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Botanical Seasons #1
Holly's Homecoming
A Christmastime Novella of Restoration and Sweet Romance
It’s the end of 1897 and Christmas approaches. It’s been years since Holly Moore has seen her father, a well-known lumber baron, but she has heard he’s come back home to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Having lived with her aunt and uncle since the age of ten, Holly holds mixed feelings about seeing the man who once abandoned her.
When the opportunity comes for Holly to slip into the household of Grapevine Lodge—her childhood home and the seat of the Moore Lumber fortune—virtually unnoticed, she takes it.
While at Grapevine Lodge, Holly encounters Matthew Peterson, the son of a business associate of her father’s. She quickly develops a friendship with Matthew, but when she finds out just who he really is and what he’s come to the lodge for, Holly questions their relationship.
Will Holly’s father recognize her? Can she move past all that has kept her and her father apart and finally be able to truly come home? Can Holly keep her feelings for Matthew and still step into her role as the heiress to a lumber fortune?
Find out in this short and sweet, Christmas-themed novella with a surprise twist. Readers of Christian historical fiction, Christian or clean romance, and Christmas fiction will experience a heart-warming story of all that makes Christmastime magical.
It’s the end of 1897 and Christmas approaches. It’s been years since Holly Moore has seen her father, a well-known lumber baron, but she has heard he’s come back home to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Having lived with her aunt and uncle since the age of ten, Holly holds mixed feelings about seeing the man who once abandoned her.
When the opportunity comes for Holly to slip into the household of Grapevine Lodge—her childhood home and the seat of the Moore Lumber fortune—virtually unnoticed, she takes it.
While at Grapevine Lodge, Holly encounters Matthew Peterson, the son of a business associate of her father’s. She quickly develops a friendship with Matthew, but when she finds out just who he really is and what he’s come to the lodge for, Holly questions their relationship.
Will Holly’s father recognize her? Can she move past all that has kept her and her father apart and finally be able to truly come home? Can Holly keep her feelings for Matthew and still step into her role as the heiress to a lumber fortune?
Find out in this short and sweet, Christmas-themed novella with a surprise twist. Readers of Christian historical fiction, Christian or clean romance, and Christmas fiction will experience a heart-warming story of all that makes Christmastime magical.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2021
31 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 16, 2022
What if all you had been told about your mother’s death and your father’s leaving was not entirely true?
Holly hears rumors that her father is returning, so she sets out to find the answers. She hires on as a maid in the house she grew up in. Much happens quickly in this short novella. I was taken by Holly and her enquiring mind. Soon all the pieces fall into place. There are secrets unveiled and forgiveness to be had. All with a dash of romance.
A great background to the next book: Violet’s Vow, with prose that sings.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
Holly hears rumors that her father is returning, so she sets out to find the answers. She hires on as a maid in the house she grew up in. Much happens quickly in this short novella. I was taken by Holly and her enquiring mind. Soon all the pieces fall into place. There are secrets unveiled and forgiveness to be had. All with a dash of romance.
A great background to the next book: Violet’s Vow, with prose that sings.
* I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
December 9, 2022
I enjoyed this sweet Christmas novella very much! Jenny Knipfer has an elegant style of writing that is a delight to read. There were also a couple of twists that took me by surprise. I recommend this book if you enjoy sweet historical fiction with faith elements.
October 7, 2021
Holly's homecoming is an interesting novella with just a little mystery. Jolly is left by her father and raised by her aunt and uncle. Little does she know about her mind death or why her father left. Jolly gets a chance to work for her dad and can hopefully find answers to her questions. This is a clean novella with a great story. I enjoyed the characters and the author's approach to telling it. A definite read.
November 15, 2022
A little melodrama for my taste and the romance felt like it was inconsequential, but it was a quick Christmas read.
September 20, 2021
A great stand alone or prequel to her next book. This Christmas book is a delight. Great storyline, great characters, fun read.
Once again Jenny Knipfer has woven beautiful pictures of an old fashioned Christmas in Northern Wisconsin. You will love it.
Once again Jenny Knipfer has woven beautiful pictures of an old fashioned Christmas in Northern Wisconsin. You will love it.
September 21, 2021
A quick read, this story about a young woman seeking answers about her past will warm your heart and remind you that forgiveness lightens the heart and is the true meaning of love at Christmas
December 31, 2021
Holly’s Homecoming by Jenny Knipfer is a beautifully written novella that will bring back the true Magic of Christmas for all who read it. Ms. Knipfer knows how to write historical novels and this one is right up there with the others! She brings lies, secrets, forgiveness, hope, love, peace and a little mystery to this one that will warm your heart. There are wonderful characters and a wonderful story at Christmas time that everyone should read. This is Holly’s homecoming story and it is filled with spirit and joy! I am a huge fan of Jenny Knipfer’s books and I am looking forward to more from her!
#hollyshomecoming #jennyknipfer #historicalfiction
#hollyshomecoming #jennyknipfer #historicalfiction
October 5, 2021
What would you do if the last time you saw your father you were a child and he was leaving you with your aunt to go away, and then as an adult, you learn he’s moved back to your home but had not contacted you? That is the beginning of Jenny Knipfer’s new Christmas novella, Holly Homecoming.
Holly determines she needs to see him, despite knowing how her aunt and uncle feel about the man—they consider him useless, not worth a thought from his daughter. But how does a daughter stop thinking about her father?
Ms. Knipfer takes this deep question and weaves a historical novella that offers twists and turns you’ll never see coming only tie up this lovely holiday tale with a bright red bow.
As always, the prose is nearly poetic. This is Ms. Knipfer’s great skill, and it makes reading a delight. The characters are well thought out and not simple cut-outs—a difficult feat considering this is a novella and not a full-length historical. I had no problem placing myself in Holly’s shoes and going on this holiday adventure with her. And it is an adventure.
I highly recommend Holly’s Homecoming and look forward to the next book in the series, Violet’s Vow.
Holly determines she needs to see him, despite knowing how her aunt and uncle feel about the man—they consider him useless, not worth a thought from his daughter. But how does a daughter stop thinking about her father?
Ms. Knipfer takes this deep question and weaves a historical novella that offers twists and turns you’ll never see coming only tie up this lovely holiday tale with a bright red bow.
As always, the prose is nearly poetic. This is Ms. Knipfer’s great skill, and it makes reading a delight. The characters are well thought out and not simple cut-outs—a difficult feat considering this is a novella and not a full-length historical. I had no problem placing myself in Holly’s shoes and going on this holiday adventure with her. And it is an adventure.
I highly recommend Holly’s Homecoming and look forward to the next book in the series, Violet’s Vow.
January 10, 2022
What a sweet novella!
November 27, 2024
A heartwarming Christmas story featuring reconciliation and romance.
Holly is on a quest to discover more about her estranged father and a past she doesn’t understand. Love the atmospheric setting and the unexpected way Holly’s arrival at Grapevine Lodge gets turned around, giving her an opportunity to seek answers through stealthy means rather than confrontational ones.
The author’s storytelling style sets the tone beautifully. A little bit haunting, a wee bit mysterious and very intriguing. I felt for Holly and her desire to know the truth…even if she isn’t prepared for it! The gentle romance brings a sweet reprieve to her inner turmoil. And the frosty ambience of a house left neglected for much too long is the perfect setting for a story that is as much about forgiveness and mercy as it is about love.
This is the first book in the‘Botanical Seasons Novellas‘ collection as well as the first book I’ve read by Jenny Knipfer and I definitely intend to continue with this series and this author . I’m extremely excited over her new ‘Retold Fairy Tales’ series she has releasing next year. Eeeeeppp!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/11/27/h...
Holly is on a quest to discover more about her estranged father and a past she doesn’t understand. Love the atmospheric setting and the unexpected way Holly’s arrival at Grapevine Lodge gets turned around, giving her an opportunity to seek answers through stealthy means rather than confrontational ones.
The author’s storytelling style sets the tone beautifully. A little bit haunting, a wee bit mysterious and very intriguing. I felt for Holly and her desire to know the truth…even if she isn’t prepared for it! The gentle romance brings a sweet reprieve to her inner turmoil. And the frosty ambience of a house left neglected for much too long is the perfect setting for a story that is as much about forgiveness and mercy as it is about love.
This is the first book in the‘Botanical Seasons Novellas‘ collection as well as the first book I’ve read by Jenny Knipfer and I definitely intend to continue with this series and this author . I’m extremely excited over her new ‘Retold Fairy Tales’ series she has releasing next year. Eeeeeppp!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/11/27/h...
September 25, 2021
This is a sweet story of Forgiveness in the midst of a secret tragedy.
Holly, finds herself taking a job position at the home that once saw her grow. And the secrets that she wants to unfold. And see one more time the man that left her behind, her father, or is he?
A sweet novella that will find you that Christmas has it's true Magic, and that when we forgive we can move forward and embrace the Homecoming that awaits us with much peace and love.
You'll enjoy this story, twists that will have you glued to it, and a surprise secret that you didn't see it coming. Truly author Jenny knows how to mold a story that sets you in it, as you feel walking beside the characters in her stories.
Received a complimentary e-ARC for my honest review, all said are my own.
Holly, finds herself taking a job position at the home that once saw her grow. And the secrets that she wants to unfold. And see one more time the man that left her behind, her father, or is he?
A sweet novella that will find you that Christmas has it's true Magic, and that when we forgive we can move forward and embrace the Homecoming that awaits us with much peace and love.
You'll enjoy this story, twists that will have you glued to it, and a surprise secret that you didn't see it coming. Truly author Jenny knows how to mold a story that sets you in it, as you feel walking beside the characters in her stories.
Received a complimentary e-ARC for my honest review, all said are my own.
November 5, 2021
Holly's Homecoming, by Jenny Knipfer, is book one in the Botanical Seasons Novella series. This is a nice, well written Christmas novella with good characters. This story show how far a young lady will go to see her father again. Holly hears that her estranged father is coming back home and takes a job working as a servant in his home. This is a nice story that holds several interesting surprises that show Holly her past is not what she thought it was. I enjoyed reading this story, it is a nice length to read in an evening, perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. It left me wanting to know more about Holly and her family. I hope there are follow up stories to this one.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author, this is my honest review.
I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author, this is my honest review.
October 5, 2022
Decent story. Enjoyed it being about Christmas and weaving in faith.
This story is much more about Holly and discovering her roots.
Mathew (the love interest) is more of a side character in my opinion.
I definitely take issue with the fact their very 1st kiss is initiated by her and in a public dance in 1890. Highly improper and unlikely for that time.
The twist to the story was an unexpected one.
Also the epilog is dated 8 years after the main story ends! They still aren't married? 🤦🏻♀️ That has to be a typo judging from the content in the epilog.
A nice little way to pass a couple of hours.
3 ☆ I liked it fine.
I purchased this eBook from Amazon. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
This story is much more about Holly and discovering her roots.
Mathew (the love interest) is more of a side character in my opinion.
I definitely take issue with the fact their very 1st kiss is initiated by her and in a public dance in 1890. Highly improper and unlikely for that time.
The twist to the story was an unexpected one.
Also the epilog is dated 8 years after the main story ends! They still aren't married? 🤦🏻♀️ That has to be a typo judging from the content in the epilog.
A nice little way to pass a couple of hours.
3 ☆ I liked it fine.
I purchased this eBook from Amazon. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
January 20, 2023
Jenny Knipfer’s storytelling is magnetic. I read Holly’s Homecoming in one sitting. It begins with an introduction of a nineteen year old lady, Holly, seeking connection to her Father who abandoned her when she was a child.
The understanding that your own dad abandoned you always raises at least one question —“why?” What questions are burdening Holly’s heart? Is she seeking to learn what kind of person he is? Often, journeys to the truth uncover many lies. Will she discover something so horrible that will cause her suffering? Will she forgive? Will we see a family reunion? These are the thoughts and questions that flashed in my mind in the beginning of the story, and I loved it with all my heart. I hope Jenny will write more novellas in the nearest future!
The understanding that your own dad abandoned you always raises at least one question —“why?” What questions are burdening Holly’s heart? Is she seeking to learn what kind of person he is? Often, journeys to the truth uncover many lies. Will she discover something so horrible that will cause her suffering? Will she forgive? Will we see a family reunion? These are the thoughts and questions that flashed in my mind in the beginning of the story, and I loved it with all my heart. I hope Jenny will write more novellas in the nearest future!
December 9, 2021
Lies can harm others
Ten years ago Holly's mother died and her father abandoned her. She went to live with her aunt Nel and uncle Hal. Holly has heard her father is returning to town and she wants to check him out. She got a job working at the home she had lived in with her parents. She learns her father is not her father, but his twin brother! Read this great story to see how this works out.
Ten years ago Holly's mother died and her father abandoned her. She went to live with her aunt Nel and uncle Hal. Holly has heard her father is returning to town and she wants to check him out. She got a job working at the home she had lived in with her parents. She learns her father is not her father, but his twin brother! Read this great story to see how this works out.
February 22, 2022
This is a very good novella!!! The first book I have ever read by this author but will most definitely not be my last!!! Very well written, great story with such a huge plot twist!! It makes you turn the pages very quickly as you must know what happens as fast as you can!!! This book doesn't have a ton of romance but it does have some. The main theme is forgiveness and mercy even when undeserved. Such a worthwhile read!! If you haven't read any of her books please go read some now!!!
November 24, 2022
An Excellent Novella
This was a beautifully written historical novella with a just a light touch of romance. It was easy to get into the story and picture everything. I had no trouble following the plot and the story didn't feel so rushed like a lot of novellas. The faith element was nicely written in, too. If you're looking for a historical, inspirational romance which is short and easy to read, this would be a good one.
This was a beautifully written historical novella with a just a light touch of romance. It was easy to get into the story and picture everything. I had no trouble following the plot and the story didn't feel so rushed like a lot of novellas. The faith element was nicely written in, too. If you're looking for a historical, inspirational romance which is short and easy to read, this would be a good one.
November 24, 2024
This is a sweet Christmas novella of around 89 pages. Knipfer does an excellent job delivering a complete story with endearing characters. The story is inspirational with a strong sense of family during the season.
The audiobook is narrated through Virtual Voice but is pleasant if listened to using a slower speed.
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.
The audiobook is narrated through Virtual Voice but is pleasant if listened to using a slower speed.
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language.
December 18, 2021
Uplifting and lovely
I've enjoyed Jenny's novels so much, and now I'm enjoying her lovely style and storytelling in novella format too. Holly's Homecoming has all of Jenny's trademarks: a strong yet vulnerable heroine finding herself and her place in the world. I'm looking forward to the next novella in the Botanical Seasons series.
I've enjoyed Jenny's novels so much, and now I'm enjoying her lovely style and storytelling in novella format too. Holly's Homecoming has all of Jenny's trademarks: a strong yet vulnerable heroine finding herself and her place in the world. I'm looking forward to the next novella in the Botanical Seasons series.
December 21, 2021
Short novella with an interesting premise. The problem that I had with the book was that Holly didn't remember things about when she was 10 years old. If the author had either made Holly younger when she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle, it would have been more plausible that her memories were vague. It was an enjoyable book.
January 8, 2022
Looking For Answers
A young lady who was raised by her relatives searches for the answers regarding her mother’s passing and her father returning back to the estate after being gone 10 years. Her faith stays firm and later she is able to forgive those who have lied. An inspirational story that makes a wonderful read!
A young lady who was raised by her relatives searches for the answers regarding her mother’s passing and her father returning back to the estate after being gone 10 years. Her faith stays firm and later she is able to forgive those who have lied. An inspirational story that makes a wonderful read!
January 9, 2022
Sweet Christmas story
I enjoyed this novella. Christmas is a time for reflection and gratitude. The truth always wins in the end and it certainly did in this story of a young girl who found out her family wove lies together for different reasons but in th end they were brought back together.
I enjoyed this novella. Christmas is a time for reflection and gratitude. The truth always wins in the end and it certainly did in this story of a young girl who found out her family wove lies together for different reasons but in th end they were brought back together.
May 18, 2022
Loved it!
A quick, easy, clean read! It was easy to follow the people and situations. There were a few too many lies and deceptions as the truth probably should have been told sooner but then it might have shortened the book too much. This is my kind of story with strong faith very well handled and an all over feel good book. I will be watching for more of this author!
A quick, easy, clean read! It was easy to follow the people and situations. There were a few too many lies and deceptions as the truth probably should have been told sooner but then it might have shortened the book too much. This is my kind of story with strong faith very well handled and an all over feel good book. I will be watching for more of this author!
November 9, 2021
A sweet Christmas story
I enjoyed this short story which had an unexpected twist as the story progressed and a heart-warming ending! Well written and I loved the description of the glass house plants and the Christmas tree which added to the atmosphere of the story.
I enjoyed this short story which had an unexpected twist as the story progressed and a heart-warming ending! Well written and I loved the description of the glass house plants and the Christmas tree which added to the atmosphere of the story.
December 14, 2021
Botanical Seasons, Bk 1, EBk-M, Kindle@ 2021, Read 12/13/21, Novella, Fiction, Christmas. A 20 year old woman, raised by an aunt and uncle after her mother died and her father walked away, digs until she finally learns the truth of her circumstances. 3☆'s = Good, I enjoyed this read!
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January 12, 2022I liked this book. I've read some historical fiction that there was a language barrier, so to speak, and this one wasn't like that. Its a really great book and I can't wait for Violet's Vow to be released in the Spring.
August 15, 2022
The main character, Holly, was a likeable character. I also enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters. I enjoyed the interaction between her and Matthew, her love interest. There was a wonderful theme of redemption in this story. I also really enjoyed the holiday theme.
December 30, 2022
This is a new to me author. I'm don't usually read history reads but I enjoyed this story! Holly was a great character who went though a lot and was lied to by those who she least expected it from, can she forgive those who lied to her?
January 15, 2025
Really
No repercussions for the uncle assuming a fake identity. Unrealistic that she would become such an efficient maid. And no punishment for all the lies through the years.
Interesting format.
No repercussions for the uncle assuming a fake identity. Unrealistic that she would become such an efficient maid. And no punishment for all the lies through the years.
Interesting format.
November 14, 2021
Sweet story. It's a novella so things happen more quickly than seems possible. But forgiveness, mercy, new beginnings, and a beautiful Christmas. It's all in the story. And isn't the cover gorgeous?!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews