♥ This Christmas, pack your bags for a holiday away from home . ♥ Join the Christmas Lights Collection authors as we travel to Colorado, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and New Cheltenham for warm and wonderful stories of love and Christmas cheer. Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks—on Christmas Day—that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming. Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it. At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off-kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis? Christmas Camp by Cathe Swanson Julia is eager to prove herself in her first job as project manager for the family’s charitable foundation, but she expected it to be something more meaningful than creating a winter wonderland Christmas vacation for snow-deprived southerners. Why is this project so important to her grandmother? Tom doesn’t understand why anyone would want to renovate his uncle’s broken-down Wisconsin deer camp, either, but if it will save the old man’s home and business, he’ll help the ambitious city girl put together the most cliché-filled Christmas ever. Not Another Christmas by Jaycee Weaver The palm trees and beaches of Florida are far from her chaotic family as Cindy Sinclair can get. Her anticipated promotion is the perfect excuse not to come home for the holidays… until she’s passed over and the job is given to none other than her childhood nemesis. This far from New Mexico, Nick Hoover never imagined he’d beat Cindy out for a job. Again. He’s messed up her plans since the day they met, but this time, Nick is determined to prove he never wanted to be her enemy. If only she’ll let him. When their reignited adolescent rivalry gets out of hand, their boss insists they both go home, face the hurts of their pasts, and bury the hatchet once and for all. With help from her meddling family, this could be the Christmas they quit clashing and give love a fighting chance. The Hearts of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig The only way not to break her best friend’s heart is to get someone else to steal it. Jarod doesn’t need a month off and certainly not halfway across the country. His best friend doesn’t agree. She’s been researching places for him to go and has found him a perfect match on a dating website who just happens to live in New Cheltenham. It’s a match made online until she begins to wonder if she’s made a mistake trying to offload him on someone else. A novella of love and friendship that defies a love triangle to interfere. Destination Christmas offers a stress-free travel experience without traffic, delayed flights, or forgotten toothpaste. Instead, you’ll enjoy wonderful destinations, delightful new friends, and a heartwarming experience!
**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached. What does that even mean? It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
This collection of Destination Christmas stories is a delightful Merry Christmas set of stories. The collection can be read without having read the previous Christmas Lights Collections, but for those who have read the previous collections, this one is just like a gift from a friend. It is so hard to describe, but the reader gets to visit some familiar characters or places from previous collections and truly get lost in a set of sweet stories. Cathe Swanson’s Christmas Camp is a lovely tale about families, and while none of the characters were direct ties to previous stories, the plot was so special. A special project surrounded by secrecy leads to some heart-searching and some fences being mended. A totally sweet and yet deep Christmas story. Chautona Havig’s The Hearts of New Cheltenham takes us to a familiar fictional destination in the suburbs of fictional Rockland. Jarod is on a forced vacation from work. His best friend, Chrystal, sent him in an attempt to help him find love. Ellie is the concierge at the hotel where Jarod stays, and Chrystal asks Ellie to help Jarod relax and enjoy himself and maybe even meet some singles. The three of them spend this story figuring out who they are and what they want out of life and relationships. But, in a totally believable happily ever after kind of way. Jaycee Weaver’s Not Another Christmas takes us back to Albuquerque and the Christmas obsessed Sinclair family. The reader gets to follow along in the youngest daughter, Cindy Sinclair’s, story. The boy next door, aka her high school nemesis, is Nick Hoover. Somehow, God has seen fit to have Nick and Cindy cross paths again as adults, and the pranks and sparks fly once again. But, now as adults, they have to figure out how to call a truce and work together peaceably. This is a delightful continuation of the Sinclair family story. Sarah Monzon’s Kiss Me on Christmas shares the heartwarming story of a single mom and her neurodivergent son. This story was as heartwarming and delightful as it was challenging and encouraging. Through the storyline of this novella, Ms. Monzon shows the reader the beauty and the challenges of having autism or parenting a child who has autism. Being neurodivergent is a challenge, but it is also a blessing. I appreciated her thoughts that these precious, usually gifted people, should not need to change who they are to try to conform to what everyone else thinks is normal. Rather, everyone else should adjust and adapt to make room for the diversity and talents that can come from neurodivergent people. A super touching and encouraging read!
Buy the collection. Snuggle up in a cozy spot and enjoy some happy Christmas stories. You will not regret it!
This review is for Not Another Christmas by Jaycee Weaver:
Not Another Christmas gave me all the happy and swoony feels! In this book, it is the third Sinclair sister’s turn to find her happily ever after and this story is as charming and heartfelt as the two before it. If you haven’t read the other two books from the Sinclair Sisters series, I highly recommend them. You can also just jump in and enjoy this one, as well, if you prefer.
In these stories, I absolutely adore the way the author takes the reader back and forth between the past and present. It just works so well for showing the passage of time in the past and for bringing things to fruition for the characters in the present day.
I really felt for Nick and all that he went through as a teen. His home life left a lot to be desired and it was clear that he was hurting emotionally. I had gotten to know Cindy through the first two books, but it was fun to see things from her perspective in this final tale. Her reactions to Nick’s attempts to tease her through pranks just escalated things so much! There were cringy moments and hilarious moments from the past, but what I most loved was watching as things began to move in a more romantic direction in the present day. It was great seeing Cindy and Nick actually getting to know each other.
I loved this story from start to finish and highly recommend all three of the Sinclair Sisters stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
1. Kiss me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon Fantastic story of a single mom I could relate to. And her son, on the spectrum, was so well written. Often kids in adult fiction are unbelievable props, there for convenience only. Liam is an integral part of the story, and totally believable. The heart to heart at the end, between Kaitlyn and her mom was reality - shattering and wonderful. And Beckett! I have no words to describe this awesome character!
2. Christmas Camp by Cathe Swanson This was hilarious, and sweet and I enjoyed every moment. Tom and Julia handled things well. It could have gone sideways a few times but they managed to pull through and pull together, and let go of things that needed to be.
3. Not Another Christmas by Jaycee Weaver Perfect wrap up to this trilogy!! It works as a standalone if you missed the first two, but will definitely make you want to read the first two, because it is that good. Dealing with grief, as a teen, with really no support, set Nick up for a rough time. And I totally get Cindy's overwhelm with too much stuff. The drama and tension between the two, both as teens and adults is well written and relatable.
4. Hearts of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig OH man! All the feels! I actually carried my kindle on my morning walk, because I couldn't put it down... I felt for Crystal, was proud of her and Ellie, and was fascinated by the whole story. Jarrod grew a good amount during the few weeks covered, a solid growth spurt, if you will. Believable. Can't wait for the next installment!
*purchased this one myself. All thoughts are my own.
This collection of Christmas stories is a delightful read about individuals finding love. Kiss Me on Christmas is of a single mom raising her son who's neurodivergent (autistic and ADHD) and as they head to her sister's wedding, they encounter a YouTuber who's in her sister's wedding. I enjoyed this story as it includes a person with a disability. Christmas Camp has some twists and turns and family secrets from years past as the granddaughter takes on a project for her grandmother and learns to allow the guests to experience a white Christmas and not stick to a schedule of activities. Not Another Christmas is of the youngest Sinclair sister. Nick and Cindy met when they were young and pulled pranks on each other throughout their school years. Now years later they meet up again when the job Cindy wants is given to Nick. Will they call a truce or will the pranks continue? The Hearts of New Cheltenham has an interesting plot. Jarod is sent to New Cheltenham for a month. This is a great matchmaking story as well as soul searching for each character.
I read the story called Christmas Camp by Cathe Swanson first. I’ve now read the other stories and they were delightful. I highly recommend this as great Christmas reading. Great authors and great stories!
What a fun and absolutely delightful Christmas novella! I loved Cindy and Nick, they were both great characters and their prank wars were epic! I loved the parts that showed them as teens, and I especially loved that those parts of the story were written in first person! Jaycee Weaver is a tremendously talented author and this book was an absolute joy to read! On a side note: this is book three in a series, but even though I have not read the first two I had no trouble at all reading this one, I am however super excited to go back and read Cindy’s sisters stories! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book from the author (but I also pre-ordered my own copy of the Destination Christmas collection) My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
It’s Christmas time again . . . well, not quite, but it’s getting closer when you see wonderful collections of stories by fantastic authors like this one! Cathe Swanson, Sarah Monzon, Jaycee Weave, and Chautona Havig are all authors I enjoy reading and when you put them all together, you really can’t go wrong! Each book has a flair of its own, and each author is skilled in storytelling. The stories will bring a chuckle to your heart and soul, and a glow to your face. These stories all have Christmas taking place at a “destination” where fun, interesting events happen. I loved how each author put a different spin on their story and each story had a wonderful life lesson to be gleaned. If you want a collection of books to read for the holidays then this is it! It’s full of fun, quirky, tender, and touching relationships. I loved reading all of these books. Each book holds a wonderful message. I highly recommend you pick this collection up; it will bring a smile to your face and warm fuzzies to your heart!
but??? very satisfying but i want more! what did they name the place?
I read the whole thing in one Day . The last two are probably my favourite. But you know for sure I’ll have to read them all again Great characters intriguing plot and I hope there are sequels! Woven in the love and laughter are parts of THE TRUTH and deep reality of the source of love.
What happens next? I found myself laughing and cheering characters on and frustrated come on come on you can do it why don’t you wake up and see the truth in front of you….. Delightful and satisfying! sit down with a cup of tea or coffee if you must have a good read!
This book was an absolute delight to read! Give her an overwhelming assignment and watch her go! The fun twists and turns in this book will have you guessing until the amazing end!
I've LOVED the Christmas Lights collections from the very first one. It's such a privilege to be a participating author for my third year with these incredibly talented ladies. If you enjoy bookish holiday escapes, you'll love Destination Christmas this year!
Usually I find a collection like this with some good, some boring and some just okay. I loved all of them! Totally worth your time! And it got me into the Christmas spirit early!
I so enjoyed this entire collection. Not one story was better than another; each was unique and heartwarming. These authors are all skilled storytellers, and you will love each destination that you travel to as you read these.
If you’re looking for Christmas stories that will make you smile then I highly recommend this selection of standalones.
I really enjoyed this collection of stories. It was hard to put it down! Each story had great characters and settings. I loved the individual moments of hilarity and the romance. It was hard to pick a favorite! Highly recommend as a collection but also individually!
Every year I read and totally enjoy the Christmas Lights Collection, and I was not disappointed this year! Each of the 4 stories had some cool destinations and cozy Christmas love stories that I just enjoyed so much!