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Fireside Holidays #1
Sugar Pine Holiday
A rushed work trip to a mountain resort sends Ava into the humble, strong arms of a search and rescue stud. Can he save her heart? And can she rescue him before her time is up?
Ava Williams doesn't want anything to do with winter or the snowy mountains of Colorado after her sister's death. When a resort coordinator calls the week before Christmas, requesting her dance classes as part of a holiday retreat for couples, Ava can't turn down the opportunity. It could change the future of her studio's business.
But Ava plans hide out in her room between classes, not ready to confront the memories of family vacations that used to bring her joy. She doesn't expect to meet the handsome and extremely fit Cade, a member of the local search and rescue team. All he wants is one date. But Ava knows if she gives in, it could dismantle everything she's worked so hard to create.
Cade Callahan is more than meets the eye, and Ava finds herself falling for him. Literally. He likes to play fair, and he's desperate in a way only Ava can satisfy.
She has to keep her distance. How hard can it be for just one week?
Ava Williams doesn't want anything to do with winter or the snowy mountains of Colorado after her sister's death. When a resort coordinator calls the week before Christmas, requesting her dance classes as part of a holiday retreat for couples, Ava can't turn down the opportunity. It could change the future of her studio's business.
But Ava plans hide out in her room between classes, not ready to confront the memories of family vacations that used to bring her joy. She doesn't expect to meet the handsome and extremely fit Cade, a member of the local search and rescue team. All he wants is one date. But Ava knows if she gives in, it could dismantle everything she's worked so hard to create.
Cade Callahan is more than meets the eye, and Ava finds herself falling for him. Literally. He likes to play fair, and he's desperate in a way only Ava can satisfy.
She has to keep her distance. How hard can it be for just one week?
- GenresRomance
135 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2021
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Elysia Lumen Strife
30 books132 followersElysia Strife is a self-published author of sweet holiday romance as well as scifi novels. If you're looking for her science fiction, please visit that profile here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon bestselling author Elysia Strife is best known for her sweet (often clean) holiday romance with tough but humble male leads and feisty but kind-hearted women. If you're looking for a cozy read with lots of treats, snuggles, a touch of humor, and happily ever afters, you're in the right place. Strife designs her books to be uplifting and inspirational escapes.
Her work typically features small towns, country settings, Christmas themes, and chivalrous characters who sometimes swear and get themselves into and out of suspenseful situations. Strife often pulls from her experience in the U.S. Air Force when writing her military characters and tense situations but always prefers her stories are tied up with a bow by the end.
She enjoys reading on rainy and snowy mornings with a Christmas-scented candle burning and a fire going, even if it’s just the fake one in her RV. Her stories are inspired by the strengths and sacrifices of those around her and fueled by caramel macchiatos and Twinkies.
Strife lives with an amazing man who can build anything he puts his mind to and a rescued dog that steals socks and chases the vacuum. Together, they travel the country—from the golden plains of North Dakota to the warm ocean of the southern Texas coast and back to the green valleys and vineyards of Oregon. Anywhere is home as long as they’re together.
If you’d like to know when Strife’s next books will be out, and to ensure you have access to her free review copies and other giveaways, visit her website: http://elstrife.com/embers-on-ice and subscribe.
Amazon bestselling author Elysia Strife is best known for her sweet (often clean) holiday romance with tough but humble male leads and feisty but kind-hearted women. If you're looking for a cozy read with lots of treats, snuggles, a touch of humor, and happily ever afters, you're in the right place. Strife designs her books to be uplifting and inspirational escapes.
Her work typically features small towns, country settings, Christmas themes, and chivalrous characters who sometimes swear and get themselves into and out of suspenseful situations. Strife often pulls from her experience in the U.S. Air Force when writing her military characters and tense situations but always prefers her stories are tied up with a bow by the end.
She enjoys reading on rainy and snowy mornings with a Christmas-scented candle burning and a fire going, even if it’s just the fake one in her RV. Her stories are inspired by the strengths and sacrifices of those around her and fueled by caramel macchiatos and Twinkies.
Strife lives with an amazing man who can build anything he puts his mind to and a rescued dog that steals socks and chases the vacuum. Together, they travel the country—from the golden plains of North Dakota to the warm ocean of the southern Texas coast and back to the green valleys and vineyards of Oregon. Anywhere is home as long as they’re together.
If you’d like to know when Strife’s next books will be out, and to ensure you have access to her free review copies and other giveaways, visit her website: http://elstrife.com/embers-on-ice and subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2022
Loved the setting and vivid descriptions. She had a dance studio, but was called away for an emergency. Her reputation proceeded her and she was needed at a resort lodge with an offer she could not refuse. Then she met with the rescue teams.
December 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Has plenty of angst, suspense, warmth, heart and fun to keep you reading to see what happens next. There was one point I thought "oh no, you wouldn't!?" but it turned out clean (phew!). Recommend it for a satisfying read.
December 17, 2021
A good, heart warming story about overcoming perceived obstacles and embracing the good things of life. A lovely read for the holiday season.
October 27, 2022
Wrapped up with You This Christmas - This story was going so well until the cabin. Why she flip-flopped and attacked is beyond me, stupidity? A sweet second chance to let the other know about their love for them Interesting characters and almost good story lines. 4*
Be My Pumpkin - One of the Farmers Market series, which is my first read by this author. Fun. Entertaining. Nice characters. Good story lines. Did not put the book down until I finished the last page. A sweet romance between two deserving characters. 4*
Decked With Love, #6 - A sweet, heartfelt story with plenty of love and God's good grace. Melody follows the gospel of Christ Jesus daily but especially during the Christmas holiday. Tucker shares her beliefs and has many good, loving surprises for her. Interesting information about raising Christmas trees. 5*
Sugar Pine Holiday - I apologize but I cannot read this book finished and I made it to the 50% mark. I dislike Ava and she did not change my opinion half way through the book. Her reasoning is stupid and her rudeness inexcusable. Maybe it is her culture, going by the family names and her actions, Soviet? The other characters are good. Cade is a champ and I understand his job and location makes him friendly, even with unlikeables like Ava. Based on Ava, this is a one star, but everything else brings it up to a three star. And I enjoy the books by Ms. Strife. 3*
Be My Pumpkin - One of the Farmers Market series, which is my first read by this author. Fun. Entertaining. Nice characters. Good story lines. Did not put the book down until I finished the last page. A sweet romance between two deserving characters. 4*
Decked With Love, #6 - A sweet, heartfelt story with plenty of love and God's good grace. Melody follows the gospel of Christ Jesus daily but especially during the Christmas holiday. Tucker shares her beliefs and has many good, loving surprises for her. Interesting information about raising Christmas trees. 5*
Sugar Pine Holiday - I apologize but I cannot read this book finished and I made it to the 50% mark. I dislike Ava and she did not change my opinion half way through the book. Her reasoning is stupid and her rudeness inexcusable. Maybe it is her culture, going by the family names and her actions, Soviet? The other characters are good. Cade is a champ and I understand his job and location makes him friendly, even with unlikeables like Ava. Based on Ava, this is a one star, but everything else brings it up to a three star. And I enjoy the books by Ms. Strife. 3*
May 5, 2023
Ava was offered a chance to teach dance classes at Sugar Pine Lodge. She wasn't sure she wanted to do it, but the pay was too good to turn down. While there, she met a member, Cade, of the search and rescue team. They spent some time together, but would they develop feelings for each other? Ava didn't want to, because she was only going to be there for a week.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
January 22, 2023
The story started out slow but slowly build up to a a great ending.
May 9, 2023
CONQUERING THE DEMONS OF THE PAST
The story is a sweet, clean, contemporary tale that takes place in Colorado. Dance studio owner and operator, Ava Williams, will receive a call requesting her services at Sugar Pine Resort and Revitalize Retreats for a week offering dance lessons twice a day. The pay is amazing, but the location is haunted by family memories of happier days.
The story’s plot will have Ava traveling to the resort where she will be given a room for her stay. The room to hold the classes in is exactly what she wished she had at her studio in Denver. The attendees are delightful, and this is a more carefree attitude than with her normal students. Meeting Cade Callahan leads to surprises and unexpected feelings. But this is just for a week, and she lives three hours away.
Cade won’t allow Ava to avoid the snow, sledding, and skiing. He takes her outside of her enclosed comfort zone and shows her that the snow isn’t her enemy. He has compassion hearing how her older sister died in a freak skiing accident. As a search and rescue individual, he understands the dangers—but there are dangerous situations in so many things, and one must live their life to the fullest.
“I have a request. I want you to honor your sister’s memory by living your life to the fullest it can be instead of hiding from it. Whatever you learned from her, share that with the world. That way, it’ll be like a piece of her is still here, with you.”
A moment of life and death will have Ava taking the risk, especially knowing that Cade and another person’s life is in danger. She is willing to risk it all for them.
“I have been afraid of this place too long. And life is always worth fighting for.”
I loved the two main characters, Cade and Ava, and the chemistry between them. I like how they joke with each other, and develop a sweet friendship. She learns to trust Cade as he moves her back on the snow and even takes her cross country to a beautiful area. She doesn’t get upset when their time is cut short when he has to go out and work. The one thing that gets in the way of these two is where they live and how each loves what they do. Will fate intervene and open the door for a future? Will Cade and Ava find a happily-ever-after ending?
The story is a sweet, clean, contemporary tale that takes place in Colorado. Dance studio owner and operator, Ava Williams, will receive a call requesting her services at Sugar Pine Resort and Revitalize Retreats for a week offering dance lessons twice a day. The pay is amazing, but the location is haunted by family memories of happier days.
The story’s plot will have Ava traveling to the resort where she will be given a room for her stay. The room to hold the classes in is exactly what she wished she had at her studio in Denver. The attendees are delightful, and this is a more carefree attitude than with her normal students. Meeting Cade Callahan leads to surprises and unexpected feelings. But this is just for a week, and she lives three hours away.
Cade won’t allow Ava to avoid the snow, sledding, and skiing. He takes her outside of her enclosed comfort zone and shows her that the snow isn’t her enemy. He has compassion hearing how her older sister died in a freak skiing accident. As a search and rescue individual, he understands the dangers—but there are dangerous situations in so many things, and one must live their life to the fullest.
“I have a request. I want you to honor your sister’s memory by living your life to the fullest it can be instead of hiding from it. Whatever you learned from her, share that with the world. That way, it’ll be like a piece of her is still here, with you.”
A moment of life and death will have Ava taking the risk, especially knowing that Cade and another person’s life is in danger. She is willing to risk it all for them.
“I have been afraid of this place too long. And life is always worth fighting for.”
I loved the two main characters, Cade and Ava, and the chemistry between them. I like how they joke with each other, and develop a sweet friendship. She learns to trust Cade as he moves her back on the snow and even takes her cross country to a beautiful area. She doesn’t get upset when their time is cut short when he has to go out and work. The one thing that gets in the way of these two is where they live and how each loves what they do. Will fate intervene and open the door for a future? Will Cade and Ava find a happily-ever-after ending?
December 9, 2024
Sugar Pine Holiday is the first book in the Fireside Holidays series by Elysia Strife. Ava Williams doesn’t want anything to do with winter, the snow of the mountains of Colorado. When the Sugar Pine Lodge resort coordinator calls her, requesting her dance lessons for the holiday retreat, with an offer she can’t refuse, Ava finds herself in the snow capped mountains surrounded by memories of happier times. She is only there to give dance lessons, nothing more. However, at every turn, Ava runs into Cade Callahan, the handsome member of the local search and rescue team. Cade can see there’s more to Ava than meets the eye and he will do anything to pull her out of her shell. As they spend time together, they find their attraction too hard to deny. Ava plans to leave at the end of the week but will her heart stay behind at the Sugar Pine Lodge?
Sugar Pine Holiday is a quick, fast paced romance with a cute meet and some real emotions. Ava is still hurting from a family tragedy but reluctantly heads up to the resort. The descriptions of the resort were wonderful and I felt as if I was really there with the detailed descriptions of the weather. I loved the moment when Ava and Cade meet and Ava immediately notices how attractive Cade is but acts like she doesn’t care. I loved how Cade helps Ava understand that living her life to the fullest isn’t ignoring the tragedy but recognizing that life is unpredictable and yet cannot be ignored. There are heartbreaking moments. Moments of angst and emotions and yet there is warmth and heart. Overall, I loved this story and I look forward to reading new books in this series. If you enjoy fast paced, clean romance, I recommend Sugar Pine Holiday.
Sugar Pine Holiday is available in paperback and eBook
Sugar Pine Holiday is a quick, fast paced romance with a cute meet and some real emotions. Ava is still hurting from a family tragedy but reluctantly heads up to the resort. The descriptions of the resort were wonderful and I felt as if I was really there with the detailed descriptions of the weather. I loved the moment when Ava and Cade meet and Ava immediately notices how attractive Cade is but acts like she doesn’t care. I loved how Cade helps Ava understand that living her life to the fullest isn’t ignoring the tragedy but recognizing that life is unpredictable and yet cannot be ignored. There are heartbreaking moments. Moments of angst and emotions and yet there is warmth and heart. Overall, I loved this story and I look forward to reading new books in this series. If you enjoy fast paced, clean romance, I recommend Sugar Pine Holiday.
Sugar Pine Holiday is available in paperback and eBook
November 11, 2022
This was a lovely short story set at a skiing resort where the main female character, Ava, has had many happy memories but now the resort proves nearly impossible to return to except for a work opportunity.
The Christmas atmosphere and previous heartaches experienced by some of the characters are beautifully woven together so that healing can happen.
The main male character, Cade, sounds amazing and yet he has had his share of heartaches too.
Received this from the author and this is my own opinion.
The Christmas atmosphere and previous heartaches experienced by some of the characters are beautifully woven together so that healing can happen.
The main male character, Cade, sounds amazing and yet he has had his share of heartaches too.
Received this from the author and this is my own opinion.
February 15, 2022
Sugar Pine Holiday is a sweet, heartwarming, romance. Ava. the dance instructor. meets Cade, a member of a search and rescue team. I like both characters. Ava especially needs to get over the pain of her sister's death. This well written short book kept my attention as the characters worked through their mutual attraction and their preconceived ideas. As always, Ms. Strife brings everything to a most satisfying conclusion.
January 30, 2024
Ava Williams is headed to the snowy mountains of Colorado to Sugar Pine Lodge to teach dance. She has avoided ski lodges since her sister Hannah died. She is only doing this week of dance classes to help build her studio’s business.
Cade Callahan works search and rescue for the lodge. He wants just one date with Ava.
I could feel Ava’s pain but was rooting for Cade to win her over. Loved how the story unfolded.
Cade Callahan works search and rescue for the lodge. He wants just one date with Ava.
I could feel Ava’s pain but was rooting for Cade to win her over. Loved how the story unfolded.
May 5, 2023
Beautiful read . Ava is sent to Sugar Pine , it’s just a week but she falls hard for search and rescuer. It can’t happen she’s leaving soon…. Can Cade melt the thick walls around her heart? Will they won’t they romance , good setting great cosy romance to read anytime .
I received a free copy and my review is in my own words voluntary.
July 11, 2023
She teaches dance classes to adults
When she is asked to go to a resort and teach for AMAZING money she goes. And when she gets to know the staff — and the people taking the classed she loves it. And of course there is one guy . . . enough said. A superb love story!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
When she is asked to go to a resort and teach for AMAZING money she goes. And when she gets to know the staff — and the people taking the classed she loves it. And of course there is one guy . . . enough said. A superb love story!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
August 31, 2023
Reclaiming her whole life
I found this book to be an engaging story of Ava, facing up to the demons of the past which left her family in tatters. With the encouragement of Cade, she finds the courage to begin to live her life again.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I found this book to be an engaging story of Ava, facing up to the demons of the past which left her family in tatters. With the encouragement of Cade, she finds the courage to begin to live her life again.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
March 15, 2024
This is the third book I have read by Elysia and I can't stop. Her writing is so good. I loved the two main characters Cade and Ava. They had such good chemistry and loved their sweet friendship. This is a good heartwarming story about over coming obstacles and embracing life. I would highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2025
A sweet story of dealing with grief and guilt. I wish I had a talent that could earn $7k a week plus a posh resort suite! Ava and Cade both have pasts that color their presents. They are good people and are careful with their feelings and actions. Some adventure and a rescue add some suspense. Enjoyable story.
December 4, 2021
Fast, sweet read.
February 22, 2022
Delightful❣️
July 26, 2022
I received a copy of this book..
Sweet story and characters..
Sweet story and characters..
November 12, 2022
Loved reading this book.
December 19, 2023
I loved this! What a cute story. I felt like I was with them the entire time.
May 9, 2023
CONQUERING THE DEMONS OF THE PAST
The story is a sweet, clean, contemporary tale that takes place in Colorado. Dance studio owner and operator, Ava Williams, will receive a call requesting her services at Sugar Pine Resort and Revitalize Retreats for a week offering dance lessons twice a day. The pay is amazing, but the location is haunted by family memories of happier days.
The story’s plot will have Ava traveling to the resort where she will be given a room for her stay. The room to hold the classes in is exactly what she wished she had at her studio in Denver. The attendees are delightful, and this is a more carefree attitude than with her normal students. Meeting Cade Callahan leads to surprises and unexpected feelings. But this is just for a week, and she lives three hours away.
Cade won’t allow Ava to avoid the snow, sledding, and skiing. He takes her outside of her enclosed comfort zone and shows her that the snow isn’t her enemy. He has compassion hearing how her older sister died in a freak skiing accident. As a search and rescue individual, he understands the dangers—but there are dangerous situations in so many things, and one must live their life to the fullest.
“I have a request. I want you to honor your sister’s memory by living your life to the fullest it can be instead of hiding from it. Whatever you learned from her, share that with the world. That way, it’ll be like a piece of her is still here, with you.”
A moment of life and death will have Ava taking the risk, especially knowing that Cade and another person’s life is in danger. She is willing to risk it all for them.
“I have been afraid of this place too long. And life is always worth fighting for.”
I loved the two main characters, Cade and Ava, and the chemistry between them. I like how they joke with each other, and develop a sweet friendship. She learns to trust Cade as he moves her back on the snow and even takes her cross country to a beautiful area. She doesn’t get upset when their time is cut short when he has to go out and work. The one thing that gets in the way of these two is where they live and how each loves what they do. Will fate intervene and open the door for a future? Will Cade and Ava find a happily-ever-after ending?
The story is a sweet, clean, contemporary tale that takes place in Colorado. Dance studio owner and operator, Ava Williams, will receive a call requesting her services at Sugar Pine Resort and Revitalize Retreats for a week offering dance lessons twice a day. The pay is amazing, but the location is haunted by family memories of happier days.
The story’s plot will have Ava traveling to the resort where she will be given a room for her stay. The room to hold the classes in is exactly what she wished she had at her studio in Denver. The attendees are delightful, and this is a more carefree attitude than with her normal students. Meeting Cade Callahan leads to surprises and unexpected feelings. But this is just for a week, and she lives three hours away.
Cade won’t allow Ava to avoid the snow, sledding, and skiing. He takes her outside of her enclosed comfort zone and shows her that the snow isn’t her enemy. He has compassion hearing how her older sister died in a freak skiing accident. As a search and rescue individual, he understands the dangers—but there are dangerous situations in so many things, and one must live their life to the fullest.
“I have a request. I want you to honor your sister’s memory by living your life to the fullest it can be instead of hiding from it. Whatever you learned from her, share that with the world. That way, it’ll be like a piece of her is still here, with you.”
A moment of life and death will have Ava taking the risk, especially knowing that Cade and another person’s life is in danger. She is willing to risk it all for them.
“I have been afraid of this place too long. And life is always worth fighting for.”
I loved the two main characters, Cade and Ava, and the chemistry between them. I like how they joke with each other, and develop a sweet friendship. She learns to trust Cade as he moves her back on the snow and even takes her cross country to a beautiful area. She doesn’t get upset when their time is cut short when he has to go out and work. The one thing that gets in the way of these two is where they live and how each loves what they do. Will fate intervene and open the door for a future? Will Cade and Ava find a happily-ever-after ending?
October 27, 2022
Wrapped up with You This Christmas - This story was going so well until the cabin. Why she flip-flopped and attacked is beyond me, stupidity? A sweet second chance to let the other know about their love for them Interesting characters and almost good story lines. 4*
Be My Pumpkin - One of the Farmers Market series, which is my first read by this author. Fun. Entertaining. Nice characters. Good story lines. Did not put the book down until I finished the last page. A sweet romance between two deserving characters. 4*
Decked With Love, #6 - A sweet, heartfelt story with plenty of love and God's good grace. Melody follows the gospel of Christ Jesus daily but especially during the Christmas holiday. Tucker shares her beliefs and has many good, loving surprises for her. Interesting information about raising Christmas trees. 5*
Sugar Pine Holiday - I apologize but I cannot read this book finished and I made it to the 50% mark. I dislike Ava and she did not change my opinion half way through the book. Her reasoning is stupid and her rudeness inexcusable. Maybe it is her culture, going by the family names and her actions, Soviet? The other characters are good. Cade is a champ and I understand his job and location makes him friendly, even with unlikeables like Ava. Based on Ava, this is a one star, but everything else brings it up to a three star. And I enjoy the books by Ms. Strife. 3*
Be My Pumpkin - One of the Farmers Market series, which is my first read by this author. Fun. Entertaining. Nice characters. Good story lines. Did not put the book down until I finished the last page. A sweet romance between two deserving characters. 4*
Decked With Love, #6 - A sweet, heartfelt story with plenty of love and God's good grace. Melody follows the gospel of Christ Jesus daily but especially during the Christmas holiday. Tucker shares her beliefs and has many good, loving surprises for her. Interesting information about raising Christmas trees. 5*
Sugar Pine Holiday - I apologize but I cannot read this book finished and I made it to the 50% mark. I dislike Ava and she did not change my opinion half way through the book. Her reasoning is stupid and her rudeness inexcusable. Maybe it is her culture, going by the family names and her actions, Soviet? The other characters are good. Cade is a champ and I understand his job and location makes him friendly, even with unlikeables like Ava. Based on Ava, this is a one star, but everything else brings it up to a three star. And I enjoy the books by Ms. Strife. 3*
December 19, 2023
A heartwarming Christmas short romance story. Ava runs a dance studio in Denver and is haunted by memories of her deceased sister's death in a ski resort while on a family holiday vacation. She accepts an offer to teach dance lessons at the same resort last minute for the week before Christmas. Will she open her heart up to Cade, the muscular nice search and rescue man. I liked both main characters in the story, both developed well. The resort setting descriptions had me picturing the great place. Read with pleasure.
January 8, 2025
Ava is forced to face her grief and the last place she wants to be last minute for her job. She is needed to fill in as a dance instructor immediately. Cade works at the resort and is determined to get her to spend time with him. Will he succeed? Why is she so adamant that she isn't going to stay? What happens to help her heal?
I received a free copy via Bookfunnel. Review voluntarily given.
I received a free copy via Bookfunnel. Review voluntarily given.
May 5, 2023
A romance at Christmas is not what Ava was looking for. She will only be there a week or will it become longer? If Cade has any say in her decision, it will be forever. The author's descriptions made me feel like I was there with the characters. A few times I had to grab a blanket.
May 6, 2023
Sugar Pine Holiday is a heartwarming
Christmas romance, to start your holiday reading
season!
Ava wasn't looking for a Christmas romance,
considering she will only be there for a week ,
until she meets Cade. This well written short story
kept my attention to the very end.
Christmas romance, to start your holiday reading
season!
Ava wasn't looking for a Christmas romance,
considering she will only be there for a week ,
until she meets Cade. This well written short story
kept my attention to the very end.
November 23, 2022
Very sweet quick easy read. Romance moves alone fast. Just a cute story
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews