The House That Christmas Made

Harbor Hills #4

by Elizabeth Bromke

Every single one of the women on Apple Hill Lane has been withholding an icy secret. And it's not what you think.

Judith Banks has held it all together. Battling the winter blues through her divorce. Her lonesomeness. Her past. Until now. Will she find her Christmas spirit amidst the hardships in life?

Quinn Whittle never told her daughter the truth. But that didn't stop Vivi from digging around...or looking for another place to spend December 25.

Beverly Castle is about to face the holidays for the first time since a heartbreaking tragedy. Will she manage to embrace the joy of Christmas despite it all?

Annette Best knows something, and she's desperate to tell all. But the women's holiday plans keep getting in the way of the truth.

Genres: Christmas

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2021

About the author

Elizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.

Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th and final book in the Harbor Hills series. I received an Advanced Reader copy from Elizabeth Bromke for my honest review. I love it! Once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down. Read the books in order to understand the characters and their background. Six neighbors, Shamaine, Annette, Elora, Quinn, Jude, and Beverly, live on the same cul-de-sac. They each have secrets which are revealed in The House that Christmas Made. All of my questions from the first three books are answered. The identity of the “Woman” is revealed. My guess was correct! Romance, small town community, friendships, and forgiveness are all key to what makes this series so wonderful! I highly recommend all of Elizabeth Bromke’s novels.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonight, On The Conclusion Of The Harbor Hills Saga... This is the final book in this highly interconnected series of much drama and secrets among neighbors on a particular street in small town (fictional) Michigan. As such, you *really* need to start at the beginning of the series and work your way to this point - which you'll be glad you've done by the time you reach this book, as this is absolutely a series that leaves you wanting the next book in your hand the moment the previous book is done. And yet, in this conclusion of the saga... everything *does* get wrapped up. All is revealed. And yet we *also* maintain the fun, intricate, and varied progressions and relationships that have come to define this series. Very much recommended.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Harbor Hills series and it solves the mystery of who "the woman" is, what happened to her, and the identity of the bones found in the Annette Best's backyard is revealed. We also find out what caused Quinn's OCD and many other secrets these ladies on Apple Hill Lane have been keeping. All of this while the ladies bring back a Christmas tradition to Harbor Hills.

This one kept me turning pages as Jude, Quinn, Beverly, Annette, Shamaine, and The Woman's secrets were revealed. I read it a day. I loved how the women's friendships became better when they shared their deepest secrets and fears. It show how much they truly trusted each other. I loved the roving dinner idea the ladies came up with--it's something that was popular back in the late 70s-early 80s.

This is a great series--I've given all the books in the series 5 stars which doesn't always happen. Each book was well written with just enough information withheld to keep me coming back. This is one series where you really need to read the books in order starting with The House on Apple Hill Lane: A Harbor Hills Novel which introduces all the ladies on the street. Each book then builds onto that.

I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series ends in this final book. So many secrets are revealed as the Women in Birch Harbor gather to support each other in times of need. We finally find out who “the girl” is among other secrets. Homes are swapped as the holiday season approaches the friends, Jude, Beverly, Quinn, Annette, Shamaine, and Elvira work on plans for a special community Christmas celebration. The friends support proves they can count on each other in good times and bad.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best series I've read in a long time. You must start with the first book and read the series in order to get the most out of this book. This is a wonderful conclusion to this series. All the questions are answered and it was an absolute wonderful read. This is a series you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sheri P · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House that Christmas Made is the fourth book in a series set on Apple Hill Lane. I strongly recommend reading the books in order. The book is set in a small community and has a mystery present itself. The reader knows there is some connection to a past mysterious woman. Each book builds on the storyline and other secrets are revealed in each installment. The final book provides a satisfying conclusion to the Apple Hill Lane saga. I enjoyed these characters and they way the four books were paced. I especially enjoyed the festive holiday conclusion.

[Charlie Sandino · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book this 4th opus of the Harbor Hills series. I loved this book from the start till the end! A book set in the Jule time with the excitment of making the Christmas season beautiful and a touch of hope and friendship.

The author has put together yet another exciting read, the storytelling has answers that the reader is looking for. The characters are back from the previous books in the series and they have become longtime friends. This book has it all, mystery, happenings from the past that need to be solved, friendship and how these strong characters in the book grow and how they get along. It gives new possibilities and the importance of being yourself no matter what.

The book had me guessing till the end and that is also what made the book even more exciting!
I'm grateful to have read this book and I can definitely recommend this story!
Thank you
Charlotte N

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book of the Harbor House series. If you are picking this book up first, I strongly recommend that you start at the beginning of the series as you need to understand the background to fully enjoy the story. The series is set up where the next book builds on the previous one and this final installment wraps up everything nicely and all is finally revealed and questions that rose in the previous books are answered here. The mystery to who "the woman" is is also solved here. You won't be able to stop turning the pages as all secrets of the ladies are revealed.
This series has been about tight-knit community and friendships, and that all carries right on over in the final story. This book and the entire series was well-written and always kept me coming back for more. This has been a fantastic series and I've really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Harbor Hills saga. It is well written and once started, hard to put down. The author, Elizabeth Bromke reveals all of the unanswered questions from the previous three books.
This is a continuation of a heartwarming story based on the lives of the four main characters: Annette, Beverly, Jude, and Quinn. They become close friends and live in the same neighborhood. Their friendships will be tested when some of the secrets that they have been hiding are revealed. By revealing these secrets will they find peace and what better time than during the Christmas season!
This was a wonderful book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I recommend that you start with the first of the four books and read the entire saga.
I was given the privilege of reading and reviewing an advanced reader’s copy.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmygoodness!

The secrets these ladies keep, the insecurities they hide, the trust in their friends that allows them to reveal it all. Wow.

The characters were well written. They remain consistent through the series—all complex.
The story was well told, revealing bits and pieces in small enough bites to digest, but so small that you keep reading because it's just one more tidbit... Very satisfying reveal to the mysteries, and a hint at HEA for the friends.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House That Christmas Made ties up all the mysteries that surround the ladies of Harbor Hills. I loved that the story was revealed in bits and pieces along the way and how the ladies really bonded and supported each other. I am sad to see this series end! A very satisfying read and a very good series.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Bromke has written the fourth and final book in her Harbor Hills series. The House that Christmas Made has put all the mysteries and unanswered questions together and wrapped it up in this wonderful book! This final chapter in this series builds on each storyline from previous books. The characters and stories come together and are well written. The secrets left unanswered in previous books are brought to light. The friends and neighbors share their deepest secrets and uneasiness. They all come together to plan a Christmas dinner for the whole town. This is a wonderful story and I highly recommend you read this book and but start from the beginning of the series to get the full effect of this great series.

Thank you Elizabeth Bromke and Publishing in the Pines for an advanced copy of this very satisfying end to a fantastic series in exchange for my honest opinion.
#thehousethatchristmasmade #elizabethbromke #publishinginthepines #arc

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House That Christmas Made~ Harbor Hills #4 by Elizabeth Bromke.
That's the end of the series! Elizabeth has saved the best till last.
You will, however, need to read the Harbor Hills series in order, to enable you to follow the residents of Apple Hill.
This is a magnificent read, which draws the reader in from beginning till the end.
The House That Christmas Made needs to be read without spoilers to do it justice Elizabeth goes above and beyond.
I'm always entertained and encouraged by her amazingly real characters facing real-life kinds of struggles. There's depth to her books and I always feel hope when I finish the story. I loved this book and you will too! Highly recommend!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for an amazing series, I look forward to reading many more new stories.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Harbor Hills novel by Elizabeth Bromke! I'm not usually one for Hallmark Channel Christmas movies, but this book was definitely a cross between a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie and Desperate Housewives. Mystery, intrigue, friendship, family and love. And second chances.

[Jessica M. Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS!!!
This was my absolute FAVORITE in this series! I could not stop reading it! It answers all those nagging questions you may have had if you’ve read any others in the series, if not it’s an excellent read on its own! I highly recommend! A++

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to review: the loose threads of each sub-story come together and the tapestry picture is completed in this last installment in the series. A "chicken soup for the soul" read, where life, with all its ups and downs, is still what we make of it, and community is a vital component.

[Rose Grzeskowiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting!

I read all three books one after the other. The characters kept my attention, never knowing what was coming next. I really enjoyed the series and will be looking for more from E!izabeth Bromke. Thank you!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of twists and turns.

Enjoyed all the books in this series. Lots of twists and turns. Some obvious and others an surprise.
The only negative and why I gave it only 4 stars is that I had to wait between books.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This final book gives all the answers to all the questions you may have. These women sure know how to keep secrets. But this book is amazing

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series and probably my favorite of the four. Again, very quick read and the Christmas season made this one extra fun.

[diane st. onge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House That Christmas Made

Interesting story!
I had trouble keeping the characters from getting mixed up!
Great ending and had a good feeling at the end

[Sam Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Did not realize it was a book you should read after others.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness! The final book in the Harbor Hills series (you must read them all in order) is a doozy! These friends come together to support each other and finally realize that they have to let go of their secrets. The truth about the missing woman from decades before is finally brought to light. And who was the little girl that came to visit the old man years ago?

I was dying for the conclusion of this series and Bromke didn't disappoint. This is one of the most closely interconnected series I've ever read and boy was it worth reading them all!

I was gifted a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th and final book in the Harbor Hills series, The House that Christmas Made by Elizabeth Bromke. All our questions are answered! The series is set in a small lakefront town in Michigan. The main characters are all women, who became close friends as they all live on the same street, Apple Hill Lane. But they all have secrets and none have been willing to share them. There’s some romance, friendship, mystery, forgiveness and grief. Each book builds upon these various secrets and this final book provides all the answers. It’s been a real page turner with a few surprising twists along the way.
I have really enjoyed them all and this one provided a satisfying wrap up. I definitely recommend the entire series. It’s best to read in order to get all the background.
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the conclusion to the series. It truly is the conclusion and it wraps up the mysteries in the previous books. I recommend that you read this book last.

The friends and neighbors share their deep secrets and insecurities. And they make a plan for how they can sponsor a Christmas dinner for the town.

This book wraps up everything with a big bow. Wink wink.

I was provided with an advance reader copy by the author. This is my honest review.

[Carol Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the books in this series. Great ending!