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The Holiday Adventure Club #1
Valentine's Day in Venice
A medical examiner leaves cold bodies and cold winters in Buffalo behind to chase her dream of running a travel agency in a warm, sunny beach town...
Lucy Landish put years into her career, but a nasty break-up and a mother whose medical needs are growing increasingly demanding have driven her to chase her dream south—way south—to Amelia Island, Florida.
Lucy knows no one on Amelia Island, which makes it the perfect place to hang out her shingle and start planning trips as the owner and proprietress of The Holiday Adventure Club.
Her plan is to spend every major holiday for one year in a different city somewhere in the world, and to do it with a group of tourists in tow. But has Lucy bitten off more than she can chew? Does years of handling bodies translate to any sort of skill at handling people?
Her first travel group includes a young widow with a promise to fulfill to her late husband and a couple of cantankerous septuagenarians, but Lucy finds herself missing Amelia Island and the two men who are vying for her attention back home: Dev, the handsome and serious music-lover who owns the coffee shop on one side of her office, and Nick, the ruggedly good-looking mystery writer who runs the postal store on the other.
Join Lucy and her guests for the magic of Carnival as they spend Valentine’s Day in Venice—romance and adventure await in The Floating City!
Lucy Landish put years into her career, but a nasty break-up and a mother whose medical needs are growing increasingly demanding have driven her to chase her dream south—way south—to Amelia Island, Florida.
Lucy knows no one on Amelia Island, which makes it the perfect place to hang out her shingle and start planning trips as the owner and proprietress of The Holiday Adventure Club.
Her plan is to spend every major holiday for one year in a different city somewhere in the world, and to do it with a group of tourists in tow. But has Lucy bitten off more than she can chew? Does years of handling bodies translate to any sort of skill at handling people?
Her first travel group includes a young widow with a promise to fulfill to her late husband and a couple of cantankerous septuagenarians, but Lucy finds herself missing Amelia Island and the two men who are vying for her attention back home: Dev, the handsome and serious music-lover who owns the coffee shop on one side of her office, and Nick, the ruggedly good-looking mystery writer who runs the postal store on the other.
Join Lucy and her guests for the magic of Carnival as they spend Valentine’s Day in Venice—romance and adventure await in The Floating City!
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
252 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Taylor
43 books115 followersStephanie Taylor writes a romantic comedy series about a fictional island called "Christmas Key," as well as several other standalone romance, YA, and middle grade titles.
You can check out her website at: www.redbirdsandrabbits.com
You can check out her website at: www.redbirdsandrabbits.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 10, 2022
This is a story about a former coroner who moved to Florida and started a travel agency centered around holiday travels. In the process she makes friends with several of her clients on her first tour to Venice during Carnival (and Valentine's Day). I liked the setting of the travel part. The story itself wasn't too exciting, but it wasn't terrible either.
January 26, 2024
Lucy has opened an Adventure Travel business where she will take a group of travelers to different destinations in the world for holiday-themed adventures. Such a fun idea! I liked the friends she made on this trip, and the Venice setting was great. It’s not technically a romance although there is potential for romance to develop in future installments.
Lucy is working thru some residual feelings from a couple of bad break-ups in her past, and starting this business gives her confidence and a focus. It is nice to read about a woman putting herself out there and succeeding. Lucy also cares for her mother who is agoraphobic, and it was interesting to read about the issues surrounding caring for someone with agoraphobia. My favorite part of the story is the friendship Lucy developed with two female travelers on the trip to Venice with her. The budding friendship felt genuine and true.
All in all, this was an easy, cute read. At less than 200 pages, I enjoyed it as a seasonal palate-cleanser after reading several horrors and thrillers. I’m going to move onto the next book in the series, which is set around St Patrick’s Day.
Audiobook Notes: For the most part, the audio is okay. But anywhere in the story where there should be any type of emotion or nuance, the “virtual” voice was robotic and it did not land well. Completely brought me out of the story. For example, words like “Hmmm” and “Oh no!” and “M&M’s” sounded like a robot instead of the way they were intended to sound.
I understand Virtual Voice is a thing now but you really cannot beat real human audiobook narration. Because of the robotic sound, this is not a good audiobook, and I would not recommend it.
Normally I listen to every single book I read that has an audiobook available, but I am completely skipping the audio for remainder of this series.
Title: Valentine’s Day in Venice by Stephanie Taylor
Series: The Holiday Adventure Club #1
Narrator: Virtual Voice
Length: 5 hours, 25 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Independently Published
Lucy is working thru some residual feelings from a couple of bad break-ups in her past, and starting this business gives her confidence and a focus. It is nice to read about a woman putting herself out there and succeeding. Lucy also cares for her mother who is agoraphobic, and it was interesting to read about the issues surrounding caring for someone with agoraphobia. My favorite part of the story is the friendship Lucy developed with two female travelers on the trip to Venice with her. The budding friendship felt genuine and true.
All in all, this was an easy, cute read. At less than 200 pages, I enjoyed it as a seasonal palate-cleanser after reading several horrors and thrillers. I’m going to move onto the next book in the series, which is set around St Patrick’s Day.
Audiobook Notes: For the most part, the audio is okay. But anywhere in the story where there should be any type of emotion or nuance, the “virtual” voice was robotic and it did not land well. Completely brought me out of the story. For example, words like “Hmmm” and “Oh no!” and “M&M’s” sounded like a robot instead of the way they were intended to sound.
I understand Virtual Voice is a thing now but you really cannot beat real human audiobook narration. Because of the robotic sound, this is not a good audiobook, and I would not recommend it.
Normally I listen to every single book I read that has an audiobook available, but I am completely skipping the audio for remainder of this series.
Title: Valentine’s Day in Venice by Stephanie Taylor
Series: The Holiday Adventure Club #1
Narrator: Virtual Voice
Length: 5 hours, 25 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Independently Published
February 28, 2023
This was a cute valentines read. I have to admit though, I like the side characters more than the MC and that whole love triangle means I’m tapping out and won’t be visiting St. Barts with them for St. Patrick’s Day.
March 9, 2025
A slow start but it was a nice Audiobook for my commute to and from work.
August 27, 2022
This was a cute book. Nothing amazing , but sweet and fun characters. Seems like a good series to start on
March 17, 2022
From the author of the Christmas Key series comes a new series with new characters and plenty of adventure. Lucy Landish has been surrounded by dead bodies for way too long. Add a divorce to that and you get the perfect reason to dump everything and start anew. Next step, you move to a new area, open your own travel agency, and organize tours to different cities on the major holidays.
Dreams and persistence can go hand in hand in achieving your goals. I loved the positivity in this book, the humor, new friendships (loved the characters), romance and not giving up. I have been to Venice and could picture it all during the story. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Dreams and persistence can go hand in hand in achieving your goals. I loved the positivity in this book, the humor, new friendships (loved the characters), romance and not giving up. I have been to Venice and could picture it all during the story. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
August 10, 2022
Absolutely loved this. I usually avoid “romance” books because they’re so formulaic & cliche. This was totally different and the romance was not cliche! No over descriptive & unnecessary sex scenes, no swearing, no gratuitous humph. Just a beautiful tale of change, friendship, love and moving forward after life’s unexpected challenges. The descriptions of Venice were romantic. The blossoming friendships and long term friendships were romantic. The underlying message is romantic, heartwarming, and hopeful. Will definitely read more in this series and hope each book is as delightful as this.
March 20, 2022
I've been waiting a while for the new series from Stephanie having read and loved her Christmas Key series. This first book did not disappoint and I was hooked with Lucy's story, I am really looking forward to reading what happens next. Stephanie writes enough detail to keep you hooked from page one but not too much that it gets boring.
March 25, 2022
Great start to a new series! I loved the Christmas Key series and was excited to hear about this new one. The first book didn't disappoint - interesting characters, beautiful location, fun storylines. I am excited to see how the characters evolve!
September 4, 2024
Super fun, cute read.
Super fun, 5 star quick read. I loved Lucy. She’s a former medical examiner turned owner of a travel agency on a small island in Florida. She’s set up tours to different destinations for holidays and the different travelers have their own stories within the book that Lucy helps. I loved the friendship that develops between Lucy and some of the fellow travelers. This was a great palate cleanser for me and a great book for someone wanting a clean, fun read. My favorite quote was from a great, quirky traveler. “Choose a man who makes you feel like the whole universe lives inside of you. You’ll never go wrong with someone who makes you hope that infinity is real.”
Super fun, 5 star quick read. I loved Lucy. She’s a former medical examiner turned owner of a travel agency on a small island in Florida. She’s set up tours to different destinations for holidays and the different travelers have their own stories within the book that Lucy helps. I loved the friendship that develops between Lucy and some of the fellow travelers. This was a great palate cleanser for me and a great book for someone wanting a clean, fun read. My favorite quote was from a great, quirky traveler. “Choose a man who makes you feel like the whole universe lives inside of you. You’ll never go wrong with someone who makes you hope that infinity is real.”
August 25, 2022
Although the blurb doesn't say it, this is the first in a series featuring the same characters, and ends in a kind of cliffhanger. It was interesting to learn that Lucy was a coroner-turned-tour operator. But her business model seemed a little odd - why did she have to be on the trip when she doesn't really do anything but simply accompany her clients?
The plot about finding the penny was promising, but was drawn out in an unexciting way.
This is one of those books where a lot of events take place and yet nothing actually happens.
April 28, 2022
By the title page and cover, I was expecting a cozy mystery book. This story certainly wasn’t a cozy mystery as there was no mystery at all. This is more of a story of developing friendships during vacation in Venice.
There is background on some characters, but it seems like the story is bland and slowly moves forward. I think of Venice a city of love and there wasn’t much of that either. At this point I’m not sure I will continue with this series as the plot was lacking .
There is background on some characters, but it seems like the story is bland and slowly moves forward. I think of Venice a city of love and there wasn’t much of that either. At this point I’m not sure I will continue with this series as the plot was lacking .
December 29, 2022
Lucy Landish is a former coroner who put her career on hold to move to Amelia Island, Florida to start a travel agency based on holiday travel. Lucy has plans to spend every major holiday for one year in a different city. Lucy makes friends with several of her clients during Carnival (Valentine’s Day) in Venice. I really enjoyed this wonderful contemporary romance novel filed with love and romance.
February 23, 2023
3.5 stars? Love me a good seasonal read (in this case Valentine’s day of course). Love all of the characters except for carmen ending 87% of her sentences with “girl”… that was annoying. This is kinda of one of those books where enough stuff is happening to keep you intrigued but afterwards it just kinda feels like nothing super substantial happened at all… Maybe the story will play out more in the next one.
February 24, 2023
This cute novella was a great little read on the buildup to this day. I liked that it was an easy read, light-hearted and fun. While it touched on elements of a deeper nature when it comes to relationships, I also liked that it incorporated new friendships and self- discovery as well. It reminded me of a mix of P.S. I love You and Valentines Day (the movie).
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series: St Patrick's Day in St. Bart's 🍀
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series: St Patrick's Day in St. Bart's 🍀
April 23, 2024
I think I’m going to enjoy this series.
This is a different kind of series that I’ve read before. There are some very pertinent situations that are not resolved in a single book in the series: Lucy’s mom, both young men that Lucy is interested in, the continuing solvency of Lucy’s new travel business. I’m going to continue reading the next books in the series to ultimately find out how these problems resolve themselves.
This is a different kind of series that I’ve read before. There are some very pertinent situations that are not resolved in a single book in the series: Lucy’s mom, both young men that Lucy is interested in, the continuing solvency of Lucy’s new travel business. I’m going to continue reading the next books in the series to ultimately find out how these problems resolve themselves.
June 23, 2022
Holiday Adventure Club- book 1
Lucy gives up her job in Buffalo and starts fresh In Florida running a travel agency . Her first trip is to Venice where she makes new friends, gets involved in Free and Carmens misadventures over a stolen lucky penny. Great characters and even better story! Bring on the next adventure!
Lucy gives up her job in Buffalo and starts fresh In Florida running a travel agency . Her first trip is to Venice where she makes new friends, gets involved in Free and Carmens misadventures over a stolen lucky penny. Great characters and even better story! Bring on the next adventure!
August 6, 2022
I quite enjoyed this book. I was intrigued by the premise and wasn't disappointed. I liked the cast of characters of the people who went on the tour and their adventures and I enjoyed having more than one story to follow. The pacing was good and I liked the way the stories were tied up in the end so that I felt like I knew these characters that I'd grown attached to were going to be ok.
January 24, 2023
Cute story
This is a sweet and simple book. It’s a quick read and I enjoyed it. I love the premise of going on a trip for every holiday. I love that the author chose Venice and not Paris which would be the obvious choice for Valentine’s Day and a little cliche. I’m looking forward to reading the St Patty’s day one in March.
This is a sweet and simple book. It’s a quick read and I enjoyed it. I love the premise of going on a trip for every holiday. I love that the author chose Venice and not Paris which would be the obvious choice for Valentine’s Day and a little cliche. I’m looking forward to reading the St Patty’s day one in March.
February 12, 2023
A cute valentine's story But no happy ending
The characters were relatable easy to like. The ending nobody was in a happy ever after, but they were in the right place. I didn't need a happy ever after ending for the story because it was complex and the author did a good job of weaving the difference parts of the puzzle together.
The characters were relatable easy to like. The ending nobody was in a happy ever after, but they were in the right place. I didn't need a happy ever after ending for the story because it was complex and the author did a good job of weaving the difference parts of the puzzle together.
January 17, 2024
incredibly loving
Hmm this story allowed us to reimagine Valentines Day. We see lovers enjoying each other but really the day should be for everyone. Love shouldn’t be for one group and we shouldn’t allow others to dictate that. Overall I liked this and thought these characters were cute and incredible.
Hmm this story allowed us to reimagine Valentines Day. We see lovers enjoying each other but really the day should be for everyone. Love shouldn’t be for one group and we shouldn’t allow others to dictate that. Overall I liked this and thought these characters were cute and incredible.
February 22, 2024
3.5 stars
It was very Hallmarkish,, which I expected and was fine with. I was so annoyed with Bree for a spell but these guys kept me laughing and wandering what they would get into next. Lucy was a hoot and I can sympathize with her situation with her mother. Can’t wait to travel to St. Barts with them and seeing what happens with Lucy and her men.
It was very Hallmarkish,, which I expected and was fine with. I was so annoyed with Bree for a spell but these guys kept me laughing and wandering what they would get into next. Lucy was a hoot and I can sympathize with her situation with her mother. Can’t wait to travel to St. Barts with them and seeing what happens with Lucy and her men.
March 17, 2022
Absolutely loved this book, it started off a little slow, but quickly picked up. I loved getting to know the characters stories and describing Venice made me think I was there. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
June 18, 2022
Not my cup of tea
I got the feeling that this book was not my cup of tea when Lucy went for a pre-trip pedicure. I persisted until Lucy and her clients arrived in Venice and gave up about 25% through. I simply cannot understand how this sophomoric book got so many 5 star reviews.
I got the feeling that this book was not my cup of tea when Lucy went for a pre-trip pedicure. I persisted until Lucy and her clients arrived in Venice and gave up about 25% through. I simply cannot understand how this sophomoric book got so many 5 star reviews.
August 7, 2022
A really enjoyable short book. Loved the characters and felt like I was with them seeing the sites of Venice.
This was a freebie on Amazon but now I have been sucked in to buying and reading the rest of the series as it’s not available at the library 😉
This was a freebie on Amazon but now I have been sucked in to buying and reading the rest of the series as it’s not available at the library 😉
August 21, 2022
Okay read, but I doubt I'll pick up any more in the series. The story isn't bad, but the details of how the main character runs her tours and what makes them special are so lacking that the trip seems like an afterthought of the author's. There's nothing objectionable in the book, but for me it doesn't really seem to cohere at any point.
August 27, 2022
Lucy changed jobs from Coroner to Travel Agent. Her first major tour involves spending major holidays in different places; the first is Valentines Day in Venice. A fun story about making a wish and a missing penny.
September 22, 2022
Valentine's day in Venice
Great story of three women and their adventure and each with a different personal agenda. Characters and scenery very descriptive and enjoyed all the story lines. Can't wait to read book 2 for another adventure.
Great story of three women and their adventure and each with a different personal agenda. Characters and scenery very descriptive and enjoyed all the story lines. Can't wait to read book 2 for another adventure.
November 20, 2022
Cute quick read
Short, sweet, adorable and leaves you wanting more. I could almost feel like I was watching a TV show and want the next season. Definitely will be reading this series.
Short, sweet, adorable and leaves you wanting more. I could almost feel like I was watching a TV show and want the next season. Definitely will be reading this series.
January 25, 2023
what an enjoyable adventure
It’s been a while since I have throughly enjoyed reading a book and sad that I didn’t have the next one right at hand to read. Lighthearted yet realistic topics. Scenes you can easily envision but also seem dreamy! Can’t wait for the next adventure:
It’s been a while since I have throughly enjoyed reading a book and sad that I didn’t have the next one right at hand to read. Lighthearted yet realistic topics. Scenes you can easily envision but also seem dreamy! Can’t wait for the next adventure:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews