for Logan and what he went through. I'm glad Sarah came home to face her ghosts, as well as the man she left behind. There was a lot of forgiveness required by the main characters and many misunderstandings to work out. Thank goodness they did it! I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series.
This story is a wonderful start to what I'm sure will be a great series. My heart ached for Logan and what he went through. I'm glad Sarah came home to face her ghosts, as well as the man she left behind. There was a lot of forgiveness required by the main characters and many misunderstandings to work out. Thank goodness they did it! I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series.
May 1, 2021
A Family’s Christmas
Another great book in the series of small time romances. This book tells of story of two families who were against each other for various reasons. I the course of the story it is revealed how each family learns how to forgive each other and move on with their lives. Working with God and their own feelings this is how they forgive and forget. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Another great book in the series of small time romances. This book tells of story of two families who were against each other for various reasons. I the course of the story it is revealed how each family learns how to forgive each other and move on with their lives. Working with God and their own feelings this is how they forgive and forget. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
December 10, 2020
A Family's Christmas is a Christian, second chance romance. After eight years, Sarah and Logan still have great chemistry. But this well written book also has a lot of drama - Sarah's emotionally unavailable father, feuding between families, and a great deal more. A Family's Christmas grabbed my interest on page one and kept me reading far too late! I was very engrossed in this story.
December 11, 2020
So many misunderstandings and hurtful words kept Sarah and Logan apart as well as Sarah and her father. Great message of how we gain the power to forgive from the one who has forgiven us. Glad Sarah and Logan finally talked and were able to reconcile and forgive each other and others. Left me thinking about not only forgiving others but asking for forgiveness.
December 28, 2021
Family can make or break a relationship!
I loved reading about Sarah and hoping she would make the right decision. Trying to overcome feelings of not being loved for who you are is difficult. Logan had to learn to forgive. So glad Sarah and Logan had the faith in God and listened to him.
I loved reading about Sarah and hoping she would make the right decision. Trying to overcome feelings of not being loved for who you are is difficult. Logan had to learn to forgive. So glad Sarah and Logan had the faith in God and listened to him.
July 26, 2022
I have said it before and I will say it again... I don't think that there is a Carolyne Aarsen book that I haven't loved. Ms. Aarsen writes clean, Christian romances.
A Family's Christmas is the first book in the Love in Millars Crossing series. This is a story of forgiveness, friendship, and second chances. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
A Family's Christmas is the first book in the Love in Millars Crossing series. This is a story of forgiveness, friendship, and second chances. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
January 14, 2021
A nice story
I usually love Carolyne’s books and this was a good story.
It seemed to lack the depth of her other books. I did like the theme of forgiving others, not only for their them
but for our own peace of mind and heart, and if God’s
unconditional love for us.
I usually love Carolyne’s books and this was a good story.
It seemed to lack the depth of her other books. I did like the theme of forgiving others, not only for their them
but for our own peace of mind and heart, and if God’s
unconditional love for us.
January 18, 2021
A Family's Christmas A Sweet Romance(Romance in Miller's Crossing Book 1)
This is a very good story about love and family and forgiveness and trust in God and a young woman finding home
This is a very good story about love and family and forgiveness and trust in God and a young woman finding home
April 24, 2021
Homecoming
Sarah comes home at the request of her father. Only trouble is he is struck with a stroke that day. Logan is the boy she left behind because of her father. So much had happened, so much does happen. Can they get back together?
Sarah comes home at the request of her father. Only trouble is he is struck with a stroke that day. Logan is the boy she left behind because of her father. So much had happened, so much does happen. Can they get back together?
December 11, 2021
A Family's Christmas
I chose this rating because the story was about clean romance and brought up several scriptures from the bible. Storyline was very good too I would read more of her novels!!
I chose this rating because the story was about clean romance and brought up several scriptures from the bible. Storyline was very good too I would read more of her novels!!
January 29, 2021
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews