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Deck the Halls
Is Christmas magic enough to bring these two women back together?
Bridget Buttermilk hates Christmas. Between raising her daughter alone and running an online crafting business, she really doesn't have time to worry about putting up a tree, or baking cookies for Santa. When's she is called into her daughter's classroom, she is shocked to find out her daughter's teacher is her high-school sweetheart. Thirteen years and one failed marriage later, she had no interest in rekindling their romance.
Valerie Rivers loves Christmas. Christmas decorations, Christmas candy, Christmas sweaters. If it's Christmas themed, she has to have it. Leaving her high-school girlfriend, Bridget, to pursue an acting career is one of her biggest regrets. When Ms. Buttermilk, Aria's mother, turns out to be Bridget, she sees a second chance at everything she walked away from.
Bridget has changed, and it's up to Valerie (with a little help from Aria) to help her rekindle her love of Christmas. Is 25 days enough to fall in love, find her Christmas spirit, and keep their sanity long enough to make it through the annual Christmas market, or do they need a Christmas miracle?
Bridget Buttermilk hates Christmas. Between raising her daughter alone and running an online crafting business, she really doesn't have time to worry about putting up a tree, or baking cookies for Santa. When's she is called into her daughter's classroom, she is shocked to find out her daughter's teacher is her high-school sweetheart. Thirteen years and one failed marriage later, she had no interest in rekindling their romance.
Valerie Rivers loves Christmas. Christmas decorations, Christmas candy, Christmas sweaters. If it's Christmas themed, she has to have it. Leaving her high-school girlfriend, Bridget, to pursue an acting career is one of her biggest regrets. When Ms. Buttermilk, Aria's mother, turns out to be Bridget, she sees a second chance at everything she walked away from.
Bridget has changed, and it's up to Valerie (with a little help from Aria) to help her rekindle her love of Christmas. Is 25 days enough to fall in love, find her Christmas spirit, and keep their sanity long enough to make it through the annual Christmas market, or do they need a Christmas miracle?
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2020
44 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Caitlin Ryan
15 books17 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 14, 2020
A very cute Kindle Unlimited Christmas second chance romance.
Valerie is a teacher, and Aria is her student. Aria's Mom -Bridget - just happens to be Valerie's old best friend and high school first love. They reconnect, finding each has indeed change a lot. But some things are still the same.
Bridget is quite the Christmas grinchy grump despite having been quite festive growing up. Vice Versa, Valerie was more jaded about Christmas growing up, and is now Christmas obsessed.
Valerie wants to bring some magic back for Bridget and sets about Operation Deck The Halls to bring the festive spirit back to Bridgets life.
There's some drama that affects Bridget's living arrangements, so creates some forced proximity when she and Aria move into Valerie's house as their attraction continues to spark.
I did enjoy the story and connection - but there was times when Bridget was kind of ignorant to others needs, including her own daughter which made me not like her very much. She would get caught up in her work, to the detriment of those around her. Even when she got the help she desperately needed to keep up, she didn't acknowledge Valerie's hand in making that happen for her. She was quite selfish and I wanted better for Valerie who had seemingly pined after this woman since their teen years and admitted she never loved anyone else. So ultimately it made things a little bitter sweet.
But it all works out in the end, of course.
Valerie is a teacher, and Aria is her student. Aria's Mom -Bridget - just happens to be Valerie's old best friend and high school first love. They reconnect, finding each has indeed change a lot. But some things are still the same.
Bridget is quite the Christmas grinchy grump despite having been quite festive growing up. Vice Versa, Valerie was more jaded about Christmas growing up, and is now Christmas obsessed.
Valerie wants to bring some magic back for Bridget and sets about Operation Deck The Halls to bring the festive spirit back to Bridgets life.
There's some drama that affects Bridget's living arrangements, so creates some forced proximity when she and Aria move into Valerie's house as their attraction continues to spark.
I did enjoy the story and connection - but there was times when Bridget was kind of ignorant to others needs, including her own daughter which made me not like her very much. She would get caught up in her work, to the detriment of those around her. Even when she got the help she desperately needed to keep up, she didn't acknowledge Valerie's hand in making that happen for her. She was quite selfish and I wanted better for Valerie who had seemingly pined after this woman since their teen years and admitted she never loved anyone else. So ultimately it made things a little bitter sweet.
But it all works out in the end, of course.
January 1, 2021
2.8 stars
An okay Christmas story.
An okay Christmas story.
August 25, 2022
Disappointing - loved previous read of CR. Found it mundane and frankly boring. Move on.
October 19, 2021
Sweet Kindle unlimited holiday romance. Bridget Buttermilk hates Christmas. She runs a etsy store and she is overworked trying to do everything on her own. When she meets her daughter Aria's 4th grade teacher, to her surprise she finds her high school girlfriend, Valerie Rivers. Valeries loves Christmas and wants to give the spirit of Christmas back to her old friend. After a fluke fire Bridget and Aria move in temporarily with Val.
I like the set up and forced proximity to rekindle the romance. But as much as I was rooting for Bridget I'm not sure that she caught the Christmas spirit or actually changes. I didn't see what she was going to do that was different than her past choices or how to make Aria more of a priority over just providing for her. Over all cute story but would have enjoyed a little more growth or priority change.
I like the set up and forced proximity to rekindle the romance. But as much as I was rooting for Bridget I'm not sure that she caught the Christmas spirit or actually changes. I didn't see what she was going to do that was different than her past choices or how to make Aria more of a priority over just providing for her. Over all cute story but would have enjoyed a little more growth or priority change.
December 6, 2020
Bridget Butterworth makes holiday themed polymer objects for Etsy. Her love for the holiday season is lost. Aria is her grade school daughter. Cute as a button. Valerie Rivers is the old high school flame who is now Ms. Rivers, Aria's teacher, who also loves Christmas. Operation: Deck the Halls is on. Can Bridget love Christmas again.
I enjoyed the writing style and storyline that is woven through the holidays. I can see these characters in a sequel story. Hint. Hint.
I'm binge reading Holiday themed Women loving Women romances in December, 2020. Deck the Halls is a favorite thus far!
I enjoyed the writing style and storyline that is woven through the holidays. I can see these characters in a sequel story. Hint. Hint.
I'm binge reading Holiday themed Women loving Women romances in December, 2020. Deck the Halls is a favorite thus far!
December 21, 2021
Another Sweet Christmas Miracle!
Their was just something so heartbreaking yet heartwarming about this story. Valerie and Bridget are now my favorite holiday couple. One loves Christmas the other has her issues with it. Valerie, a fourth grade teacher who loves everything Christmas finds out her ex from high school is the mother of Aria one of her students. After a very awkward reunion, Valerie comes up with a plan with Aria who complained her mother doesn’t put a tree up, to surprise her like a Christmas Santa. But that plan goes awry when Bridget comes home to find what she thinks is an intruder and long story short, has to rush her to the hospital. Then in an attempt to apologize, a tragedy happens to Bridget and she is forced to be in closer quarters with her ex. Both experiencing feelings they thought were long ago lost. This was such a sweet well written holiday tale and it was one of many that I read that actually made me smile. Being a bit of a Grinch myself, that was a magic moment.
Their was just something so heartbreaking yet heartwarming about this story. Valerie and Bridget are now my favorite holiday couple. One loves Christmas the other has her issues with it. Valerie, a fourth grade teacher who loves everything Christmas finds out her ex from high school is the mother of Aria one of her students. After a very awkward reunion, Valerie comes up with a plan with Aria who complained her mother doesn’t put a tree up, to surprise her like a Christmas Santa. But that plan goes awry when Bridget comes home to find what she thinks is an intruder and long story short, has to rush her to the hospital. Then in an attempt to apologize, a tragedy happens to Bridget and she is forced to be in closer quarters with her ex. Both experiencing feelings they thought were long ago lost. This was such a sweet well written holiday tale and it was one of many that I read that actually made me smile. Being a bit of a Grinch myself, that was a magic moment.
December 20, 2020
Bridget Buttermilk, I know, even the name made me roll my eyes and giggle, makes holiday themed polymer earrings, ornaments, etc. to sell on Etsy and at Christmas markets. Her 10 yr. old daughter Aria is in Valerie Rivers' fourth grade class. She just happens to be Bridget's first love from high school, but they haven't seen each other since they were eighteen! When a terrible event affects Bridget and Aria, Valerie doesn't hesitate to take them in.
Bridget has lost all joy for the holidays, but Valerie and Aria plan Operation: Deck the Halls to try to bring that spirit back and perhaps rekindle what they once had. I very much enjoyed the characters of Valerie and Aria. Although I could imagine the tremendous stress Bridget was going through, I wish she could have shown a little more gratitude to everyone who tried to help her. This book is well-written and should bring some joy and spirit to those who read it. Perfect for the holidays!
Bridget has lost all joy for the holidays, but Valerie and Aria plan Operation: Deck the Halls to try to bring that spirit back and perhaps rekindle what they once had. I very much enjoyed the characters of Valerie and Aria. Although I could imagine the tremendous stress Bridget was going through, I wish she could have shown a little more gratitude to everyone who tried to help her. This book is well-written and should bring some joy and spirit to those who read it. Perfect for the holidays!
December 9, 2020
Sweet reunion lovecstory
Its a romance so there has to be a little trouble but burning down the housecis a little much!its a fun read and romances are great, too bad reality wasn't as good as fiction. Its a lovely story especially but the pandemic is in the second wave. Sigh hopefully maybe next year will be better!
Its a romance so there has to be a little trouble but burning down the housecis a little much!its a fun read and romances are great, too bad reality wasn't as good as fiction. Its a lovely story especially but the pandemic is in the second wave. Sigh hopefully maybe next year will be better!
December 20, 2020
I liked the characters and the storyline. I did shed quite a few tears and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if things between Valerie and Bridget were going to work out. Bridge's daughter Aria helps try to restore her mom' Christmas spirit. She is one smart kid. I liked how the story followed each day through December. A great second chance romance.
September 11, 2021
Enjoyable, needs editing.
Overall it was cute and fun. Light hearted for the most part.
The author needs a proof reader or an editor. To many times while reading the characters would both speak in the same paragraph forcing a reread of the portion multiple times to parse the action.
Overall it was cute and fun. Light hearted for the most part.
The author needs a proof reader or an editor. To many times while reading the characters would both speak in the same paragraph forcing a reread of the portion multiple times to parse the action.
December 6, 2020
Enjoyed it
I really enjoyed this story! Both Bridget and Valerie are warm,caring women who were high school sweethearts that lost track of each other. When they meet up unexpectedly things get all shook up. Should they or shouldn't they....?
I really enjoyed this story! Both Bridget and Valerie are warm,caring women who were high school sweethearts that lost track of each other. When they meet up unexpectedly things get all shook up. Should they or shouldn't they....?
December 6, 2020
I recommend this book
I love reading a good Christmas story this time of year. This has been a challenging year for everyone. A good sweet romance and Christmas story is just what I needed. The characters are very likable and well written. Fun read. Thanks
I love reading a good Christmas story this time of year. This has been a challenging year for everyone. A good sweet romance and Christmas story is just what I needed. The characters are very likable and well written. Fun read. Thanks
December 22, 2020
Deck the Halls
If you are looking for some Christmas spirit, you will find in here. Love returns to them as well as helping return Christmas spirit. First book I have read by Caitlin Ryan, looking forward to discovering more.
If you are looking for some Christmas spirit, you will find in here. Love returns to them as well as helping return Christmas spirit. First book I have read by Caitlin Ryan, looking forward to discovering more.
December 28, 2020
This is a holiday romance featuring a rekindled high school romance many years down the road. Many warm moments, though main character Bridget is more than a little driven and frequently oblivious to others. One hopes the old/new relationship helps her get to a better place.
January 16, 2021
In short: this wasn't for me. The "conflict" seems trivial in the face of the breakneck reunion. Needs an editor. Writing style wasn't for me, but might be for others.
Main comes off as immature and selfish to me. Honestly, it was all too much and too little.
Main comes off as immature and selfish to me. Honestly, it was all too much and too little.
December 30, 2021
This was a delightful second-chance Christmas romance about falling back in love with Christmas. I really enjoyed the glimpses into the couples' past and the history that led to their lives being where they are - and this was a very sweet, quick read.
August 10, 2024
Sigh
This book had the premise to be really great, but there were so many inconsistencies! So many plot points that should have been discussed. If you are just looking for a book to get through, this one is for you. If you are like me and dissect books and apply real life and logic, not so much.
This book had the premise to be really great, but there were so many inconsistencies! So many plot points that should have been discussed. If you are just looking for a book to get through, this one is for you. If you are like me and dissect books and apply real life and logic, not so much.
December 4, 2024
a warm hearted holiday story
I was looking for warm hearted romance stories and this one delivered. Also includes a storyline with a child at Christmas and building families in different ways. A nice read
I was looking for warm hearted romance stories and this one delivered. Also includes a storyline with a child at Christmas and building families in different ways. A nice read
December 23, 2020
A fun book
I love lost love romances. I think it’s a little sad why people walk away when young. Talking always seems to be the main problem. Glad for the good ending.
I love lost love romances. I think it’s a little sad why people walk away when young. Talking always seems to be the main problem. Glad for the good ending.
Read
December 29, 2020DNF
December 26, 2021
Great Premise Perfect For Time of Year
Read it all the way and had some wonderful parts. I found it difficult to follow and there were several parts that I felt needed editing.
Read it all the way and had some wonderful parts. I found it difficult to follow and there were several parts that I felt needed editing.
December 31, 2022
Really enjoyed this book, well written you could feel the sexual chemistry between the two main characters, great storyline, true love always finds away. Great ending for all the characters.
April 26, 2023
Great book.
I thought it was great that they found each other again, and now they have a bigger family with Bridget's ex and her wife.
I thought it was great that they found each other again, and now they have a bigger family with Bridget's ex and her wife.
December 21, 2023
3.5 stars. Cute, fairly plotless
November 12, 2025
Ordinary. I was hoping for a summer Christmas ,Caitlin. The chapter headings were clever The authors note was fantastic
February 4, 2021
Loved it! Well written, exciting, romantic and christmasy.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews