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The Christmas I Found Home
Whitney Reid left the quiet, peaceful life of the Adirondacks as soon as she turned nineteen with nothing but the clothes in her suitcase and a dark secret weighing heavily in her chest. She left behind her perfect boyfriend—Hunter West, her sister—Cora, and her hard-working parents for the noisy city of Boston, Massachusetts in hopes of finding a fresh start.
But now that Cora is set to get married on Christmas Eve in the backwoods family lodge, Whitney makes the journey home to come face to face with everything she ran from six years ago.
A secret that has haunted Whitney for years.
As Whitney reacquaints herself with home the wedding plans go haywire, she can’t help but notice the decline of her father’s health, and she is forced to confront the horrible secret from her past, all while feelings resurface for the man that she once loved unconditionally.
Whitney is left to pick up the pieces of a life that she has both run from and has missed desperately, and although it may seem too messy to untangle, she will stop at nothing until she figures out where she belongs once and for all.
But now that Cora is set to get married on Christmas Eve in the backwoods family lodge, Whitney makes the journey home to come face to face with everything she ran from six years ago.
A secret that has haunted Whitney for years.
As Whitney reacquaints herself with home the wedding plans go haywire, she can’t help but notice the decline of her father’s health, and she is forced to confront the horrible secret from her past, all while feelings resurface for the man that she once loved unconditionally.
Whitney is left to pick up the pieces of a life that she has both run from and has missed desperately, and although it may seem too messy to untangle, she will stop at nothing until she figures out where she belongs once and for all.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
3076 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 22, 2022
I absolutely loved and adored this book!!! I literally could not put this book down. Jennifer truly knows how to tug at the heart strings and I found myself fully invested. I felt all the emotions while reading this book and highly recommend it!!!
November 22, 2022
Think Hallmark Christmas movie but with depth.
I read this quickly and enjoyed every layer of it. LaCross has such easy prose that the story flows naturally, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the pages, making them feel the snowflakes on their lashes and hear the fire crackling in the distance.
Read if you love:
•A snowy lodge setting
•Second chance romance
•Family secrets
•A Christmas Wedding
•Life on a farm
•Finding healing in the place you thought caused all your pain
I read this quickly and enjoyed every layer of it. LaCross has such easy prose that the story flows naturally, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the pages, making them feel the snowflakes on their lashes and hear the fire crackling in the distance.
Read if you love:
•A snowy lodge setting
•Second chance romance
•Family secrets
•A Christmas Wedding
•Life on a farm
•Finding healing in the place you thought caused all your pain
December 14, 2022
I'm clearly apart from the group on this review. I enjoyed the book, but... Some of the language seemed forced or out of place "This might be the most delicious fucking pancake I've ever eaten." Add to that the topic of sexual abuse in what otherwise appears to be a cozy Christmas book. It just didn't mesh together well for me. The author does have a nice way of drawing you into the story and setting. I would definitely try another book by her for that reason. This one just seemed like some edges could have been a little more polished. Thank you for sending me a copy of the book.
December 18, 2022
1/5
i miss the person i was before i read this.
i miss the person i was before i read this.
January 5, 2023
I enjoyed this very much and could actually see it made into a Hallmark Movie and Mysteries. It has the romance and a little of the mystery in it. I'd like to see more of Cora story.
December 19, 2023
Book Review - The Christmas I found home 🏠
Now I don’t know what Jennifer lacross puts in her books because they’re addictive. I could not put this down, I was obsessed with this story!
This was the sweetest, cutest, cosiest Christmas read. The pace was great, JL’s writing is just wonderful. The chapters are a great length, the story flowed seamlessly and the emotions were a whirlwind. A gorgeous Christmas read. 🎄
The characters 😍 Hunter West, I knew from the minute he traipsed through the Reids’ lodge door that I was going to love him and I was right, I absolutely did! ‘This isn’t home without you, Whit. I love you’ 🥹
Whitney Reid was so relatable, she was funny, charming, charismatic and an independent woman. She knew exactly what she wanted and I loved that!
Her secret that she kept for so many years was a complete shock! I didn’t see that coming but I loved how Hunter supported and looked after her the whole way through.
The scene when they have their first kiss after 6 years apart had my heart screaming for them, they’re so cute together. 🥹
As I’ve said before, i’m generally not a fan of second chance romances but this.. this one was so special! The ending was perfect! ❤️
This is without a doubt, a five star read ★★★★★. If you haven’t read a book by @jenlacrossauthor then get your hands on one asap! 🥰
Now I don’t know what Jennifer lacross puts in her books because they’re addictive. I could not put this down, I was obsessed with this story!
This was the sweetest, cutest, cosiest Christmas read. The pace was great, JL’s writing is just wonderful. The chapters are a great length, the story flowed seamlessly and the emotions were a whirlwind. A gorgeous Christmas read. 🎄
The characters 😍 Hunter West, I knew from the minute he traipsed through the Reids’ lodge door that I was going to love him and I was right, I absolutely did! ‘This isn’t home without you, Whit. I love you’ 🥹
Whitney Reid was so relatable, she was funny, charming, charismatic and an independent woman. She knew exactly what she wanted and I loved that!
Her secret that she kept for so many years was a complete shock! I didn’t see that coming but I loved how Hunter supported and looked after her the whole way through.
The scene when they have their first kiss after 6 years apart had my heart screaming for them, they’re so cute together. 🥹
As I’ve said before, i’m generally not a fan of second chance romances but this.. this one was so special! The ending was perfect! ❤️
This is without a doubt, a five star read ★★★★★. If you haven’t read a book by @jenlacrossauthor then get your hands on one asap! 🥰
September 19, 2022
I hope you come to love the Reid family as much as I do. I had so much fun writing these characters into the script. They became my family. People I still might expect to see show up at my door this Christmas.
This was never meant to be a "perfect" holiday warm and fuzzy novel. Because nine times out of ten, the holidays come with baggage. We all know that, am I right?! Scars from our past, worries for our future, and a whole hell of a lot of unknowns. And that is just what the Reid family will share with you on every page. Secrets. Surprises. Facing people from the past.
Although brought back together for the first holiday in six years, these characters have some messy things to deal with. A turbulent, (and snowy) ride through the depths of just how hard it can be to figure out where you are supposed to be.
A holiday journey like no other about family, sisterhood, healing, and love.
TW: Readers please be advised that this novel contains sensitive topics such as rape / sexual assault.
This was never meant to be a "perfect" holiday warm and fuzzy novel. Because nine times out of ten, the holidays come with baggage. We all know that, am I right?! Scars from our past, worries for our future, and a whole hell of a lot of unknowns. And that is just what the Reid family will share with you on every page. Secrets. Surprises. Facing people from the past.
Although brought back together for the first holiday in six years, these characters have some messy things to deal with. A turbulent, (and snowy) ride through the depths of just how hard it can be to figure out where you are supposed to be.
A holiday journey like no other about family, sisterhood, healing, and love.
TW: Readers please be advised that this novel contains sensitive topics such as rape / sexual assault.
December 22, 2023
My absolute favorite part about reading indie is that you get the delicious parts of traditional stories (think Hallmark Christmas movies) without the bad after taste. The story almost always goes deeper and pulls at very real heart strings and that was definitely true for this book.
This story and the setting was so immersive. I felt like I was there. It’s a cozy read in every sense of the word but a bit of an emotional gut punch as well. When a story has this much feeling spilled onto the page, it’s hard not to take a hit, but in the absolute best way. It was such a bingable book and yet I didn’t want it to end.
Read if you love:
🌲 Kept secrets
🌲 returning home
🌲 Winter weddings
🌲 Hallmark movies with depth
🌲 Facing a broken past
🌲 Stories about healing and personal growth
(TW: sexual abuse.)
This story and the setting was so immersive. I felt like I was there. It’s a cozy read in every sense of the word but a bit of an emotional gut punch as well. When a story has this much feeling spilled onto the page, it’s hard not to take a hit, but in the absolute best way. It was such a bingable book and yet I didn’t want it to end.
Read if you love:
🌲 Kept secrets
🌲 returning home
🌲 Winter weddings
🌲 Hallmark movies with depth
🌲 Facing a broken past
🌲 Stories about healing and personal growth
(TW: sexual abuse.)
July 3, 2023
I must admit, I'm feeling conflicted about this book. While I did enjoy the book, there were some parts that I wasn't the biggest fan of. For example, a lot of dialogue and writing in the book felt very odd and out of place for me. I would recommend that this author get more practice in writing dialogue.
Nevertheless, I must commend the author for their ability to draw readers into the story and create an engaging setting. I am open to giving another of the author's works a chance, perhaps another one with a more polished narrative...
Nevertheless, I must commend the author for their ability to draw readers into the story and create an engaging setting. I am open to giving another of the author's works a chance, perhaps another one with a more polished narrative...
October 30, 2022
This was such a heartwarming holiday following the two main characters Whitney and Reid reuniting and falling in love all over again. This story is well written and the authors style of writing allows you to really fall in love and get to know the main characters. I love how the main character overcomes her past and allows love back into her life. Another great and addicting read by Jennifer LaCross!
October 31, 2022
Boston, the Adirondacks, a new life, an old life, a Christmas wedding, a family, an ex-boyfriend, and a secret...all the makings of a happy holiday season or a recipe for disaster??" Read it and find out. I promise you won't be disappointed!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️'s all the way. A superb second novel from a fresh new talent!!
December 31, 2024
sweet
This is a sweet holiday romance. That precious author gifted me with two of her books and this was one of them. I will treasure it always because he her giving heart. Also it was a sweet, clean holiday romance and I loved every second of it.
This is a sweet holiday romance. That precious author gifted me with two of her books and this was one of them. I will treasure it always because he her giving heart. Also it was a sweet, clean holiday romance and I loved every second of it.
March 13, 2023
Page turning romance story with an edge
Get your copy today! This is a Hallmark style storyline with an edge. I enjoyed unexpected plot twists and revelations. Highly recommended.
Get your copy today! This is a Hallmark style storyline with an edge. I enjoyed unexpected plot twists and revelations. Highly recommended.
December 22, 2023
This was my first book by this author. I came across her on TikTok. Her book draws you in from the first page and keeps you engaged until the end !
January 11, 2024
It was like a cheesy hallmark movie - predictable.
December 7, 2023
✔️Second chance romance
✔️Christmas
✔️Returning home and finding happiness
✔️KU
I loved this sweet, heartwarming Christmas story about healing. The characters, the writing style, the snow and cozy setting, come together for a great holiday read. I’m not usually big on Hallmark-y type stories, but this one had the perfect balance of emotion and sweetness.
With all the stress surrounding the holidays, it’s hard to get in the holiday spirit. Reading Christmas books helps my holiday cheer tremendously, and The Christmas I Found Home is perfect for summoning forth the magic of Christmas.
I loved the side-story involving the sister, and that’s all I’ll say to avoid spoilers, but it was just as satisfying as the main plot. The romance between Whitney and Hunter isn’t without struggle, so when it all comes together in the end, like a perfectly-fit puzzle, you’re left with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
✔️Christmas
✔️Returning home and finding happiness
✔️KU
I loved this sweet, heartwarming Christmas story about healing. The characters, the writing style, the snow and cozy setting, come together for a great holiday read. I’m not usually big on Hallmark-y type stories, but this one had the perfect balance of emotion and sweetness.
With all the stress surrounding the holidays, it’s hard to get in the holiday spirit. Reading Christmas books helps my holiday cheer tremendously, and The Christmas I Found Home is perfect for summoning forth the magic of Christmas.
I loved the side-story involving the sister, and that’s all I’ll say to avoid spoilers, but it was just as satisfying as the main plot. The romance between Whitney and Hunter isn’t without struggle, so when it all comes together in the end, like a perfectly-fit puzzle, you’re left with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews