A Christmas Reckoning

Love at Christmas Inn

by Dora Hiers

Waverly Parks isn't living her best life. Far from it. Selling occasional pieces of art doesn't pay the bills like her wedding hairstyling business, but being around blissful brides every weekend makes her regret breaking up with her high school sweetheart. No man has ever measured up to Hudson Tanner with his solid faith and fierce loyalty to family and friends. So, when a friend begs her to come home for a Christmas Inn wedding gig, Waverly agrees. Maybe visiting the small town for the holidays will make her appreciate New York's eclectic and expensive vibe, and she can finally slam the door on that chapter for good.

On the short list of candidates for a promotion to Deputy Police Chief, Hudson Tanner can't afford any distractions. So, when the woman who broke his heart over a decade ago shows up in town right before Christmas, igniting bittersweet memories of moonlit walks on the North Pole Bridge and summertime swims at the waterfall, he considers arresting her for disturbing the peace. His peace! How's he supposed to focus on the most important interview of his career with the kaleidoscope of holiday lights shimmering off her golden hair and her sweet spirit taking his heart captive again? But there's an arsonist on the loose, keeping his firefighter brother busy, his other brother on his knees in prayer, and Hudson crazy with worry about protecting Waverly from danger.

As Hudson pursues the arsonist, his genuine faith and desire for justice sparks an unexpected response in Waverly. A yearning to return to Hope Creek. A renewal of her faith. A fierce longing for a lifetime with this amazing man. Will this Christmas be a season of reckoning, of renewal, and second chances? Or more loss and shattered hearts…

Enjoy this sweet and clean, heartwarming story with a message that resonates all year, not just at Christmas...

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

DORA HIERS believes that a person should love what they do or choose to do something else. She’s doing exactly what makes her heart sing and considers every day a gift. Besides writing, Dora adores long walks, lazy afternoons in her hammock with a great book, and evening binges of Hallmark movies. Life’s too short to be stuck in traffic, to drink bad coffee, or to read books with a sad ending. Dora and her real-life hero, a retired fire chief, call North Carolina home, but with a world full of amazing places to explore, that’s only a landing point.

Join Dora's newsletter family for regular updates of her newest releases, awesome book deals, and happy sigh excerpts of sweet, clean and/or Christian romances. https://BookHip.com/QHDTAV

Connect with Dora on her website at www.dorahiers.com

Reviews

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waverly Parks and Hudson Tanner were HS sweethearts. But when the promise of an opportunity for Waverly to expand her horizons in the art world, she leaves Hudson, and her small hometown to pursue her career in the big city.
But years later, the promises were broken and she barely makes ends meet. As Waverly has second thoughts about her choices in life, she returns home for her friend’s wedding.
Hudson, now the Police Chief, never forgot Waverly and the moment he sets eyes on her, his dormant feelings resurface. But he was hurt once. Is he willing to go through that pain again?
Meanwhile an arsonist is causing havoc in town. Will Hudson be able to solve the mystery of who’s the culprit? Will they have a second chance at love or will Waverly leave Hudson behind a second time when another opportunity is offered?
This was a clean Christian romance, with some mystery thrown in. The characters were likable and the plot entertaining.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, quick read that gave all the wonderful feels.

Waverly Parks had left Hope Creek after graduation and hadn't returned, leaving her high school sweetheart, Hudson, heartbroken. She had lost her somewhen her parents and grandmother had all passed away and she needed to get away and make a name for herself. Now, she returned to Hope Creek for her friend's wedding and meeting up with Hudson again brought back all the feelings she had buried when she left. He was a good man she just wanted to be happy and find love again; maybe even a second chance with Hudson was possible. Was it worth the risk to her own heart?

This book was wonderful and I finished it in just a few hours. There is even a little suspense with the search for an arsonist plaguing their small town.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Reckoning is a sweet enduring love story of second chances. A second chance at love and also to find Christ again.

The character of Waverly is troubled and has lost her way. A sudden trip to Hope Creek for her friend's wedding brings more than she thought. Lots of surprises, sweet moments, and times of tension lay the backdrop for a wonderful ending. A must-add to your Christmas library.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mention a book with a second chance romance and I’m in! This quick, yet oh so sweet read by author Dora Hiers was exactly what I needed to slow down and savor the holiday season. I loved the chemistry between Waverly and Hudson, and I couldn’t wait to find out if they would have another chance at love. If you enjoy a sweet, clean and inspirational romance with some mystery sprinkled along the way, I highly recommend A Christmas Reckoning. I received an ARC from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Stox4story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson and Waverly have loved each other for years…. but sometimes that isn’t enough. This is a heartwarming novella about love lost and love found. It’s about how trauma affects our choices when bad things happen to good people. And Waverly certainly was the recipient of bad things. She leaves all the pain behind in Hope Creek and sets her eyes on the Big Apple where she’s been offered the chance of a lifetime. Too bad it was all lies.For the next ten years she struggles to stay afloat.

She might have broken up with Hudson Tanner when she left small town Hope Creek, but she never could forget him. The feeling was mutual. Hudson nursed his broken heart by throwing himself into his work…. Captain in the police force. Skipping meals, working all night into the wee hours of the morning, he was burning the candle on both ends. Plus an arsonist was on the loose making nothing or no one was safe until he’s caught.

Now Waverly is back. She’s helping with the wedding of her best friend in high school. And yes, she and Hudson reconnect but remember, ten long years have passed. People change, insecurities are ripe and many miles separate that small southern town of Hope Creek and New York City.

👁^👁 OBSERVATIONS:

This is a stand alone story about Hudson Tanner and Waverly but we also get to meet Hudson’s brothers, Dawson and Kason. I’m thinking we’ll see their lives played out in future books.

Just who is the arsonist? He is more of a tease in this book which leads me to believe we’ll see more of him in future books.

The one thing that puzzled me was how they didn’t know who that arsonist was. His truck was right there when he took off running. The license plate would have revealed the owner…. simple police work…. getting the number off the tags and see who they were registered too.

I was provided an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

An arsonist is on a rampage through the tiny town of Hope Creek and police Captain Hudson Tanner is determined to stop it before someone gets hurt. But he's thrown for a loop when his high school sweetheart returns to town from New York where she headed right after graduation to pursue her dream of becoming a famous artist.

Waverly is back in Hope Creek after leaving for New York fourteen years ago. Her art didn't taken off as she'd hoped, and although her bridal hairstyling business was doing alright, the cost of living kept going up and she was just tired of regrets and tired of blaming God. Now back home for her best friends wedding, Waverly is confronted with the boy she left behind and the feelings she has for the man he has become.

This book was just all right for me. The second chance romance was sweet, but the constant reference to scripture and faith felt excessive. It also felt a bit over the top that at over thirty years of age Hudson was reluctant to even kiss Waverly until he was positive she was staying in town. He's trying to re-build and discover a relationship with the woman he never stopped loving. It just feels like this author's desire to write Christian, clean romance isn't realistic at all.

Another issue was the huge cliffhanger that I assume will be continued in the next book seeing as Hudson is a triplet and both of his brothers play a part in this book. Just don't expect the arsonist issue to be resolved.

I received an ARC and voluntarily offer this review. 

[Linda Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson Tanner, Captain of Investigative Services Division, Hope Creek Police Department is working almost around the clock to catch the arsonist responsible for several fires in his town. Waverly Parks left Hope Creek for New York City, reaching for her dream of becoming an artist. Fourteen years later she is back, disillusioned, without inspiration, and tired of the hectic pace and high cost of living in the Big Apple.
Could this be the right time for Hudson to slow down his relentless pursuit of the arsonist and Waverly to find time and inspiration to paint once more? THEN, just maybe they will “find” one another again.
This is a sweet love story with touches of mystery and hope of a better tomorrow. Thanks, Dora, for providing me with an ARC. It is my pleasure to write a positive review so that others will be tempted to try your work. I enjoyed it immensely! The characters were warm and believable and the plot held my attention.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deputy Police Chief Hudson Tanner has been burning the candle at both ends as he is trying to catch an arsonist that has been causing damage to the business district in his hometown of Hope Creek. He is exhausted and pre-occupied with the case but not too pre-occupied to notice a familiar face. Waverly, his old girlfriend and the love of his life who left him for the big city years ago is back in town to attend a wedding and he hopes and prays that he can reconnect with her and win her heart. I loved this story of enduring love and the faith and character of a good man. The story had moments of suspense and danger as well as tender and romantic moments. It would be fun to have books about the other two of the triplets. I enjoyed it from start to finish and recommend it! I received an ARC from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of faith, inner peace, second chances, new beginnings, and finding home right where you left it years ago. Waverly’s bright future as an artist in NYC didn’t turn out as she had planned. She returns to Hope Creek to attend a friend’s wedding and to style the hair of those in the wedding. She runs into Hudson, the high school sweetheart she broke up with when she left town. She realizes that no one she’s dated ever made her feel like Hudson does. Hudson realizes he still has feelings for Waverly but knows she’s only in town for the wedding and will be leaving after that. Is there any way he can convince her to give their small town, and maybe him, another chance?

I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly left her small home town after graduation to pursue her art career leaving behind her boyfriend, Hudson, after she broke up with him. She returns years later for a friend's wedding with all of her earthly possessions packed in her car. Is she staying in Hope's Creek?

Hudson can't believe his eyes when he spots his old girlfriend and only love, Waverly, across a crowded hotel lobby. He started forward to speak with her but he receives a call about a suspicious character lurking about and as a Captain on the Hope Creek police force he needs to check it out.

This is a second chance Christian romance between two people whose love never died but will they make it work this time. Quick read.

[Vicki or Dennis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story of Hunter and Waverly is a beautiful story of second chances, a lost but found again faith, and a lot of forgiveness. The characters are just plain awesome and Hunter is the first born of triplet brothers. That in itself just promises more stories in the upcoming future. Hunter and Waverly were high school sweethearts, but she left for New York to promote her art work after h.s. graduation. Hunter has stayed close to home and works at the local police department. An intriguing and touching story that will just grab your heart and keep you riveted until the last page.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review with my own personal opinions.

[Doris Bernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly Parks left her small hometown after graduation for the big city and an agent's promises regarding a career as an artist. Fourteen years later, a much wiser Waverly has returned for her friend's wedding. Inevitably, she again comes face to face with the boy (now a police captain) that she loved and never forgot. Hudson Tanner has never gotten over Waverly but wonders if there could be a second chance for them. Meanwhile, there is an arsonist at large, and Hudson is working long and hard to find him and protect the town and especially Waverly. This is an intriguing story and the characters are delightful.

I received an ARC to read and review. The above comments are entirely my own. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a wholesome clean story.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, sweet story with wonderful, charismatic characters that Dora Hiers is known for creating.  I liked that Waverly returned to Hope Creek and found her home, her faith, and her ability to paint again.  I also liked that Hudson , who was a triplet, was there to help Waverly. They had been high school sweethearts until they graduated and Waverly moved to New York City to paint. There was a mystery in the story that was interesting too.  I really enjoyed this faith filled story of love and family and I am so glad there are more books in the series to read since Hudson had two more brothers .  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Amanda Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly and Husdon's story was very sweet. Waverly gave up true love to move to New York to fulfill her dream. Later she realizes it was a mistake because she had been happy in Hope Creek. She later returned. It was a great story that I think a lot of people can relate to. How many of us struggle with giving up a dream because we wonder what could happen? I do not think any answer is right because each person is so different. It was fun to read what happened with Waverly when she followed her dream and gave up on love. I do wish there had been more closure with the arsonist in Hope Creek. I can't wait to see what happens with the other two brothers that are part triplets with Husdon.

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance between Hudson and Waverly. They knew each other since grade school but Waverly left after high school to go to New York where she thought her art would sell better at a prestigious art gallery than in her home town of Hope Creek. After ten years and nothing profitable happening, she comes home for her friend's wedding and decides to stay when she finds out that Hudson never stopped loving her and finally gets the nerve to let her know how he feels about her. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy clean Christian romance with a mystery thrown in. As far as the romance part of the book goes, it is a standalone but the mystery of who the arsonist is wasn't resolved. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet second chance romance, I couldn’t put the book down.
Hudson and Waverly are just perfect for each other, but what do you do when you’re a small town girl with big dreams?
Leaving town was all Waverly thought she could do to achieve what she wanted with her life, so she walked away from her long time high school boyfriend. Problem is, she walked away from God too.
But God works in mysterious ways, and 15 years later, she’s back in her hometown with no home to go back to and no art career to speak of.
Hudson now has a chance to win her back, can he do that when she only has set plans to stay for 1 or 2 weeks?
This is probably my favourite book so far for 2022.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly learned that coming home was what she needed to find healing for her heart. Now, if only Hudson can find it within himself to forgive her for leaving him all those years ago, as well as have the courage to learn if Waverly intends on staying or fleeing back to Chicago.

I loved the romance and the small town relationships in this short, little story. It is beautifully written and I loved the Christian theme throughout. Also, how Hudson remained faithful to what his parents instilled in him as a young man growing up. That you treasure the woman you intend to marry ❤️

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and my review is voluntary and of my own opinion.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this uplifting and inspirational second-chance holiday novella with characters that jump right out of the book and into your heart and a lovely story that I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down as soon as I started reading. I loved the sweet and tender love story between Hudson Tanner, Captain of Investigative Services Division of the Hope Creek Police Department and Waverly Parks, his high school sweetheart who returns home after being in New York City for 14 years. If you enjoy small town Christian romance, you will love A Christmas Reckoning by gifted author Dora Hiers. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Reckoning

This was a really sweet and short story of second chances. Hudson and Waverly dated in high school and Hudson planned to ask her to marry him at that time. Waverly decided to chase her dreams of being an artist in New York City and left. She is back now for her best friends wedding. New York wasn’t all she wanted it to be. When she and Hudson run into each other she wonders if he could ever forgive her for running. I gave it 4 stars because there was a bit of suspense that was never resolved. It might be the author decided to resolve it in a future installment of the series.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful tale. Waverly is precious. Hudson a bit staid. But it is clear that the relationship they once had has a chance of renewal. Throughout the story there is the side issue of an arsonist. Whether it is meant to have meaning to the couple or town simply never became clear to me. I suspect that the side arc will eventually be resolved, but at what additional cost, and to whom, is definitely unknown.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tear-jerker. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Dawson and Waverly's story. Waverly left for New York City to make it big in the art world. Dawson became Captain of the local Police department. When Waverly turned up for her best friends wedding, Dawson had to find a way to show her he still loved her. I read this book in a day, didn't want to put it down. It was that good. Through faith and fires both were finding the path they were meant to take. If you like clean heartfelt stories, you can't go wrong with 'A Christmas Reckoning '. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful faith filled story of second chances by a gifted storyteller!
A police captain spends many days/nights trying to capture an elusive arsonist. His childhood girlfriend, who had left town 10 years ago, is back in town for a wedding. They still love each other but hesitate as so much time has elapsed and unsure how to proceed.
I love how this author entwines prayer and scripture in the characters' daily thoughts and walks---like we all should.
The story is very captivating I didn't want it to end.

[Shebb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Dora Hiers!

I enjoy reading this author's stories, and this one is no exception. Waverly and Hudson's journey was littered with bumps, stop signs and foot traffic, but they eventually worked out what each of them wanted.

That being said, the ending felt sudden, probably because I was expecting a resolution to the issue in Hudson's job... but I assume that'll be "tied up" in Dawson's story? Either way, I'm looking forward to Dawson and Charli's(?) book, as well as Kason (and Tamsin?).

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Hudson and Waverly. They were highschool sweethearts, but Waverly left their small town after graduation.
When Waverly returns to town for a friend's wedding, disallusioned with big city life, she decides she wants to return to the town and to her first and only love. However, Hudson is afraid whe will not want to remain in their small town.
This was a very good story with good faith aspects. I look forward to the two books about Hudson's triplet brothers.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author. However, my review is voluntary and totally unbiased.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waverly Parks left her home town of Hope Creek to fulfill her wish to show her paintings in a prestigious gallery leaving the love of her life Hudson. Unfortunately she didn’t sell enough paintings to make ends meet so does makeup and hair for wedding parties. She is now back in Hope Creek to do the wedding of her friend Karla. When she sees Hudson again, she realizes what all she gave up. She also realized she had pulled away from God. Now that she is back in town, will she stay and will Waverly and Hudson have a second chance at love.

[Rebekah Morris]

DNF at 65%
Just didn't really like it. I was having a very hard time figuring out what season it was even with the talk of Christmas decorations. The whole arsonist thing felt fake and not really important. Almost like it was supposed to be a big thing but wasn't. And after I skipped ahead, I realized that the guy was never caught so nothing got resolved with that. I also didn't like the girl falling asleep in a public room snuggled against a guy who was sleeping. Just not something I wanted to keep reading.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly and Hudson’s story is truly amazing. In this book you will read about a arsonist, and a wonderful small town of Hope Creek. When Waverly shows up in Hope Creek Hudson can’t believe it’s her. Watching these two trying to share their feelings for each other will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly is home in Hope Creek for her friend Karla's wedding. She runs into her high school sweetheart Hudson Tanner. Loved the storyline with scriptures intermingled, also how they both prayed for God's guidance for their lives. Also how protective Hudson's brothers are of him. Sweet, clean, inspirational Christmas romance. I'm a big fan of Dora Hiers.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly is back in Hope Creek for her friend's wedding. She had left town after high school to go to NY to pursue her art. That hadn't gone well. She was doing wedding hair. Hudson is now a captain in the police department. Waverly realizes that just because she doesn't have any family left, she has people that love her in Hope Creek. She and Hudson renew their friendship from high school. Hudson is a triplet. Books 2 and 3 will be about the other brothers. Can't wait to read them!

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this new book, Dora take us into Waverly’s universe. Twelve years ago, She left to conquer the world or more like escaping this suffocating tiny little hometown. She is back for a friend’s wedding She doesn’t really want for them to get in her business, so we follow her through her journey back home and her adventures, it is going to be a pretty addictive new series. Thanks to the author for providing me with my review copy.