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The Kowalskis #10.5
Feels Like Christmas
With forty right around the corner, a small-town woman is content with her quiet life until a silver fox of a single dad walks through the door and sweeps her off her feet.
Tending bar and helping out around the Northern Star Lodge gives Nola Kendrick something to do evenings and weekends and allows her to meet new people. From the moment Ian Emerson checks in, it’s clear he’s not going to be just another guest. She’d given up on ever finding love, but suddenly she’s longing for things she’s never wanted before.
Ian’s kids are busy young adults and he's looking forward to spending quality time with them, so he books a week-long snowmobile trip in Maine before they head off to their mom's for Christmas. But when the beautiful woman checking them in sets his blood on fire, he knows this vacation is going to be more than he’d bargained for.
There’s no denying the chemistry between them and as the clock ticks toward his checkout time, neither wants to say goodbye. Are they caught up in the holiday spirit, or is it love at first sight?
Spend your holidays at the Northern Star Lodge in this standalone Christmas novella set in the world of the reader-favorite Kowalski Family series from New York Times Bestselling Author Shannon Stacey.
Tending bar and helping out around the Northern Star Lodge gives Nola Kendrick something to do evenings and weekends and allows her to meet new people. From the moment Ian Emerson checks in, it’s clear he’s not going to be just another guest. She’d given up on ever finding love, but suddenly she’s longing for things she’s never wanted before.
Ian’s kids are busy young adults and he's looking forward to spending quality time with them, so he books a week-long snowmobile trip in Maine before they head off to their mom's for Christmas. But when the beautiful woman checking them in sets his blood on fire, he knows this vacation is going to be more than he’d bargained for.
There’s no denying the chemistry between them and as the clock ticks toward his checkout time, neither wants to say goodbye. Are they caught up in the holiday spirit, or is it love at first sight?
Spend your holidays at the Northern Star Lodge in this standalone Christmas novella set in the world of the reader-favorite Kowalski Family series from New York Times Bestselling Author Shannon Stacey.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2021
About the author
Shannon Stacey
145 books2,647 followersThe New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of (mostly) contemporary romance, Shannon Stacey lives in New Hampshire. Her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets with her dog curled up at her side, especially during the long winter months. She loves books, coffee, Boston sports, watching way too much TV, and she’s never turned down an offering of baked macaroni & cheese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 31, 2021
*4+ Stars*
This just worked for me - I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wonderful holiday story set in the Kowalski world!
This just worked for me - I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wonderful holiday story set in the Kowalski world!
October 18, 2021
Excellent read
Feels like Christmas is a quick read that's perfect for those stolen reading times during the hectic holiday season. It takes us back to the North star Lodge owned by the loveable Kowalski family. You do not need to have read those books to enjoy this one though, but as a Christmas gift to yourself I would suggest you do. This book has all new characters with a few of the old crew thrown in I guarantee you'll enjoy this story. I definitely recommend it.
Feels like Christmas is a quick read that's perfect for those stolen reading times during the hectic holiday season. It takes us back to the North star Lodge owned by the loveable Kowalski family. You do not need to have read those books to enjoy this one though, but as a Christmas gift to yourself I would suggest you do. This book has all new characters with a few of the old crew thrown in I guarantee you'll enjoy this story. I definitely recommend it.
December 29, 2021
B+ rating. A great quick little escape...
December 19, 2021
I always love going back to visit any of the Kowalski family. This one was such a great addition to the series.
Nola is encroaching 40 and has lived her live the way she wants. However, a single father with older children comes into the Inn for a family get away and soon the two of them are sharing looks and glances and so much more. She has not been this attracted to a man for some time, and is always seeking him out, just like Ian is always seeking her out.
Ian is spending a week with his kids on the snowmobile trails and spending some quality time together since they are young adults and are onto leading their own lives that don't always include the parents.
Ian has been single for some time and once he sets eyes on Nola, all bets are off. It was attraction at first glance and the two of them have it bad for each other. However, Ian lives in the Cape and is only down at the lodge for one week. Can someone fall in love in one week? Is their connection that strong?
Nola and Ian have instant attraction, lust, and that soon becomes more, but with the distance between their living places, and jobs, will they be able to make it work? Is the distance too far? Or can one compromise and move?
Loved, loved, loved! It was so great to visit the Northern Star Lodge again! I hope we get to go back again soon.
Nola is encroaching 40 and has lived her live the way she wants. However, a single father with older children comes into the Inn for a family get away and soon the two of them are sharing looks and glances and so much more. She has not been this attracted to a man for some time, and is always seeking him out, just like Ian is always seeking her out.
Ian is spending a week with his kids on the snowmobile trails and spending some quality time together since they are young adults and are onto leading their own lives that don't always include the parents.
Ian has been single for some time and once he sets eyes on Nola, all bets are off. It was attraction at first glance and the two of them have it bad for each other. However, Ian lives in the Cape and is only down at the lodge for one week. Can someone fall in love in one week? Is their connection that strong?
Nola and Ian have instant attraction, lust, and that soon becomes more, but with the distance between their living places, and jobs, will they be able to make it work? Is the distance too far? Or can one compromise and move?
Loved, loved, loved! It was so great to visit the Northern Star Lodge again! I hope we get to go back again soon.
July 23, 2025
So in the middle of my weeks long Kowalski re-read (thanks KU because it has been a long time since I originally read the books) up popped this holiday novella. I didn't even know it existed.
It's really good. I don't often break my "I only read holiday romances during the holidays" rule, but my OCD demands that reading or re-reading a series in order must be obeyed.
(I read by a strange set of rules, you guys.)
But back to the novella. What a lovely romance. Seriously. It's cool to see Nola get a HEA after reacquainting myself with her in the Max and Laney installments of the series. Ian was a worthy companion, and it was a cool vehicle to catch up with the Kowalski's success.
Rated 5 Caught In the Pantry Stars.
It's really good. I don't often break my "I only read holiday romances during the holidays" rule, but my OCD demands that reading or re-reading a series in order must be obeyed.
(I read by a strange set of rules, you guys.)
But back to the novella. What a lovely romance. Seriously. It's cool to see Nola get a HEA after reacquainting myself with her in the Max and Laney installments of the series. Ian was a worthy companion, and it was a cool vehicle to catch up with the Kowalski's success.
Rated 5 Caught In the Pantry Stars.
December 6, 2023
#10.5 in the Kowalski Family romance series
This was a quick and sweet story about Nola, worker at the town hall who was suggested as a romantic interest in a previous book, but there was no chemistry there. But instead she gets an immediate spark from an older man who comes to the lodge for a snowmobile week with his grown children. The biggest problem is that Ian lives in Connecticut, but neither can resist the week-long fling that doesn't fit either of their usual personality styles. I loved them together--an older couple who are looking for the first-time chance of a new romance and full life together. Rosie is also around to give them a little push, as are his children who are not oblivious, but neither are they subtle. Nice visits with characters from previous books in this series. Nice, warm, sweet romance to round out what has been a very enjoyable series.
This was a quick and sweet story about Nola, worker at the town hall who was suggested as a romantic interest in a previous book, but there was no chemistry there. But instead she gets an immediate spark from an older man who comes to the lodge for a snowmobile week with his grown children. The biggest problem is that Ian lives in Connecticut, but neither can resist the week-long fling that doesn't fit either of their usual personality styles. I loved them together--an older couple who are looking for the first-time chance of a new romance and full life together. Rosie is also around to give them a little push, as are his children who are not oblivious, but neither are they subtle. Nice visits with characters from previous books in this series. Nice, warm, sweet romance to round out what has been a very enjoyable series.
October 29, 2021
Charming Stoty
This has been an education for me in the glories of a winter vacation. The snowmobile trips were beautifully described.
Nola and Ian fell for each other instantly. Ian’s kids, Maddie and Jacob, are about 20 and 18. They get along well, and each showed their love and approval for the budding romance between Nola and Ian.
The kids encouraged the romance and wanted to return to the lodge as much as possible.
I loved this story.
This has been an education for me in the glories of a winter vacation. The snowmobile trips were beautifully described.
Nola and Ian fell for each other instantly. Ian’s kids, Maddie and Jacob, are about 20 and 18. They get along well, and each showed their love and approval for the budding romance between Nola and Ian.
The kids encouraged the romance and wanted to return to the lodge as much as possible.
I loved this story.
January 31, 2022
I am a big fan of the Kowalski’s, and this story is set at their Northern Star Lodge. Nola helps out at the lodge, and Ian and his two young-adult children are guests for a week right before Christmas. I really enjoyed that this story is about mature, middle-aged adults with histories and experiences, as well as passion and zest for life. This is a fun, fast, easy read about falling in love at Christmas in Maine.
October 19, 2021
Christmas is the best time to fall in love.
Love at first sight romances always make my heart sigh. I also prefer reading about "seasoned" characters falling in love as it makes the falling sweeter. Ian and Nola were made for each other and only Shannon could have written their story. She's that good.
Love at first sight romances always make my heart sigh. I also prefer reading about "seasoned" characters falling in love as it makes the falling sweeter. Ian and Nola were made for each other and only Shannon could have written their story. She's that good.
December 9, 2021
Wonderful Christmas story
Loved Ian and Nola! I enjoy reading stories about older heroes and heroines. I loved the relationship between Ian and his kids, and how they not only accepted Nola, but were genuinely happy for their dad. Shannon Stacey brings her characters to life and they become real.
Definitely recommend!
Loved Ian and Nola! I enjoy reading stories about older heroes and heroines. I loved the relationship between Ian and his kids, and how they not only accepted Nola, but were genuinely happy for their dad. Shannon Stacey brings her characters to life and they become real.
Definitely recommend!
November 3, 2021
Great Book
I loved this book it was so great going back to a wonderful series again can not wait for Shannons next book to come out I highly recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer
I loved this book it was so great going back to a wonderful series again can not wait for Shannons next book to come out I highly recommend this book to everyone Dorothy Schaefer
November 12, 2021
This is a quick read in the Kowalski series, one I follow as a lot of the books are placed in a snowmobile inn in Maine. It's always fun to hear about the family and see the ones who make it into the story. This is a novella set for Christmas and a very enjoyable fast read. 3 1/2 stars rounded up.
January 10, 2022
Second time's the charm
I read the Kowalski series many years ago it was the first books I read by Shannon Stacey. It was great to read this holiday novella reuniting the reader with the Kowalski family. A quicj, fun holiday romance you'll be sure to enjoy!
I read the Kowalski series many years ago it was the first books I read by Shannon Stacey. It was great to read this holiday novella reuniting the reader with the Kowalski family. A quicj, fun holiday romance you'll be sure to enjoy!
October 19, 2021
Love this series
October 21, 2021
Review of Feels Like Christmas
I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an amazing writer.
I absolutely loved this book and I will recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. She is an amazing writer.
October 25, 2021
Such a lovely story. I'm tempted to re-read all the Kowalski Family books again.
November 2, 2021
***1/2
November 4, 2021
This is a great holiday novella. So often novellas feel forced or too short, but Feels Like Christmas is just right. The only problem is that it makes me want to reread the Kowalski series!
November 25, 2021
Loved It!
Anytime you get more Kowalski you have to read it! I loved that Nola found her happy ending with Ian and his kids we so accepting of her. Read this!
Anytime you get more Kowalski you have to read it! I loved that Nola found her happy ending with Ian and his kids we so accepting of her. Read this!
December 7, 2021
Loved it! Missed this world
December 10, 2021
Warm Christmas romance.
December 11, 2021
Another great story by Shannon. After the first of the year I think I will read the whole series again.....they are on my bookshelf!!!!
December 17, 2021
Feels Like Christmas is a feel-good holiday insta-love romance set in the delightful Kowalski Family world. It’s been ages since I last visited the Northern Star Lodge, and knowledge of the series isn’t necessary to enjoy the novella.
Nola and Ian discover an instant attraction when he and his two grown kids visit the lodge for the Christmas holiday. The pair share stolen glances while she’s working and he’s dining with his family. After dinner, Ian lingers in the lounge and chats with Nola every evening. After encouragement from both his kids and the motherly (and always interfering) Rosie, the pair finds the courage to act on their impulses.
Feels Like Christmas is a quick story built upon the insta-lust/love trope. The couple does spend time getting to know one another, but based on internal dialogue, each instantly recognizes the other is someone special, and love is in full swing by the end of the week. It was a bit too quick for me, and I wasn’t a huge fan of how hungrily Ian wanted Nola within seconds of meeting her. Yet, the setting is lovely, the couple is cute, the atmosphere festive. I do love that they are both around forty and happy where they are at in life.
If you are looking for a holiday quickie, Feels Like Christmas fits the bill.
My Rating: C+
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Nola and Ian discover an instant attraction when he and his two grown kids visit the lodge for the Christmas holiday. The pair share stolen glances while she’s working and he’s dining with his family. After dinner, Ian lingers in the lounge and chats with Nola every evening. After encouragement from both his kids and the motherly (and always interfering) Rosie, the pair finds the courage to act on their impulses.
Feels Like Christmas is a quick story built upon the insta-lust/love trope. The couple does spend time getting to know one another, but based on internal dialogue, each instantly recognizes the other is someone special, and love is in full swing by the end of the week. It was a bit too quick for me, and I wasn’t a huge fan of how hungrily Ian wanted Nola within seconds of meeting her. Yet, the setting is lovely, the couple is cute, the atmosphere festive. I do love that they are both around forty and happy where they are at in life.
If you are looking for a holiday quickie, Feels Like Christmas fits the bill.
My Rating: C+
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
December 27, 2021
Winter love story
I have loved All of the Kowalski stories. Each one has seemed to have their own adventure or an obstacle to overcome.
I have loved All of the Kowalski stories. Each one has seemed to have their own adventure or an obstacle to overcome.
January 10, 2022
Cute short story with good characters and love at Christmas.
January 12, 2022
Nola, finally!
I was hoping for a story featuring Nola and Shannon did not disappoint. Ian is perfect for her. And now neither when is alone anymore. Very satisfying.
I was hoping for a story featuring Nola and Shannon did not disappoint. Ian is perfect for her. And now neither when is alone anymore. Very satisfying.
October 8, 2022
Loved it!
November 26, 2022
Very cute holiday novella if you've read the rest of the series.
November 16, 2023
Cute holiday novella!
January 27, 2024
I love the Kowalski family 💙💙💙💙
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews