What do you think?
Rate this book
Jõulud Puhkemajas
Silver Bellsi linnas on alati õhus jõulutunnet…
Sulatagu armastus – ja RaeAnne Thayne – sellel pühadeajal sinu südant!
Uus aasta peaks tooma lesestunud meditsiiniõele Abigail Powellile uue alguse teises linnas. Abby on elevil võimalusest kinkida oma väikesele pojale unustamatud jõulud maalilises Colorado linnas Silver Bellsis, kui ta palgatakse oma parima sõbra vanaema eest hoolt kandma. Ent reibas vanaproua Winnie on veendunud, et ta ei vaja hooldamist. Ta vajab hoopis abi oma ajaloolise häärberi Puhkemaja ehtimisel heategevusürituseks. Abby on nõus teda aitama, aga peab end tõestama Winnie ebasõbralikule pojapojale Ethan Lancasterile.
Ethan Lancaster on osav nii mitmes asjas. Suhted nende hulka ei kuulu. Ta ekspruut on Ethanit veennud, et mees pole armastuseks võimeline, ja Ethan usub seda naist... kuni hetkeni, mil ta impulsiivselt Abbyt suudleb. Mis on selles toredas naises ja ta armsas pojas niisugust, et see Ethani maailma pea peale pöörab? Mees teab, et nad lahkuvad pärast jõule linnast. Aga ta polnud oodanud, et nad võtavad osa ta südamest endaga kaasa. Ent kui Abby ja Ethan maagilises Puhkemajas koos tegutsevad, käivad mehe peast läbi erinevad tulevikustsenaariumid... ning üks neist tähendab soojust, armastust ja uut algust neile mõlemale.
Sulatagu armastus – ja RaeAnne Thayne – sellel pühadeajal sinu südant!
Uus aasta peaks tooma lesestunud meditsiiniõele Abigail Powellile uue alguse teises linnas. Abby on elevil võimalusest kinkida oma väikesele pojale unustamatud jõulud maalilises Colorado linnas Silver Bellsis, kui ta palgatakse oma parima sõbra vanaema eest hoolt kandma. Ent reibas vanaproua Winnie on veendunud, et ta ei vaja hooldamist. Ta vajab hoopis abi oma ajaloolise häärberi Puhkemaja ehtimisel heategevusürituseks. Abby on nõus teda aitama, aga peab end tõestama Winnie ebasõbralikule pojapojale Ethan Lancasterile.
Ethan Lancaster on osav nii mitmes asjas. Suhted nende hulka ei kuulu. Ta ekspruut on Ethanit veennud, et mees pole armastuseks võimeline, ja Ethan usub seda naist... kuni hetkeni, mil ta impulsiivselt Abbyt suudleb. Mis on selles toredas naises ja ta armsas pojas niisugust, et see Ethani maailma pea peale pöörab? Mees teab, et nad lahkuvad pärast jõule linnast. Aga ta polnud oodanud, et nad võtavad osa ta südamest endaga kaasa. Ent kui Abby ja Ethan maagilises Puhkemajas koos tegutsevad, käivad mehe peast läbi erinevad tulevikustsenaariumid... ning üks neist tähendab soojust, armastust ja uut algust neile mõlemale.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2020
1386 people are currently reading
5792 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,834 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 670 reviews
December 17, 2020
Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne is a 2020 HQN publication.
And….
We have a winner!
I should have known RaeAnne Thayne would deliver!
This novel features two love stories. The primary romance is centered around Abigail and her son, Christopher. Abigail is widowed and looking to make a big change to help her move on with her life. Before she heads out to her new destination, her best friend Lucy begs her to take care of her grandmother, Winnie, who is recovering from an injury. How could Lucy refuse the chance to spend Christmas at Holiday House in snowy, Silver Bells, Colorado?
Things get off to a bumpy start when Abby is met at the door of Holiday House by Ethan, Lucy’s brother, who is opposed to Abby being there, preferring his grandmother stay at a care facility.
Despite their awkward beginnings, Ethan and Abby call a truce and soon discover they have a little chemistry brewing between them- although they would both rather not explore it too deeply.
Abby will be leaving immediately after Christmas, after all, and Ethan is convinced he is incapable of experiencing true love- and Abby deserves better than that. Best not to get too involved, right?
The secondary thread is centered around Lucy and Jose- one of Ethan’s best friends. Like Ethan, Lucy is very wary of committed relationships, but Jose is holding out for an all or nothing deal.
I loved the snowy backdrop, the sledding and the huge project of decorating Holiday House for Christmas!! Finally, a holiday story that features holiday activities and creates a fun wintry atmosphere that really makes it feel like Christmas time!
As to the romantic elements, for some reason I found myself more invested in Lucy and Jose’s story, which didn’t develop until much later in the novel. I did enjoy watching Ethan bond with Christopher and I liked the way Abby slowly blossomed. Ethan and Lucy had a tough childhood, which plays a big role in the way they approach relationships. Their development is also central to the story and I thought having them both find true love was a nice touch.
A few surprises in here from Thayne as well. I wonder if she’s breaking away from the ‘Debbie Macomber’ mold, heading in a new direction.
Either way, I finally found a Christmas story that includes holiday trappings and the atmosphere I’ve been looking for this entire holiday season!
4 stars
And….
We have a winner!
I should have known RaeAnne Thayne would deliver!
This novel features two love stories. The primary romance is centered around Abigail and her son, Christopher. Abigail is widowed and looking to make a big change to help her move on with her life. Before she heads out to her new destination, her best friend Lucy begs her to take care of her grandmother, Winnie, who is recovering from an injury. How could Lucy refuse the chance to spend Christmas at Holiday House in snowy, Silver Bells, Colorado?
Things get off to a bumpy start when Abby is met at the door of Holiday House by Ethan, Lucy’s brother, who is opposed to Abby being there, preferring his grandmother stay at a care facility.
Despite their awkward beginnings, Ethan and Abby call a truce and soon discover they have a little chemistry brewing between them- although they would both rather not explore it too deeply.
Abby will be leaving immediately after Christmas, after all, and Ethan is convinced he is incapable of experiencing true love- and Abby deserves better than that. Best not to get too involved, right?
The secondary thread is centered around Lucy and Jose- one of Ethan’s best friends. Like Ethan, Lucy is very wary of committed relationships, but Jose is holding out for an all or nothing deal.
I loved the snowy backdrop, the sledding and the huge project of decorating Holiday House for Christmas!! Finally, a holiday story that features holiday activities and creates a fun wintry atmosphere that really makes it feel like Christmas time!
As to the romantic elements, for some reason I found myself more invested in Lucy and Jose’s story, which didn’t develop until much later in the novel. I did enjoy watching Ethan bond with Christopher and I liked the way Abby slowly blossomed. Ethan and Lucy had a tough childhood, which plays a big role in the way they approach relationships. Their development is also central to the story and I thought having them both find true love was a nice touch.
A few surprises in here from Thayne as well. I wonder if she’s breaking away from the ‘Debbie Macomber’ mold, heading in a new direction.
Either way, I finally found a Christmas story that includes holiday trappings and the atmosphere I’ve been looking for this entire holiday season!
4 stars
February 3, 2024
CHRISTMAS AT HOLIDAY HOUSE was a lovely Christmas romance.🎄❤🎄❤
Abby is a recently widowed nurse who has agreed to come to Silver Bells, Colorado to help a friend care for her grandmother until permanent caretakers can be found. Unfortunately, she runs into her friend’s brother, Ethan, who believes their grandmother is too ill to remain at the aging home that has been in their family for years and would be better off at the care facility in town. I always like the way RaeAnne Thayne brings characters together with interesting pasts, and this was no exception. I loved the side story with Jose and Lucy just as much as the main romance! Her Christmas books have just the right touch of the holiday spirit. ❄🎅
Abby is a recently widowed nurse who has agreed to come to Silver Bells, Colorado to help a friend care for her grandmother until permanent caretakers can be found. Unfortunately, she runs into her friend’s brother, Ethan, who believes their grandmother is too ill to remain at the aging home that has been in their family for years and would be better off at the care facility in town. I always like the way RaeAnne Thayne brings characters together with interesting pasts, and this was no exception. I loved the side story with Jose and Lucy just as much as the main romance! Her Christmas books have just the right touch of the holiday spirit. ❄🎅
November 29, 2021
A diverse and inclusive cast of characters elevate this story. Perfect for relaxed bedtime reading.
November 30, 2022
Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne is another heartwarming romance with wonderful characters set in the fictional town of Silver Bells, Colorado. I fell in love with the story, there were so many moments that melted my heart. Themes of love, hope, and family abound in this sweet story that will surely please all lovers of holiday romances.
November 18, 2020
ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE CHRISTMAS ROMANCE
Get ready to fall in love with these characters, this town and this story! I was not ready, thinking it was just going to be a run of the mill Christmas romance. But this went deeper than that, and I adored it!
👍 What I Liked 👍
Characters: There were so many amazing characters in this book! Not only the main characters but also all the secondary characters were so great and fleshed out, they really felt like real people. Each had a distinct personality which I really warmed to. I think my favourites were Winnie, Christopher and Rod!
Ending: I will not spoil it here. I will only say that it was very fitting and very moving.
Two love stories: I really loved that we got two love stories for the price of one. And while Ethan and Abby's story was clearly the main story, Lucy and José's story was not a throw away add-on. It had the same depth and attention which just made for really good reading experience.
Ethan and Christopher: Abby's son Christopher was so adorable and huggable. No wonder that Ethan instantly fell in love with him. I absolutely loved the relationship that these two built together. How fast Ethan was in softening and how fast Chris opened up. So cute.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Plot: Honestly, this is just a minor point. Sometimes the plot felt a little... circular. As if the characters weren't really moving or getting anywhere. Especially Ethan, Abby and Lucy kept repeating the same thoughts, worries and hang-ups time and time again. I wanted them to range out and grow a bit more.
Get ready to fall in love with these characters, this town and this story! I was not ready, thinking it was just going to be a run of the mill Christmas romance. But this went deeper than that, and I adored it!
👍 What I Liked 👍
Characters: There were so many amazing characters in this book! Not only the main characters but also all the secondary characters were so great and fleshed out, they really felt like real people. Each had a distinct personality which I really warmed to. I think my favourites were Winnie, Christopher and Rod!
Ending: I will not spoil it here. I will only say that it was very fitting and very moving.
Two love stories: I really loved that we got two love stories for the price of one. And while Ethan and Abby's story was clearly the main story, Lucy and José's story was not a throw away add-on. It had the same depth and attention which just made for really good reading experience.
Ethan and Christopher: Abby's son Christopher was so adorable and huggable. No wonder that Ethan instantly fell in love with him. I absolutely loved the relationship that these two built together. How fast Ethan was in softening and how fast Chris opened up. So cute.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Plot: Honestly, this is just a minor point. Sometimes the plot felt a little... circular. As if the characters weren't really moving or getting anywhere. Especially Ethan, Abby and Lucy kept repeating the same thoughts, worries and hang-ups time and time again. I wanted them to range out and grow a bit more.
October 18, 2020
I had a really good time in the town of Silver Bells. I loved the Holiday House and Grandma Winnie was great. The romance between Ethan and Abby was one for the books. Of course I can't leave out sweet Christopher.
I will be sitting on pins and needles until next year to see what Thayne gives us for Christmas.
I will be sitting on pins and needles until next year to see what Thayne gives us for Christmas.
Read
December 24, 2020DNF 20%
Life’s too short for boring books.
😴😴😴
Life’s too short for boring books.
😴😴😴
October 13, 2020
Christmas at Holiday House is all that you'd expect from a Christmas story, and more! Small town, Christmassy-setting with lots of snow? Check! Quirky and endearing characters? Check! Visions of lights and Christmas trees and snowmen? Check! Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses? Check! What I loved most about this particular book, and the fact that we get TWO romances, not just one, is that it's not easy for these characters to open their hearts to love. It was wonderful to watch as their hearts become vulnerable, and they must find the courage to take a leap of faith on love and happiness. A perfect book for the holidays.
December 11, 2020
Sometimes I’m just in the mood for an uncomplicated, easy read and when that mood strikes, I know I can always count on RT to deliver. If it’s a holiday book from her then it’s even better because besides her trademark sweet and tender vibes you get all the holiday cheer as well! This was no exception and totally fit the Bill as far as being exactly the right book at exactly the right time for me.
A quaint little setting is so important for me in a romance and Silver Bells was beyond idyllic. It brought all the Christmas charm and had me wishing I lived there alongside the characters. I really liked both Abby and Ethan and found them to be a believable match, and then the bonus addition of Abby’s son and Ethan’s grandmother added so much warmth to an already warm story. There’s a secondary romance between two side characters as well, which was fun, overall there was lots going on here in the romance department on a very PG level. Think Hallmark movie type romance and this book is it, in fact it would make a wonderful movie, all of the authors books would actually buy definitely add this to your December TBR.
A quaint little setting is so important for me in a romance and Silver Bells was beyond idyllic. It brought all the Christmas charm and had me wishing I lived there alongside the characters. I really liked both Abby and Ethan and found them to be a believable match, and then the bonus addition of Abby’s son and Ethan’s grandmother added so much warmth to an already warm story. There’s a secondary romance between two side characters as well, which was fun, overall there was lots going on here in the romance department on a very PG level. Think Hallmark movie type romance and this book is it, in fact it would make a wonderful movie, all of the authors books would actually buy definitely add this to your December TBR.
November 5, 2020
This is my first RaeAnne Thayne book and I quite enjoyed my visit to Silver Bells. I especially loved the Christmasy vibe throughout. A lot of times Christmas seems to be a two dimensional backdrop in a holiday romance but it's front and center in this second chance romance. Great pacing with just enough angst to keep Abby and Ethan wary of each other without going overboard. And there's even a bonus love story and some great secondary characters that made me smile. A feel-good-got-me-in-the-holiday-spirit read.
December 27, 2021
What a sweet story! I can always count t on Raeanne Thayne for a happy story and this is one of my favorites of hers. A perfect Colorado small town on a gorgeous estate with a delightful cast of characters. Loved it!
October 18, 2021
I have never read RaeAnne Thayne before, but she will be an author on my radar now. I'm not kin to reading new authors because I don't know how I will feel about the book/author but I think it's time to go out of my comfort zone and read authors I have never read before. I am now open to trying new authors, so if you have any other recommendations, please feel free to let me know!!
Christmas at Holiday House was such a sweet Christmas read. It had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. The characters will make you fall in love with them and the story behind each of them. RaeAnne Thayne will have your heart and your emotions all over the place with this story, RaeAnne inspires hope and the belief that miracles ARE possible.
Abby Powell is a nurse and a widowed mother to her 5 year old son, Christopher. Abby and Lucy have been inseparable, they were dorm roomates at ASU. Lucy is overseas teaching at a school in Thailand. Abby received a phone call from Lucy that her grandmother had taken a terrible fall and needs to be taking care of. Since Lucy couldn't come home and help her grandmother Winnie, she asked her best friend Abby to help out. Abby agreed to drive to Silver Bells, Colorado but she didn't know what she was about to get herself into.
I adored Winnie so much. Winnie insists she doesn't need looking after. But what she really does need help with is decorating her historic mansion, Holiday House for a seasonal town fundraiser. Abby warms to the task, but she'll have to contend with her own Grinch, Ethan Lancaster, Lucy's brother and Winnie's grandson. Ethan is good at many things he does, but relationships aren't one of them, his ex-fiancee Brooke made Ethan believe his incapable of love. Ethan knows Abby and Christopher are leaving town after Christmas but he didn't think he would fall in love with both of them.
Christmas at Holiday House was such a sweet Christmas read. It had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn't put it down. The characters will make you fall in love with them and the story behind each of them. RaeAnne Thayne will have your heart and your emotions all over the place with this story, RaeAnne inspires hope and the belief that miracles ARE possible.
Abby Powell is a nurse and a widowed mother to her 5 year old son, Christopher. Abby and Lucy have been inseparable, they were dorm roomates at ASU. Lucy is overseas teaching at a school in Thailand. Abby received a phone call from Lucy that her grandmother had taken a terrible fall and needs to be taking care of. Since Lucy couldn't come home and help her grandmother Winnie, she asked her best friend Abby to help out. Abby agreed to drive to Silver Bells, Colorado but she didn't know what she was about to get herself into.
I adored Winnie so much. Winnie insists she doesn't need looking after. But what she really does need help with is decorating her historic mansion, Holiday House for a seasonal town fundraiser. Abby warms to the task, but she'll have to contend with her own Grinch, Ethan Lancaster, Lucy's brother and Winnie's grandson. Ethan is good at many things he does, but relationships aren't one of them, his ex-fiancee Brooke made Ethan believe his incapable of love. Ethan knows Abby and Christopher are leaving town after Christmas but he didn't think he would fall in love with both of them.
December 11, 2020
This was a cute Christmas contemporary romance book. I was nervous it wouldn't have enough Christmas but it did! I enjoyed the fun activities and the relationships between the characters.
January 21, 2022
Loved this holiday book! It read like a Hallmark movie and I really hope it becomes one. <3
December 19, 2021
Predictable holiday romance but it was nice. I had been wanting to check out this author and I’m glad that I did.
October 23, 2020
Every year I get caught up in the sweet stories that revolve around the holidays. Some are beautifully written, others are a bit too saccharine for my taste; still others are so wonderful that you remember them for seasons to come. Christmas at Holiday House is one of those. It is a multi-generational story revolving around a beautiful Victorian house - the Holiday House - that becomes a character in its own right. If you only read one holiday tale this year, Christmas at Holiday House should be the one you read.
December 1, 2020
Average romance novel. I wasn't really invested in the characters outcome, but was interested enough to stick through until the end. Not sure if I'll read more by this author in the future.
October 17, 2020
A cute xmassy book.
Abby comes with her son to a sweet little town. She will only stay a little while to help out a friend's grandma. And Abby is sweet, kind. She lost her husband and is trying to move on with her life.
Christmas is also around the corner, and they are prepping the house for it. Very xmassy, with snow, skiing and more.
And of course she meets at first grumpy guy called Ethan, who thinks his grandma should be in a home so she wont get hurt. But Ethan was a sweetie, also a stupid idiot who thought he was incapable of love. Men!
But yes it is a simple story, they meet, they become friendly, they want more. And they live happily ever after,
One weird thing though, his sister had this backstory where she finally ended up with her bestie. I felt like they could have had their own book.
Sweet and short.
Good narrator. I liked what she did with her voices. And easy story to listen to
Abby comes with her son to a sweet little town. She will only stay a little while to help out a friend's grandma. And Abby is sweet, kind. She lost her husband and is trying to move on with her life.
Christmas is also around the corner, and they are prepping the house for it. Very xmassy, with snow, skiing and more.
And of course she meets at first grumpy guy called Ethan, who thinks his grandma should be in a home so she wont get hurt. But Ethan was a sweetie, also a stupid idiot who thought he was incapable of love. Men!
But yes it is a simple story, they meet, they become friendly, they want more. And they live happily ever after,
One weird thing though, his sister had this backstory where she finally ended up with her bestie. I felt like they could have had their own book.
Sweet and short.
Good narrator. I liked what she did with her voices. And easy story to listen to
November 14, 2020
A heartwarming Christmas story that will melt your heart.
Amazing characters that draw you into the story,
I loved every minute of the story and hated to see it end.
Amazing characters that draw you into the story,
I loved every minute of the story and hated to see it end.
December 29, 2020
RaeAnne Thayne was an author that I didn’t think I was going to like when I picked up one of her books for the very first time. The cover reminded me of something that my grandma might read…..a small town country romance with cliche characters.
After reading the first book by Thayne, I fell in love with her books and have read a number of them since the first one! I especially love her holiday romances. JOLLY. GOOD.
I have devoured them in single sittings and this book was no different. This one is a standalone so I was really really excited to check it out and I absolutely fell in love from the very first page.
This book hit all the hight notes for me. It had a likable heroine, a sweet romance with just the right amount of sexual tension and chemistry without being raunchy, loads of Christmas feels, and fun side characters. I absolutely loved it. I sat down one morning with it and didn’t put it down until later in the evening when I was done. It was so good and such a fast read. It was everything I was looking for in a holiday romance.
I loved Ethan. He was likable but still had his own ‘baggage’ to deal with but it wasn’t so extreme that he was off-putting. The attraction he felt toward Abby was genuine and believable. I felt that he truly fell in love with her rather than in lust which is often the case with some romances. He was charming and romantic and the way he told Abby how he felt was pitch perfect. I adored him and was so excited to watch their romance unfold.
In this book there is also a little side romance happening between Ethan’s best friend and his sister which at first I thought was going to be a little annoying, but I found myself just as invested in their romance as I was in Ethan’s and Abby’s. Jose and Lucy were kind of miss matched when it came to what they wanted in their relationship but in the end I felt like it worked well for both of them and while I was mostly invested in Ethan and Abby, Jose and Lucy added a fun diverting romance for readers as well.
When it comes to Christmas romances there really is none better than RaeAnne Thayne. She is a solid romance writer and I haven’t been disappointed with any of her books. In fact I went out and bought more of her books after reading this one because it left such a smile on my face and I felt so satisfied with how things ended that I couldn’t get enough! Do yourself a favor and pick this one up! It was the perfect holiday romance!
See my full review here
After reading the first book by Thayne, I fell in love with her books and have read a number of them since the first one! I especially love her holiday romances. JOLLY. GOOD.
I have devoured them in single sittings and this book was no different. This one is a standalone so I was really really excited to check it out and I absolutely fell in love from the very first page.
This book hit all the hight notes for me. It had a likable heroine, a sweet romance with just the right amount of sexual tension and chemistry without being raunchy, loads of Christmas feels, and fun side characters. I absolutely loved it. I sat down one morning with it and didn’t put it down until later in the evening when I was done. It was so good and such a fast read. It was everything I was looking for in a holiday romance.
I loved Ethan. He was likable but still had his own ‘baggage’ to deal with but it wasn’t so extreme that he was off-putting. The attraction he felt toward Abby was genuine and believable. I felt that he truly fell in love with her rather than in lust which is often the case with some romances. He was charming and romantic and the way he told Abby how he felt was pitch perfect. I adored him and was so excited to watch their romance unfold.
In this book there is also a little side romance happening between Ethan’s best friend and his sister which at first I thought was going to be a little annoying, but I found myself just as invested in their romance as I was in Ethan’s and Abby’s. Jose and Lucy were kind of miss matched when it came to what they wanted in their relationship but in the end I felt like it worked well for both of them and while I was mostly invested in Ethan and Abby, Jose and Lucy added a fun diverting romance for readers as well.
When it comes to Christmas romances there really is none better than RaeAnne Thayne. She is a solid romance writer and I haven’t been disappointed with any of her books. In fact I went out and bought more of her books after reading this one because it left such a smile on my face and I felt so satisfied with how things ended that I couldn’t get enough! Do yourself a favor and pick this one up! It was the perfect holiday romance!
See my full review here
December 23, 2020
This was cute but not my favorite from Thayne. Her books have gotten even cleaner and more wholesome, which isn't necessarily an issue with a Hallmark movie-style Christmas book but it bugged me in this one. The dialogue and internal thoughts are so repetitive - the characters keep having the same conversations or thinking the same things over and over. Holiday House was a fun setting and Silver Bells is clearly a town that could be explored a lot more. Also, very weird that Lucy had a POV every once in a while when Abigail and Ethan were the MCs with a normal amount of POV switches. Hers felt random like a side-plot.
December 25, 2020
2.5 stars. I liked the idea of the story and the characters but it felt as if I was reading a short story or novella that had been expanded to a full length book. Parts of it really dragged and, although I’m a fan of the “slow burn” story, I got very impatient with the cluelessness of these characters.
December 2, 2020
Abigail Powell house and help her grandmother as the grandmother-Winnie, has fallen and broken a wrist and hurt her ankle.
Abigail is a trained nurse with a 5 year old boy.
Lucy, her best friend has convinced her to go and have a wonderful Christmas with her little boy.
When Abigail gets to Silver Bells, Colorado to take care of Winnie, she runs into Ethan Lancaster, Winnie's grandson. He is convinced that his grandmother should go to a rehab home and the house is too much to take care of anyway. But Winnie won't have it and Abigail is stuck in the middle at first. Then Lucy convinces her to stay.
Abby and Ethan start to work together to get the house ready for the Holidays and start to see that maybe they could both have a new chance at a romance.
A warm holiday story just right for Christmas!
Abigail is a trained nurse with a 5 year old boy.
Lucy, her best friend has convinced her to go and have a wonderful Christmas with her little boy.
When Abigail gets to Silver Bells, Colorado to take care of Winnie, she runs into Ethan Lancaster, Winnie's grandson. He is convinced that his grandmother should go to a rehab home and the house is too much to take care of anyway. But Winnie won't have it and Abigail is stuck in the middle at first. Then Lucy convinces her to stay.
Abby and Ethan start to work together to get the house ready for the Holidays and start to see that maybe they could both have a new chance at a romance.
A warm holiday story just right for Christmas!
October 28, 2020
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
A RaeAnne Thayne book is something I always savor, but her Christmas novels? They are something to cherish. Christmas at Holiday House turned out to be a shining example of the reason for the Season and will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
You already know I’m a huge fan of all of RaeAnne Thayne’s work. There’s something rather magical, though, about the holiday stories she so lovingly creates. And the wonderful book covers that make you just want to walk into the picturesque scenes! It’s easy to see that family, friendship, love, and compassion are important to Thayne–and it’s what makes all the difference in her characters’ lives as those elements are carefully woven throughout each book... Read More
See the full review & more at HarlequinJunkie
A RaeAnne Thayne book is something I always savor, but her Christmas novels? They are something to cherish. Christmas at Holiday House turned out to be a shining example of the reason for the Season and will definitely tug at your heartstrings.
You already know I’m a huge fan of all of RaeAnne Thayne’s work. There’s something rather magical, though, about the holiday stories she so lovingly creates. And the wonderful book covers that make you just want to walk into the picturesque scenes! It’s easy to see that family, friendship, love, and compassion are important to Thayne–and it’s what makes all the difference in her characters’ lives as those elements are carefully woven throughout each book... Read More
November 17, 2024
3.5 stars
October 15, 2020
Single mother Abby Powell arrives at Silver Bells with her five-year-old son, Christopher, on a day before Thanksgiving after her best friend, Lucy Lancaster, called her in frantic asking for Abby’s help to take care of Lucy’s grandmother. Winnie Lancaster sustained a serious fall, and Lucy cannot be there right away, because she’s still in Thailand.
Abby is looking for a memorable holiday for her son – before they must leave their home in Phoenix to Austin for Abby’s new job – so she accepts. But Lucy doesn’t exactly inform Abby that her big brother, Ethan Lancaster, ends up there at Holiday House as well…
RaeAnne Thayne starts a brand-new series with setting location of Silver Bells, Colorado, with not just one, but two romantic relationships in Christmas at Holiday House . First, of course, about Abby and Ethan. The single mom who comes to Holiday House only to fall in love with the owner, the house, the neighborhood, and of course the solid businessman who’s the owner’s grandson.
However, I was up for a surprise that when I read the book, Thayne also delivered a friends-to-lovers story of Lucy, with her friend, José Navarro (who’s also Ethan’s good friend, friend of the Lancaster family, and an executive at Lancaster Hotel). Both relationships are lovely on its own.
I am a sucker for single parent love story, so having Abby and her WONDERFUL son caught me rather quickly. Abby is lovely but Christopher is a gem. I wholeheartedly enjoy the way they steal Ethan’s heart quite effectively. One of my favorite scenes will be when Ethan teaches Christopher and Abby how to snow-tube.
Ethan thinks that he’s unable to love – that he’s broken inside because his parents were, well, basically a mess. But being with Abby and Christopher makes him see differently.
As for Lucy and José, now I admit that this one is the relationship that makes me all teary eyed. Lucy is so adamant that she doesn’t want to fall in love – yes, blame the parents! – so she avoids it at all cost. But José loves Lucy and he wants them to be a couple – not just ‘friends with benefits’. Their arguments break my heart, and I so want Lucy to see how good José for her. HE’S A GOOD MAN, LUCY!!
So yes, this offers a double satisfaction for me. I wish Thayne writes a little bit more in the end, an extra epilogue because she often ends her story rather abruptly, I think, despite the firm promise of happily ever after.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Abby is looking for a memorable holiday for her son – before they must leave their home in Phoenix to Austin for Abby’s new job – so she accepts. But Lucy doesn’t exactly inform Abby that her big brother, Ethan Lancaster, ends up there at Holiday House as well…
RaeAnne Thayne starts a brand-new series with setting location of Silver Bells, Colorado, with not just one, but two romantic relationships in Christmas at Holiday House . First, of course, about Abby and Ethan. The single mom who comes to Holiday House only to fall in love with the owner, the house, the neighborhood, and of course the solid businessman who’s the owner’s grandson.
However, I was up for a surprise that when I read the book, Thayne also delivered a friends-to-lovers story of Lucy, with her friend, José Navarro (who’s also Ethan’s good friend, friend of the Lancaster family, and an executive at Lancaster Hotel). Both relationships are lovely on its own.
I am a sucker for single parent love story, so having Abby and her WONDERFUL son caught me rather quickly. Abby is lovely but Christopher is a gem. I wholeheartedly enjoy the way they steal Ethan’s heart quite effectively. One of my favorite scenes will be when Ethan teaches Christopher and Abby how to snow-tube.
Ethan thinks that he’s unable to love – that he’s broken inside because his parents were, well, basically a mess. But being with Abby and Christopher makes him see differently.
As for Lucy and José, now I admit that this one is the relationship that makes me all teary eyed. Lucy is so adamant that she doesn’t want to fall in love – yes, blame the parents! – so she avoids it at all cost. But José loves Lucy and he wants them to be a couple – not just ‘friends with benefits’. Their arguments break my heart, and I so want Lucy to see how good José for her. HE’S A GOOD MAN, LUCY!!
So yes, this offers a double satisfaction for me. I wish Thayne writes a little bit more in the end, an extra epilogue because she often ends her story rather abruptly, I think, despite the firm promise of happily ever after.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 8, 2020
Following the death of her husband a couple of years ago nurse Abby is looking for a fresh start. With a new job and a move to Texas in the new year Abby agrees to help out friend Lucy over Christmas. Lucy’s grandmother has had a fall and needs some help before Lucy’s bother Ethan puts her into an assisted living residence. Abby agrees to spend Christmas in the small town of Silver Bells Colorado at the family’s grand house. Abby and young son Christopher get a frosty reception from Ethan, but it isn’t long before both seem to be thawing his exterior. Grandmother Winnie is surprisingly well considering her accident and calls on Abby to instead help her get the house ready for a number of charity Christmas tours she is hosting. As Christmas approaches both Ethan and Winnie find themselves more and more taken with Abby and Christopher.
However, they know their time with them will be short lived as they will be gone in the new year.
This book really was a great ball of festive fun. Firstly, it was just so Christmassy. Its set in a small town in Colorado at the Christmas so its oozing cosy town vibes. The snow is falling, and the Lancaster family Abby is working for are opening a new ski resort which she and Christopher get a chance to try. The book starts around Thanksgiving with Abby and the Lancaster’s hosting a big festive meal for their friends and family. We then follow Abby as she preps the house for Christmas and helps with the tours. There is also a gingerbread competition and Ethan takes her Christopher tubing. There is just a whole host of Christmas fun! It all came together to give this book such a warm cosy festive feel.
This book is also filled with a whole host of lovely characters. From sweet Abby, to her adorable son, to the slightly cautious Ethan who soon relaxes, to independent Winnie. Even the more side characters like Lucy and Jose were great…I wonder if they may be in for a story of their own? It was just a lovely cast of characters. The way the family opened their house to friends was just so sweet and added to that cosy small-town vibe.
This book is another one that I believe would make a great Hallmark Movie. It had all the ingredients to be the perfect festive treat and it was indeed. It was so fun, so Christmassy and perfect for the approaching festive season.
Thank you to the publisher, Mills and Boon and Netgalley for providing me with a copy for this book for review.
However, they know their time with them will be short lived as they will be gone in the new year.
This book really was a great ball of festive fun. Firstly, it was just so Christmassy. Its set in a small town in Colorado at the Christmas so its oozing cosy town vibes. The snow is falling, and the Lancaster family Abby is working for are opening a new ski resort which she and Christopher get a chance to try. The book starts around Thanksgiving with Abby and the Lancaster’s hosting a big festive meal for their friends and family. We then follow Abby as she preps the house for Christmas and helps with the tours. There is also a gingerbread competition and Ethan takes her Christopher tubing. There is just a whole host of Christmas fun! It all came together to give this book such a warm cosy festive feel.
This book is also filled with a whole host of lovely characters. From sweet Abby, to her adorable son, to the slightly cautious Ethan who soon relaxes, to independent Winnie. Even the more side characters like Lucy and Jose were great…I wonder if they may be in for a story of their own? It was just a lovely cast of characters. The way the family opened their house to friends was just so sweet and added to that cosy small-town vibe.
This book is another one that I believe would make a great Hallmark Movie. It had all the ingredients to be the perfect festive treat and it was indeed. It was so fun, so Christmassy and perfect for the approaching festive season.
Thank you to the publisher, Mills and Boon and Netgalley for providing me with a copy for this book for review.
August 25, 2020
A very sweet Christmas book! It was cozy, warm and predictable. Just what I look for in a Christmas book! The setting was beautiful and the setting descriptions added to the cozy feeling of the book. The romances (yes, plural!) were sweet and moved along at a nice clip. This was a feel good book full of Christmas cheer! My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
November 10, 2021
The writing was a wee bit cheesier then I prefer but still delightful
December 24, 2025
This book just begs to be turned into a Hallmark-style movie and I mean that in the best way.
I loved the slow burn romance and the cozy, small town Christmas atmosphere. Holiday House itself feels like a character, filled with Winnie’s history, warmth, and traditions, and I adored how much heart was wrapped into both the home and the town of Silver Bells. The decorating, the community events, and the overall holiday spirit were exactly what I want from a Christmas romance.
The characters were all well done, with real growth and emotional depth that made this more than just a surface-level holiday read. Abby and Ethan’s connection builds naturally, and the found family elements, especially involving Winnie, add to the story.
This was heartwarming, comforting, and full of Christmas magic. The kind of book you want to read curled up with a blanket and a glass of wine while the tree is lit.
I loved the slow burn romance and the cozy, small town Christmas atmosphere. Holiday House itself feels like a character, filled with Winnie’s history, warmth, and traditions, and I adored how much heart was wrapped into both the home and the town of Silver Bells. The decorating, the community events, and the overall holiday spirit were exactly what I want from a Christmas romance.
The characters were all well done, with real growth and emotional depth that made this more than just a surface-level holiday read. Abby and Ethan’s connection builds naturally, and the found family elements, especially involving Winnie, add to the story.
This was heartwarming, comforting, and full of Christmas magic. The kind of book you want to read curled up with a blanket and a glass of wine while the tree is lit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 670 reviews