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Somerset Lake #2
The Christmas Village
USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains delivers a tender trade paperback romance that will appeal to readers with its warmth and bestselling themes!
Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother's bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane. With the holidays coming up, the pressure is on to decorate the house for the annual lights competition and maintain her parent's winning streak. But Lucy already has her hands full as a midwife and a new landlord-to her ex-fiance.
When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he's grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn't make it easy to live next door. Sparks still fly between them, and he'd give anything to get back in Lucy's good graces. But to do that will take much more than just tree trimming and house decorating and contest winning. Will one wildly grand romantic gesture on Christmas Eve finally soften her heart?
Lucy Hannigan has inherited her mother's bulldog, Bella, and her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane. With the holidays coming up, the pressure is on to decorate the house for the annual lights competition and maintain her parent's winning streak. But Lucy already has her hands full as a midwife and a new landlord-to her ex-fiance.
When Miles Bruno is suddenly asked to move out of his rental home, he's grateful to Lucy for taking him on as a tenant. But their broken-off engagement doesn't make it easy to live next door. Sparks still fly between them, and he'd give anything to get back in Lucy's good graces. But to do that will take much more than just tree trimming and house decorating and contest winning. Will one wildly grand romantic gesture on Christmas Eve finally soften her heart?
339 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2021
95 people are currently reading
3912 people want to read
About the author
Annie Rains
43 books1,493 followersAnnie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
November 26, 2021
Just as good as a Hallmark movie!
I love Christmas time. It’s my favorite season. There is nothing better than reading a romance novel set during this time of the year.
Anne Rains writes a second chance love story set in a small town. I didn’t read the first book but I don’t think you need to in order to enjoy it.
Our protagonists are Lucy and Miles. They were in love when they were teenagers but Miles broke her heart. Lucy moved away but now Lucy has come back to live at her parents' home after her mother's passing. She loved the pink house and all the memories but discovering her mom had many debts was unexpected. Lucy will need to get a tenant to start paying the bills. Her job as a midwife doesn't give her a great income to cover all the expenses.
Miles is a town cop. He loves his job and he is good at it. He is saving money to buy a home. When Miles finds himself needing a new place to live and Lucy needs money to pay her mother’s bills, Miles becomes her tenant. Having to see each other regularly will bring back all those feelings they had for each other.
Can Lucy forgive Miles for what happened so many years ago? Can they move forward?
The Christmas Village was heartwarming, sweet, and just what I needed for the beginning of the season!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I love Christmas time. It’s my favorite season. There is nothing better than reading a romance novel set during this time of the year.
Anne Rains writes a second chance love story set in a small town. I didn’t read the first book but I don’t think you need to in order to enjoy it.
Our protagonists are Lucy and Miles. They were in love when they were teenagers but Miles broke her heart. Lucy moved away but now Lucy has come back to live at her parents' home after her mother's passing. She loved the pink house and all the memories but discovering her mom had many debts was unexpected. Lucy will need to get a tenant to start paying the bills. Her job as a midwife doesn't give her a great income to cover all the expenses.
Miles is a town cop. He loves his job and he is good at it. He is saving money to buy a home. When Miles finds himself needing a new place to live and Lucy needs money to pay her mother’s bills, Miles becomes her tenant. Having to see each other regularly will bring back all those feelings they had for each other.
Can Lucy forgive Miles for what happened so many years ago? Can they move forward?
The Christmas Village was heartwarming, sweet, and just what I needed for the beginning of the season!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 24, 2022
Sweet, second chance, contemporary romance. Set in a small town with an interesting cast of characters, especially Lucy and Miles. Each carving out a life on their own, but so much better together.
September 28, 2021
The Christmas Village by Annie Rains is the second book in the contemporary romance Somerset Lake series. As with a lot of romance series the main characters have changed with the common theme among the series being the setting of the stories, Somerset Lake, North Carolina. With a different couple in the stories the books can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so.
It’s been almost a year since Lucy Hannigan returned to her hometown of Somerset Lake and unfortunately she had to do it under horrible circumstances. Lucy’s mother had become ill and passed rather quickly and while Lucy struggled with her grief she also found herself struggling with the bills her mother had left behind. Lucy’s plan of taking on a tenant to help hadn’t gone well so far with no interest.
One night Lucy thinks there is an intruder so she calls the police for help. Of course the one person to be sent to Lucy’s rescue just had to be her ex, Miles Bruno. Miles couldn’t help but notice the for rent sign and when he finds himself in need of a new home he asks Lucy to allow him to be her tenant. Lucy struggles with the decision but when yet another bill comes in she reluctantly agrees with a set of rules.
I absolutely adored the first book of the Somerset Lake series so I was excited to dive right into The Christmas Village. With a second chance romance rating really high in my favorite romance tropes list it wasn’t surprising that I enjoyed getting to know Lucy and Miles. The one thing that held me back from being overly thrilled with this one though was the idea of Lucy still getting bills almost a year later, it really didn’t add up to me. The idea of holding off collecting to be ‘nice’ flew out the window when they show up right at the holidays and a part of me thinks how is she to know who actually would be owed money in the day and age of con artists everywhere. Anyway, the town is lovely, the characters lovely and the Christmas activities were nice I just had that one niggle that held this one back from the five stars of the first.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
It’s been almost a year since Lucy Hannigan returned to her hometown of Somerset Lake and unfortunately she had to do it under horrible circumstances. Lucy’s mother had become ill and passed rather quickly and while Lucy struggled with her grief she also found herself struggling with the bills her mother had left behind. Lucy’s plan of taking on a tenant to help hadn’t gone well so far with no interest.
One night Lucy thinks there is an intruder so she calls the police for help. Of course the one person to be sent to Lucy’s rescue just had to be her ex, Miles Bruno. Miles couldn’t help but notice the for rent sign and when he finds himself in need of a new home he asks Lucy to allow him to be her tenant. Lucy struggles with the decision but when yet another bill comes in she reluctantly agrees with a set of rules.
I absolutely adored the first book of the Somerset Lake series so I was excited to dive right into The Christmas Village. With a second chance romance rating really high in my favorite romance tropes list it wasn’t surprising that I enjoyed getting to know Lucy and Miles. The one thing that held me back from being overly thrilled with this one though was the idea of Lucy still getting bills almost a year later, it really didn’t add up to me. The idea of holding off collecting to be ‘nice’ flew out the window when they show up right at the holidays and a part of me thinks how is she to know who actually would be owed money in the day and age of con artists everywhere. Anyway, the town is lovely, the characters lovely and the Christmas activities were nice I just had that one niggle that held this one back from the five stars of the first.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 3, 2021
With all the craziness going on in the world, it's nice to settle down with a sweet and charming holiday romance. The Christmas Village is the second book in the Somerset Lake series but can easily be read as standalone novel. The lead characters are likeable and it was easy to root for their second chance at love.
Lucy and Miles were high school sweethearts and she was devastated when he broke up with her. About a decade later and she's moved into her childhood home after the death of her mother. She's struggling to pay off all the unpaid bills accumulated by her mom. She's hoping to find a tenant for the garage apartment to help make ends meet. Guess who needs a place to live while he contemplates buying a home? Why Sheriff's Deputy Miles Bruno, of course! What are the odds these two former lovebirds can maintain a strict landlady/tenant relationship?
I like with this book series you aren't just getting a romance but you also feel this sense of community with the setting of Somerset Lake. (Although the HOA is just as ridiculous at handling situations as it typically is in real life as well.) Friendship plays a big role in the books and it was nice to see Lucy interacting with the book club members and Miles hanging out with his guy friends. The author did a good job setting the stage for future books in the series and I can't wait to see which lucky lady will be paired up with one of the town's eligible bachelors.
The two lead characters had chemistry but there's really no hot and heavy bedroom scenes. Figured I'd mention it as we all have preferences when it comes to romance novels. I'd describe this book as having Hallmark movie levels of steam.
Thank you to the publisher, Forever, for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Lucy and Miles were high school sweethearts and she was devastated when he broke up with her. About a decade later and she's moved into her childhood home after the death of her mother. She's struggling to pay off all the unpaid bills accumulated by her mom. She's hoping to find a tenant for the garage apartment to help make ends meet. Guess who needs a place to live while he contemplates buying a home? Why Sheriff's Deputy Miles Bruno, of course! What are the odds these two former lovebirds can maintain a strict landlady/tenant relationship?
I like with this book series you aren't just getting a romance but you also feel this sense of community with the setting of Somerset Lake. (Although the HOA is just as ridiculous at handling situations as it typically is in real life as well.) Friendship plays a big role in the books and it was nice to see Lucy interacting with the book club members and Miles hanging out with his guy friends. The author did a good job setting the stage for future books in the series and I can't wait to see which lucky lady will be paired up with one of the town's eligible bachelors.
The two lead characters had chemistry but there's really no hot and heavy bedroom scenes. Figured I'd mention it as we all have preferences when it comes to romance novels. I'd describe this book as having Hallmark movie levels of steam.
Thank you to the publisher, Forever, for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
October 12, 2021
Lucy Hannigan’s got hands full between handling patients as a nurse practitioner/midwife, and the upkeep on her childhood home, a mansion size Victorian house located in the historical part of town called The Village. In order to help makes ends meet Lucy decided to rent out the garage apartment but doesn’t count on her ex-fiancé applying for tenancy. Miles, her first and only love broke her heart ten years ago and she’s never really gotten over it. Lucy’s not sure having him so close would be a good idea.
Deputy Miles Bruno has never gotten over Lucy either, but he ended things and now he’s pretty sure their awkward friendship is the most he can hope for. However, when Miles finds himself in need of a place to rent and Lucy in need of a renter the two find it impossible to avoid each other.
With unexpected house bills pilling up on Lucy, Miles offers to help win the “Merriest Lawn Contest” for the cash prize and soon they’re spending time over Thanksgiving leftovers, hot cocoa, and Christmas decorating. It’s hard to ignore the attraction that never really went away between them. Neither of them felt that special spark with anyone else, and I was eager for these two to work it out, especially after finding out the reason Miles ended it. Both Lucy and Miles were good people who deserved their HEA!
The Christmas Village was full of things to love: a sweet second chance romance, supportive female friends, a cat rescue, and a French bulldog. All set in a charming small town. What more could you want from a holiday read?!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Deputy Miles Bruno has never gotten over Lucy either, but he ended things and now he’s pretty sure their awkward friendship is the most he can hope for. However, when Miles finds himself in need of a place to rent and Lucy in need of a renter the two find it impossible to avoid each other.
With unexpected house bills pilling up on Lucy, Miles offers to help win the “Merriest Lawn Contest” for the cash prize and soon they’re spending time over Thanksgiving leftovers, hot cocoa, and Christmas decorating. It’s hard to ignore the attraction that never really went away between them. Neither of them felt that special spark with anyone else, and I was eager for these two to work it out, especially after finding out the reason Miles ended it. Both Lucy and Miles were good people who deserved their HEA!
The Christmas Village was full of things to love: a sweet second chance romance, supportive female friends, a cat rescue, and a French bulldog. All set in a charming small town. What more could you want from a holiday read?!
A copy was kindly provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2023
THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE by Annie Rains is the second book in the Somerset Lake series, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Christmas is that time of year when people really want to just enjoy peace, love, family and friendships. Lucy Hannigan wants these things in her life too, but first she has to learn how to deal with the devastating losses in her life. Her mom has recently passed away and this will be her first holiday without her. Plus, Lucy is overwhelmed with debts that her mom left behind and has no idea how she can pay all of the bills. She is hoping to make some extra money by renting the garage apartment out, but the only interested renter she has had is her ex-fiancée Miles.
I really enjoyed the small town setting and the romance that was being denied between Miles and Lucy. There is a great set of characters and I can’t wait to read more about the secondary characters as well. I think the pacing in the book is great and gave a good foundation for the next book in the series. I had a great time reading THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. Annie Rains pulled me right in and hooked me from the very first page. She is now an auto buy author for me. Her characters feel very real. They aren’t perfect and while they all have flaws they are also very lovable. I now know I will devour everything this awesome author writes and do it all easily with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. This series is definitely shaping up to be an absolute keeper. Annie Rains’ writing style engages you into the story-line and the couples they are written around are likeable, and although dealing with their own various issues, nothing is too dragged out or overdone.
THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is a sweet novel about letting go of the past and making amends, of rediscovering what its like to be in love again, friendships and of coming to terms with loss. In a week where I have started four or five books and given each up at between 30% and 50% I read THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE straight through because the story is an easy read with engaging characters, a fun plot, and a believable storyline. I look forward to reading more from Somerset Lake. Annie Rains writes snappy dialogue, fantastic female friendships, and laugh out loud moments to give the story the perfect balance of humor and “will somebody pass the dang tissues?! THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is not my first book by Annie Rains and it won’t be my last! Her writing is heartwarming and she makes the readers get very close to her main characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really enjoyed the small town setting and the romance that was being denied between Miles and Lucy. There is a great set of characters and I can’t wait to read more about the secondary characters as well. I think the pacing in the book is great and gave a good foundation for the next book in the series. I had a great time reading THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE. Annie Rains pulled me right in and hooked me from the very first page. She is now an auto buy author for me. Her characters feel very real. They aren’t perfect and while they all have flaws they are also very lovable. I now know I will devour everything this awesome author writes and do it all easily with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. This series is definitely shaping up to be an absolute keeper. Annie Rains’ writing style engages you into the story-line and the couples they are written around are likeable, and although dealing with their own various issues, nothing is too dragged out or overdone.
THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is a sweet novel about letting go of the past and making amends, of rediscovering what its like to be in love again, friendships and of coming to terms with loss. In a week where I have started four or five books and given each up at between 30% and 50% I read THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE straight through because the story is an easy read with engaging characters, a fun plot, and a believable storyline. I look forward to reading more from Somerset Lake. Annie Rains writes snappy dialogue, fantastic female friendships, and laugh out loud moments to give the story the perfect balance of humor and “will somebody pass the dang tissues?! THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is not my first book by Annie Rains and it won’t be my last! Her writing is heartwarming and she makes the readers get very close to her main characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 15, 2022
The Christmas Village is the perfect holiday romance novel. It is probably the author’s best romance novel so far.
Lucy Hannigan and Miles Bruno were an item back in the day. They planned to get married even at the young age of 18. But something unexpected happened and Miles broke off the engagement. Devastated, Lucy packs up and leaves her small hometown of Somerset Lake, hopefully for good.
A decade later, Lucy is back at Somerset Lake to settle her late mother’s estate. Not the best time to return and a lot of changes have taken place. A big change being Miles Bruno is now the Deputy Sheriff.
Not wanting to get heartbroken again, Lucy shields her heart behind a “coat of armor.” But old habits die hard, and past feelings rise to the surface. Is it possible that Lucy and Miles have matured enough that they can forge a better relationship? Or is Lucy too damaged to explore the possibility?
In The Christmas Village, author Rains has deftly created lovable characters that really shine throughout the novel. All of the characters have that small town charm. And of course with any small town, comes the town gossip which I still found appealing.
The plot is the classic second chance at romance. But rather than have an extended love-hate relationship, Rains has managed to condense the agonizing push-pull into a compact package. And what stood out in The Christmas Village is that there’s an element of mystery within the narrative. That element added an unexpected and surprising suspense.
So, if you’re looking for a wholesome, feel good, Christmassy romance novel, look no further than The Christmas Village. Five excellent stars.
I received a paperback copy of the book from Forever (GCP.) The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Lucy Hannigan and Miles Bruno were an item back in the day. They planned to get married even at the young age of 18. But something unexpected happened and Miles broke off the engagement. Devastated, Lucy packs up and leaves her small hometown of Somerset Lake, hopefully for good.
A decade later, Lucy is back at Somerset Lake to settle her late mother’s estate. Not the best time to return and a lot of changes have taken place. A big change being Miles Bruno is now the Deputy Sheriff.
Not wanting to get heartbroken again, Lucy shields her heart behind a “coat of armor.” But old habits die hard, and past feelings rise to the surface. Is it possible that Lucy and Miles have matured enough that they can forge a better relationship? Or is Lucy too damaged to explore the possibility?
In The Christmas Village, author Rains has deftly created lovable characters that really shine throughout the novel. All of the characters have that small town charm. And of course with any small town, comes the town gossip which I still found appealing.
The plot is the classic second chance at romance. But rather than have an extended love-hate relationship, Rains has managed to condense the agonizing push-pull into a compact package. And what stood out in The Christmas Village is that there’s an element of mystery within the narrative. That element added an unexpected and surprising suspense.
So, if you’re looking for a wholesome, feel good, Christmassy romance novel, look no further than The Christmas Village. Five excellent stars.
I received a paperback copy of the book from Forever (GCP.) The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 10, 2022
This is an absolutely delightful book and it's such a joy to be back in charming Somerset Lake. It is a small town that is very competitive with it's decorating contest each year.
The book is sweet and really drew me in because I remembered reading about the characters in previous books in this series. Lucy wants to get into the town's festivities but a few things are holding her back, her mother's death and a broken heart. Can kindness and be surrounded by the spirit of Christmas help to heal a broken heart?
Very warm and likable book. Recommended!
Pub Date 12 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The book is sweet and really drew me in because I remembered reading about the characters in previous books in this series. Lucy wants to get into the town's festivities but a few things are holding her back, her mother's death and a broken heart. Can kindness and be surrounded by the spirit of Christmas help to heal a broken heart?
Very warm and likable book. Recommended!
Pub Date 12 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 29, 2021
Ah... a second chance romance filled with holiday rituals, tortured hearts, and the sweet tender feelings of hope. Annie Rains does it all so beautifully! Truly, from the very first page, I am immediately drawn to Lucy and Miles. There is a big difference between young love and adult feelings and knowledge. The journey back together is better for the separation, yet achingly bittersweet all at the same time. I'm left wanting to string colorful lights, and with a heart bursting with holiday spirit and love.
The Christmas Village will make the perfect stocking stuffer read for any romance fan. Happy reading!
~Tanja
*ARC provided by Forever Publishing
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The Christmas Village will make the perfect stocking stuffer read for any romance fan. Happy reading!
~Tanja
*ARC provided by Forever Publishing
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
November 15, 2021
This is the third book Ive read by this author . I think shes a new favorite of mine. This reminds me of Hallmark movies
December 1, 2021
The Christmas Village is a wonderfully charming holiday romance with themes of second chances, forgiveness, healing, and embracing love. Lucy Hannigan and Miles Bruno were high school sweethearts and engaged to be married when Miles surprisingly broke up with Lucy and broke her heart. Now, a decade later, Lucy faces her first holiday since losing her mother, and she is struggling with her grief, as well as the debt her mother left behind. When she puts her garage apartment up for rent, she never expects her old flame to ask to rent it from her.
Miles is so grateful when Lucy agrees to rent her apartment to him, and he’s glad that they are friends. However, as they spend the holiday season together decorating and preparing for the annual Christmas lights competition, which will hopefully pay off all of her mother’s debts, Miles and Lucy can’t deny their old feelings resurfacing. Miles will do anything to win back Lucy’s heart, but will Lucy trust that Miles won’t repeat the mistakes of the past?
I love Lucy and Miles! They are such wonderful, dynamically developed characters, and I enjoyed their journeys both as individuals and as a couple. Annie is so caring and giving, and she is stronger than she gives herself credit for. Miles is also very caring, and he devotes so much of his life to helping others. They are both such likable and admirable people who work hard, give back to their community, and value the relationships they’ve cultivated.
Lucy and Miles have a fantastic second-chance romance! It’s clear from the beginning that there is unfinished business between these two, and they have great chemistry. However, they also have a lot to work through if they want a future together. Trust issues, secrets from the past, feelings of worthiness, and more stand in their way, and Miles and Lucy can’t really embrace their current situation until they revisit what happened in the past and how it affected their lives and love. Secrets and hidden feelings got in the way of their relationship when they were younger, and it’s wonderful to see this pair grow closer and realize their feelings for each other never really went away. Now, with a bit of maturity and a lot of growth, their relationship has the potential to be stronger than ever.
I love that Lucy makes all these rules before Miles even moves in and then promptly breaks all of them. It just shows how deep her feelings run and how much she fights her feelings. It’s pretty clear Lucy is vulnerable, and she fears rejection again. However, Miles is tough to resist, and watching him try to win her heart is so romantic and swoon-worthy!
I also really enjoyed many of the secondary characters in the story, including some of Lucy’s pregnant clients, the young teen that Miles takes under his wing, Miles and Lucy’s long-time friends, and the town gossip who is also a blogger. There are so many interesting and dynamic characters, all with their own stories to tell, and I’m curious to see which of them will be the focus of the next novel in the series.
The holiday charm adds such a festive feel to the story, and I love the scenes where Lucy and Miles decorate for the holidays. They have so much fun and really get into decorating her house, which adds to the charm and holiday spirit. However, the novel also highlights some of the difficulties that come with celebrating the holidays. Grief, job loss, money struggles, and more impact the characters, which I thought was very realistic. I love the holidays, but it’s often bittersweet, as I also deeply miss those I’ve lost. I related to Lucy’s feelings about losing her mother and wishing she had more time with her. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, and the author portrayed that well.
This is such a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it to lovers of contemporary romance. Though it’s the second book in the Somerset Lake series, it can easily be read as a standalone. However, the first book in the series, The Summer Cottage, is great too. So if you’re looking for a new contemporary romance series, you should totally check this one out! Thanks so much to Forever Publishing for gifting me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Miles is so grateful when Lucy agrees to rent her apartment to him, and he’s glad that they are friends. However, as they spend the holiday season together decorating and preparing for the annual Christmas lights competition, which will hopefully pay off all of her mother’s debts, Miles and Lucy can’t deny their old feelings resurfacing. Miles will do anything to win back Lucy’s heart, but will Lucy trust that Miles won’t repeat the mistakes of the past?
I love Lucy and Miles! They are such wonderful, dynamically developed characters, and I enjoyed their journeys both as individuals and as a couple. Annie is so caring and giving, and she is stronger than she gives herself credit for. Miles is also very caring, and he devotes so much of his life to helping others. They are both such likable and admirable people who work hard, give back to their community, and value the relationships they’ve cultivated.
Lucy and Miles have a fantastic second-chance romance! It’s clear from the beginning that there is unfinished business between these two, and they have great chemistry. However, they also have a lot to work through if they want a future together. Trust issues, secrets from the past, feelings of worthiness, and more stand in their way, and Miles and Lucy can’t really embrace their current situation until they revisit what happened in the past and how it affected their lives and love. Secrets and hidden feelings got in the way of their relationship when they were younger, and it’s wonderful to see this pair grow closer and realize their feelings for each other never really went away. Now, with a bit of maturity and a lot of growth, their relationship has the potential to be stronger than ever.
I love that Lucy makes all these rules before Miles even moves in and then promptly breaks all of them. It just shows how deep her feelings run and how much she fights her feelings. It’s pretty clear Lucy is vulnerable, and she fears rejection again. However, Miles is tough to resist, and watching him try to win her heart is so romantic and swoon-worthy!
I also really enjoyed many of the secondary characters in the story, including some of Lucy’s pregnant clients, the young teen that Miles takes under his wing, Miles and Lucy’s long-time friends, and the town gossip who is also a blogger. There are so many interesting and dynamic characters, all with their own stories to tell, and I’m curious to see which of them will be the focus of the next novel in the series.
The holiday charm adds such a festive feel to the story, and I love the scenes where Lucy and Miles decorate for the holidays. They have so much fun and really get into decorating her house, which adds to the charm and holiday spirit. However, the novel also highlights some of the difficulties that come with celebrating the holidays. Grief, job loss, money struggles, and more impact the characters, which I thought was very realistic. I love the holidays, but it’s often bittersweet, as I also deeply miss those I’ve lost. I related to Lucy’s feelings about losing her mother and wishing she had more time with her. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, and the author portrayed that well.
This is such a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it to lovers of contemporary romance. Though it’s the second book in the Somerset Lake series, it can easily be read as a standalone. However, the first book in the series, The Summer Cottage, is great too. So if you’re looking for a new contemporary romance series, you should totally check this one out! Thanks so much to Forever Publishing for gifting me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
October 7, 2021
Cosy, spirited, and heartwarming!
The Christmas Village is a quaint, beguiling tale featuring the hardworking, ruggedly handsome Deputy Miles Bruno who broke his high school girlfriend’s heart ten years ago when he suddenly cancelled their engagement and dumped her out of the blue, and the loyal, caring Lucy Hannigan who, after inheriting her late mother’s house and bills, may finally have to put her heartache aside and allow the one man she’s never quite forgotten back into her home and heart.
The prose is charming and light. The characters are lonely, thoughtful, and friendly. And the plot is an enchanting tale full of tender moments, friendship, family, community, self-discovery, merry preparations, furry companions, and a touch of romance!
Overall, The Christmas Village is a clean, festive, uplifting, wintery treat by Rains that is a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series and is sure to have you believing in the magic of Christmas and daydreaming of snowflakes, twinkling lights, decorated trees, and scrumptious chocolatey treats.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
The Christmas Village is a quaint, beguiling tale featuring the hardworking, ruggedly handsome Deputy Miles Bruno who broke his high school girlfriend’s heart ten years ago when he suddenly cancelled their engagement and dumped her out of the blue, and the loyal, caring Lucy Hannigan who, after inheriting her late mother’s house and bills, may finally have to put her heartache aside and allow the one man she’s never quite forgotten back into her home and heart.
The prose is charming and light. The characters are lonely, thoughtful, and friendly. And the plot is an enchanting tale full of tender moments, friendship, family, community, self-discovery, merry preparations, furry companions, and a touch of romance!
Overall, The Christmas Village is a clean, festive, uplifting, wintery treat by Rains that is a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series and is sure to have you believing in the magic of Christmas and daydreaming of snowflakes, twinkling lights, decorated trees, and scrumptious chocolatey treats.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2021
VERY SPOILER-Y REVIEW
2.5 stars
Second-chance AND Christmas romance - they're usually my jam. Unfortunately, this one doesn't quite a hit for me.
First of all, the pacing of the romance feels very off. Lucy and Miles were engaged when they were eighteen (apparently Lucy thought she was pregnant, and trust me, this was NOT my favorite trope!) until Miles broke it off (hello, "evil" offer from a parent, yawn-inducing trope as well). Then Lucy is back in town, I can't say there's "chemistry" between them, but Miles says that they are friends, right - whereas I don't get that vibe because Lucy seems to still have feelings for Miles. Which means, it feels VERY one sided....
Second of all, they actually get back together really quick, I mean, like 2/3rd of the book, and I struggle to finish the last third. Yes, Lucy does something, which I totally think as lame excuse. Then there's, like, a secondary plot ... a mystery that involves someone who hates Christmas. Oh, and I'm also not happy with the conflict that seems to be evolving around money *shrugs*
To be honest, this book makes a grumpy girl out of me. I guess I have to be a Scrooge for this Christmas book and says, "Buh, Humbug".
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
2.5 stars
Second-chance AND Christmas romance - they're usually my jam. Unfortunately, this one doesn't quite a hit for me.
First of all, the pacing of the romance feels very off. Lucy and Miles were engaged when they were eighteen (apparently Lucy thought she was pregnant, and trust me, this was NOT my favorite trope!) until Miles broke it off (hello, "evil" offer from a parent, yawn-inducing trope as well). Then Lucy is back in town, I can't say there's "chemistry" between them, but Miles says that they are friends, right - whereas I don't get that vibe because Lucy seems to still have feelings for Miles. Which means, it feels VERY one sided....
Second of all, they actually get back together really quick, I mean, like 2/3rd of the book, and I struggle to finish the last third. Yes, Lucy does something, which I totally think as lame excuse. Then there's, like, a secondary plot ... a mystery that involves someone who hates Christmas. Oh, and I'm also not happy with the conflict that seems to be evolving around money *shrugs*
To be honest, this book makes a grumpy girl out of me. I guess I have to be a Scrooge for this Christmas book and says, "Buh, Humbug".
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
A second chance romance and a fun plot. I enjoyed the side plots in this one and found they added to the story in a delightful way. The characters were enjoyable and the Christmas setting fun and festive! 4⭐️
October 24, 2021
I have a soft spot for second chance romance and The Christmas Village embodies this within the story of Lucy and Miles.
The characters in the story all had their positives and flaws. But it was with Lucy whom I felt the most frustrated with. While she faced a lot of loss within a short time, I just couldn’t understand her constant back and forth with Miles. I really wanted to shake her and scream, “What is wrong with you?!”
While I liked the writing, I was missing more of a wow factor or moment in the story. With that being said, I did enjoy the mystery element to the story about the town’s “Christmas Crankster” and that the rest of the storyline had a Hallmark essence that attributed to a good holiday read.
Thank you Forever for the arc. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The characters in the story all had their positives and flaws. But it was with Lucy whom I felt the most frustrated with. While she faced a lot of loss within a short time, I just couldn’t understand her constant back and forth with Miles. I really wanted to shake her and scream, “What is wrong with you?!”
While I liked the writing, I was missing more of a wow factor or moment in the story. With that being said, I did enjoy the mystery element to the story about the town’s “Christmas Crankster” and that the rest of the storyline had a Hallmark essence that attributed to a good holiday read.
Thank you Forever for the arc. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 30, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
A Christmas Villageis the second stand alone in the Somerset Lake series by Annie Raines . A second chance romance between a town cop and a midwife.
Lucy and Milo have a lot of history. They were each other's first loves but they have a broken engagement between them and a lot of words left unsaid. They have a tentative relationship between them now, not quite friends. When Milo needs a place to stay and Lucy needs to rent out her garage apartment for income, they are forced into each other's orbit. With feelings remaining on both sides they need to face their past but will Lucy be able to fully forgive him for breaking her young heart.
There wasn't anything wrong with this book it was a charming low angst, Christmas romance with practically no steam. Personally, second chance romances aren't my favorite, and they have to be perfect for me to love it. The small town setting was enjoyable and as were all the festive activities done in the book. I guess I just didn't find anything memorable about our main characters. I do look forward to other books in the series though.
A Christmas Villageis the second stand alone in the Somerset Lake series by Annie Raines . A second chance romance between a town cop and a midwife.
Lucy and Milo have a lot of history. They were each other's first loves but they have a broken engagement between them and a lot of words left unsaid. They have a tentative relationship between them now, not quite friends. When Milo needs a place to stay and Lucy needs to rent out her garage apartment for income, they are forced into each other's orbit. With feelings remaining on both sides they need to face their past but will Lucy be able to fully forgive him for breaking her young heart.
There wasn't anything wrong with this book it was a charming low angst, Christmas romance with practically no steam. Personally, second chance romances aren't my favorite, and they have to be perfect for me to love it. The small town setting was enjoyable and as were all the festive activities done in the book. I guess I just didn't find anything memorable about our main characters. I do look forward to other books in the series though.
September 1, 2021
For as long as I can remember, I've loved Hallmark Christmas movies. They're the perfect hug after a hard day, the best hot cocoa by the fire when it's snowing out, the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you see amazing displays of decorations down a neighborhood street. The Christmas Village by Annie Rains has that same feeling - it's such a sweet romance, with the perfect amount of holiday cheer wrapped in it. This book felt like it had a little of everything: a strong but struggling main character, the hurting and handsome love interest, an adorable dog and lovable cat who knows just when their owner needs a cuddle, a wonderful group of friends who represent all sorts of walks of life, Christmas decorations and mistletoe and gift exchanges, and even a small-town 'whodunit' style mystery! While some of it was predictable, it was wholly enjoyable; and truthfully, you go into holiday books hoping to have them tied up in a lovely bow at the end. This one won't let you down.
October 8, 2021
Super cute second chance romance with all the holiday feels!
Thanks Forever Romance & Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks Forever Romance & Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 23, 2021
The Christmas Village by Annie Rains, is the second in the Somerset series. It has a picture-perfect cover and the story started off as a seasonal delight, full-to-brimming with Christmas charm. After a third of the way in, it began to slow and lost some plot momentum. It’s definitely festive and atmospheric, (which I loved), but it lacked enough tension, or climatic events to keep me invested and turning pages.
It seemed that the reunion between the two main characters was rather sudden and then didn’t go anywhere. I found main female characters’ behavior at a latter pivotal point to be a bit overreactive and unexpected, and I was disturbed by some of the declarations and choices of the mother.
This story was highly descriptive and full of small town coziness, (though someone needed to give Reva Dawson a dose of her own medicine, or perhaps a muzzle!), and I enjoyed a good portion of the story, but it did drag after awhile.
I loved how sweet the story was, but ultimately, it felt rather long and drawn out and just a little bland.
It seemed that the reunion between the two main characters was rather sudden and then didn’t go anywhere. I found main female characters’ behavior at a latter pivotal point to be a bit overreactive and unexpected, and I was disturbed by some of the declarations and choices of the mother.
This story was highly descriptive and full of small town coziness, (though someone needed to give Reva Dawson a dose of her own medicine, or perhaps a muzzle!), and I enjoyed a good portion of the story, but it did drag after awhile.
I loved how sweet the story was, but ultimately, it felt rather long and drawn out and just a little bland.
September 27, 2021
I adore Annie Rains. Her books always come to me at just the right time when I need a story with some depth, but also that cruises along smoothly like a Hallmark movie. Her Christmas stories are just so good and this one might be the best yet. The atmosphere in the Christmas Village was so well written that I could see the decorations and town in my mind more than ever. I think that MIles and Lucy's second chance story was very well done and that it was easy to root for them as their struggles were more external than internal. They loved. They just had to fight their own stuff first.
Thank you, Annie and Forever, for sharing these books with me.
Thank you, Annie and Forever, for sharing these books with me.
December 30, 2022
This is the second book I have read in this series. And as per usual, I have read them out of order haha.
Lucy is still dealing with the grief of her mother passing. Leaving her the huge childhood home she grew up in and some added debt, Lucy is not feeling the Christmas spirit. When her ex-fiancée, Miles moves in the apartment above the garage, old flames are bound to ignite. Can she pay off her moms debt, keep her home and her heart safe all at the same time?
I love this community! I read True Love Bookshop (which is the 3rd book in this series) earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. This one was particularly slow for me. While I love all the secondary characters, Lucy was SO depressing. It really took away from the joy of reading the story.
The book was also a little longer than necessary. But all’s well that ends well, right?! Regardless, I love the small town so much that if Rains continues to write about these characters I will continue to read about them!
Read this if you like:
Small town romance
Second chances
Recapturing the Christmas Spirit
Lucy is still dealing with the grief of her mother passing. Leaving her the huge childhood home she grew up in and some added debt, Lucy is not feeling the Christmas spirit. When her ex-fiancée, Miles moves in the apartment above the garage, old flames are bound to ignite. Can she pay off her moms debt, keep her home and her heart safe all at the same time?
I love this community! I read True Love Bookshop (which is the 3rd book in this series) earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. This one was particularly slow for me. While I love all the secondary characters, Lucy was SO depressing. It really took away from the joy of reading the story.
The book was also a little longer than necessary. But all’s well that ends well, right?! Regardless, I love the small town so much that if Rains continues to write about these characters I will continue to read about them!
Read this if you like:
Small town romance
Second chances
Recapturing the Christmas Spirit
i-tried-but-this-shit-failed-me
November 27, 2021My holiday books disaster continues. Boring, boring, boring! Dnf
August 1, 2021
I love to celebrate Christmas in July as much as Christmas in December! And I couldn’t have picked a better book to pick up for this time of the year! Lucy and Miles are everything! Second chance, good friends, and well Christmas!!! I’m really loving Sommerset and I can’t wait for more stories!
November 10, 2021
Author : Annie Rains
The Christmas Village (Somerset Lake Book 2)
Publisher: Forever
Publication date: October 12, 2021
353 pages
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description
USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains returns to Somerset Lake, North Carolina, with a heartwarming Christmas story about a midwife and her ex-fiance who face high stakes when they must team up to compete in the neighborhood house decorating contest, in this trade paperback that will help get readers in the holiday spirit. Once upon a Christmas, she gave him her heart. This year, he'll have to win it back again . . .
When Lucy Hannigan returned to her childhood home in Somerset Lake, one of the first things she did was join the local book club. And thank goodness, because now that Lucy’s first Christmas without her mother is bearing down upon her, she can use all the help and support she can get. Especially when she has to take in a tenant and the only person interested is Miles Bruno, her ex-fiance. Lucy’s friends keep teasing her about the way Miles is trying to make up for his mistakes but forgiving and forgetting isn’t coming easily to Lucy. With bills piling up and her mother’s finances in disarray, however, Lucy isn’t in any position to say no. As the small town prepares for the holidays and competition heats up in the Merriest Lawn decorating contest, Lucy can’t help feeling like a Scrooge. Her mom loved the holidays and won the contest each year, but as much as Lucy would like to carry on the tradition, she isn’t sure she has it in her to deck the halls this holiday. Yet when Miles shows up with tons of tinsel, dozens of decorations, and lots and lots of lights, Lucy begins to wonder if maybe the spirit of the season will finally mend her broken heart.
🎁🎄🐾MY REVIEW🎁🎄🐾
THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is a story of love, loss, second chances and the story of midwife Lucy Hannigan and police officer Miles Bruno. If is also the second instalment in the Somerset Lake series.
I really struggled with this story. I loved the town and Miles but Lucy just become very annoying which caused me to have to put the book down and read something else for awhile. I normally love all of Annie Rains books. There is however a large cast of
secondary characters that are young and old which you will totally love. I also Loved all the traditions and celebrations that Somerset Lake
does for the holidays.I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
*******Disclosure*******
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review. I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review , just an honest one. So sorry it has took me so long to get your review done.
#JoyceStewartReviews
#bookreviewblogger
#bookrecommendations
#romance
#AnnieRains
#TheChristmasVillage
The Christmas Village (Somerset Lake Book 2)
Publisher: Forever
Publication date: October 12, 2021
353 pages
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description
USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains returns to Somerset Lake, North Carolina, with a heartwarming Christmas story about a midwife and her ex-fiance who face high stakes when they must team up to compete in the neighborhood house decorating contest, in this trade paperback that will help get readers in the holiday spirit. Once upon a Christmas, she gave him her heart. This year, he'll have to win it back again . . .
When Lucy Hannigan returned to her childhood home in Somerset Lake, one of the first things she did was join the local book club. And thank goodness, because now that Lucy’s first Christmas without her mother is bearing down upon her, she can use all the help and support she can get. Especially when she has to take in a tenant and the only person interested is Miles Bruno, her ex-fiance. Lucy’s friends keep teasing her about the way Miles is trying to make up for his mistakes but forgiving and forgetting isn’t coming easily to Lucy. With bills piling up and her mother’s finances in disarray, however, Lucy isn’t in any position to say no. As the small town prepares for the holidays and competition heats up in the Merriest Lawn decorating contest, Lucy can’t help feeling like a Scrooge. Her mom loved the holidays and won the contest each year, but as much as Lucy would like to carry on the tradition, she isn’t sure she has it in her to deck the halls this holiday. Yet when Miles shows up with tons of tinsel, dozens of decorations, and lots and lots of lights, Lucy begins to wonder if maybe the spirit of the season will finally mend her broken heart.
🎁🎄🐾MY REVIEW🎁🎄🐾
THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE is a story of love, loss, second chances and the story of midwife Lucy Hannigan and police officer Miles Bruno. If is also the second instalment in the Somerset Lake series.
I really struggled with this story. I loved the town and Miles but Lucy just become very annoying which caused me to have to put the book down and read something else for awhile. I normally love all of Annie Rains books. There is however a large cast of
secondary characters that are young and old which you will totally love. I also Loved all the traditions and celebrations that Somerset Lake
does for the holidays.I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
*******Disclosure*******
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review. I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review , just an honest one. So sorry it has took me so long to get your review done.
#JoyceStewartReviews
#bookreviewblogger
#bookrecommendations
#romance
#AnnieRains
#TheChristmasVillage
October 9, 2021
Christmas is a time of year when people really want to just enjoy peace, love, family and friendships. Lucy Hannigan wants these things in her life, too, but first she has to overcome the devastating losses in her life, like her mom dying and spending the first holiday without her. Plus, Lucy is overwhelmed with debts that her mom left behind and has no idea how she can pay all of the bills. When her former fiancé Miles Bruno asks to rent the garage apartment from her, that seems to solve some of her problems. Lucy’s trip to self-discovery and Miles’ desire to help her have a good holiday season have some detours and problems along the way, but what a good and uplifting book to read as the holiday season begins! Somerset Lake, the small town where the story is set, is like a fairytale town, with neighbors who always know each other’s business and who are concerned about one another. The competition for the best decorated home brought back a few memories for me of my childhood and the lights all over the neighborhood. The plot wove its way into my heart just as the characters did. I wanted Lucy to have a “happily ever after” and for everyone in town to have a joyous Christmas. Although this book is part of a series, it can certainly be read as a standalone, or one could go back and read “The Summer Cottage” and become acquainted with other townspeople of Somerset Lake. The author writes with heart and as an avid reader, I could feel her loving touches in the story and in the lives of the characters. This is a charming, heartwarming story that should be on every reader’s shelf this Christmas.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
October 30, 2021
3.75 stars for this romantic Christmas story.
I found this thoroughly engaging from the get-go. The setting is a small town in which there is a neighborhood of ginger-bread style historic homes called the Christmas Village. Lucy Hannigan, a midwife, is our main character, who has come back to her childhood home in The Village after her mother dies to settle her finances and maybe move back into her big pink childhood home. She is grieving her mother, and is overwhelmed at all that has to be done. She encounters several obstacles, like things that need to be fixed or replaced, and a lot of debt her mother left behind for her instead of money, and she doesn’t have much of her own. Then, to top it all, her ex-fiance, a deputy sheriff who lives in the town, responds to her emergency call of an intruder at her home, who turns out to be a critter instead. She hasn’t seen him in several years and is mortified that her “intruder” is a possum, and that her attraction for him still exists. Is it reciprocated?
This is much like a Hallmark movie of the holiday season, so you can probably guess the answer to that question. A cheerful setting with great characters, romance, female friendships, birthing scenes, book club scenarios and just enough angst to balance it out.
. It's cute, funny, gives one food for thought. I'm happy to recommend this for anyone looking for a gift for a reader, or to just enjoy yourself.
I found this thoroughly engaging from the get-go. The setting is a small town in which there is a neighborhood of ginger-bread style historic homes called the Christmas Village. Lucy Hannigan, a midwife, is our main character, who has come back to her childhood home in The Village after her mother dies to settle her finances and maybe move back into her big pink childhood home. She is grieving her mother, and is overwhelmed at all that has to be done. She encounters several obstacles, like things that need to be fixed or replaced, and a lot of debt her mother left behind for her instead of money, and she doesn’t have much of her own. Then, to top it all, her ex-fiance, a deputy sheriff who lives in the town, responds to her emergency call of an intruder at her home, who turns out to be a critter instead. She hasn’t seen him in several years and is mortified that her “intruder” is a possum, and that her attraction for him still exists. Is it reciprocated?
This is much like a Hallmark movie of the holiday season, so you can probably guess the answer to that question. A cheerful setting with great characters, romance, female friendships, birthing scenes, book club scenarios and just enough angst to balance it out.
. It's cute, funny, gives one food for thought. I'm happy to recommend this for anyone looking for a gift for a reader, or to just enjoy yourself.
December 8, 2021
I thought this book was so cute! This is a 2nd chance romance between Lucy and her first love Miles. They were engaged and thought they were going to have a baby but then things changed and Miles left. Now its years later and they haven't been in touch but Lucy's mom dies and leaves her the house with extra apartment just as Miles becomes homeless, so the 2 reconnect. He moves into her adjoining property and she sets all sorts of rules to protect herself, but then they start working together to decorate for Christmas and the rules go out the window. There is an annual Christmas light contest in the neighborhood known as the village and the reward is $2500. Lucy desperately needs money to pay some of her moms outstanding debt and he wants to help her so they work together and get closer in the process. The reason he left comes up along with his daddy issues and her abandonment issues and the book gets the perfect level of deep for this type of story-- enough to add dimension to the characters but not enough to depress you. There's also a town vandal that Miles has to catch before he can ruin everything. Miles is definitely a cinnamon roll character and I was rooting for them most of the time. My only complaint is that their reunion felt a little weird. I know its a small town, but they've gone that long without talking and now thats the only place he can find to live? Hmm.. I also loved her career as a midwife and overall thought this was a cute read.
December 30, 2021
Lucy Hannigan inherited her mother’s dog and her childhood home after her mother’s death. With the holidays approaching, she finds she’s not in the usual Christmas spirit. When her ex-finance Miles is looking for a place to live, she rents out the apartment above the garage to him, and the sparks fly from there.
The Christmas Village was a perfect Christmas read this year. If you enjoy Hallmark-style Christmas novels, this is the perfect read to pick up at any time of year, but particularly at Christmas. I will say that I haven’t read the previous book in the Somerset Lake series, but I didn’t feel that I was missing anything reading this as a standalone. It seemed like relevant details from the previous book were sprinkled through this one as topics became relevant.
This is a second-chance romance, and I enjoyed watching the relationship change between Lucy and Miles, as it starts out (understandably) uncomfortable and grows as the book continues. I loved the small town feel of the setting, and overall, I enjoyed so many of the characters from the book. Some of the pacing was inconsistent for me, but overall it was an enjoyable book.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Christmas Village was a perfect Christmas read this year. If you enjoy Hallmark-style Christmas novels, this is the perfect read to pick up at any time of year, but particularly at Christmas. I will say that I haven’t read the previous book in the Somerset Lake series, but I didn’t feel that I was missing anything reading this as a standalone. It seemed like relevant details from the previous book were sprinkled through this one as topics became relevant.
This is a second-chance romance, and I enjoyed watching the relationship change between Lucy and Miles, as it starts out (understandably) uncomfortable and grows as the book continues. I loved the small town feel of the setting, and overall, I enjoyed so many of the characters from the book. Some of the pacing was inconsistent for me, but overall it was an enjoyable book.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2021
A fun, lighthearted Christmas read! The Christmas Village is perfect for lovers of small town romances. This book has a great cast of side characters, a sweet romance, and of course a loads of fun Christmas contest. I loved the Merriest Lawn decorating contest. Add this one to your Christmas TBR!
When Lucy Hannigan returned to her childhood home in Somerset Lake, one of the first things she did was join the local book club. And thank goodness, because now that Lucy’s first Christmas without her mother is bearing down upon her, she can use all the help and support she can get. Especially when she has to take in a tenant and the only person interested is Miles Bruno, her ex-fiance.
Lucy’s friends keep teasing her about the way Miles is trying to make up for his mistakes but forgiving and forgetting isn’t coming easily to Lucy. With bills piling up and her mother’s finances in disarray, however, Lucy isn’t in any position to say no.
As the small town prepares for the holidays and competition heats up in the Merriest Lawn decorating contest, Lucy can’t help feeling like a Scrooge. Her mom loved the holidays and won the contest each year, but as much as Lucy would like to carry on the tradition, she isn’t sure she has it in her to deck the halls this holiday.
Yet when Miles shows up with tons of tinsel, dozens of decorations, and lots and lots of lights, Lucy begins to wonder if maybe the spirit of the season will finally mend her broken heart.
When Lucy Hannigan returned to her childhood home in Somerset Lake, one of the first things she did was join the local book club. And thank goodness, because now that Lucy’s first Christmas without her mother is bearing down upon her, she can use all the help and support she can get. Especially when she has to take in a tenant and the only person interested is Miles Bruno, her ex-fiance.
Lucy’s friends keep teasing her about the way Miles is trying to make up for his mistakes but forgiving and forgetting isn’t coming easily to Lucy. With bills piling up and her mother’s finances in disarray, however, Lucy isn’t in any position to say no.
As the small town prepares for the holidays and competition heats up in the Merriest Lawn decorating contest, Lucy can’t help feeling like a Scrooge. Her mom loved the holidays and won the contest each year, but as much as Lucy would like to carry on the tradition, she isn’t sure she has it in her to deck the halls this holiday.
Yet when Miles shows up with tons of tinsel, dozens of decorations, and lots and lots of lights, Lucy begins to wonder if maybe the spirit of the season will finally mend her broken heart.
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