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Home for the Holidays
A heartwarming Christmas novella about true friendship, helping those in need, and falling in love. . .
What's a girl to do when she falls in love with her lifelong best friend? Small town librarian Lauren Forrester moves to St. Louis so that handsome contractor Jeffrey Warren can find a wife without having to deal with Lauren's moods. But when Jeffrey shows up on her doorstep to convince her to come home for a country Christmas, will the hardheaded pair lose their friendship or find something even more precious?
What's a girl to do when she falls in love with her lifelong best friend? Small town librarian Lauren Forrester moves to St. Louis so that handsome contractor Jeffrey Warren can find a wife without having to deal with Lauren's moods. But when Jeffrey shows up on her doorstep to convince her to come home for a country Christmas, will the hardheaded pair lose their friendship or find something even more precious?
62 pages, ebook
First published November 8, 2012
31 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Christine Lynxwiler
29 books65 followersAward-winning author and past president of American Christian Romance Writers, Christine Lynxwiler has numerous novels and novellas published with Barbour Publishing. She and her husband, Kevin, along with their two daughters, four horses, and two dogs live in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in their home state of Arkansas."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 12, 2018
I loved this! I love how Lauren and Jeff are best friends, but don't have any romantic relationship … well, until now! I really liked those two! :) The Christmas-feel to this book was great, perfect for this time of year.
Content:
One kiss at the end, but not detailed.
I think I need this as a real book so I can re-read it! It was a very simple, but fun read!
Content:
One kiss at the end, but not detailed.
I think I need this as a real book so I can re-read it! It was a very simple, but fun read!
December 25, 2012
Two-haiku review:
He's been her best friend
Looking for perfect woman
Why can't it be her?
Sweet Christian story
Both fear ruining their friendship
Short, but nicely done
He's been her best friend
Looking for perfect woman
Why can't it be her?
Sweet Christian story
Both fear ruining their friendship
Short, but nicely done
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - a heartwarming Christmas novella about true friendship, helping those in need, and falling in love. . .What's a girl to do when she falls in love with her lifelong best friend? Small town librarian Lauren Forrester moves to St. Louis so that handsome contractor Jeffrey Warren can find a wife without having to deal with Lauren's moods. But when Jeffrey shows up on her doorstep to convince her to come home for a country Christmas, will the hardheaded pair lose their friendship or find something even more precious?
REVIEW: A sweet, heartwarming Christmas novella. Nice clean, light read with a Christian thread running throughout. Jeffrey and Lauren have known each other since children and are each looking for the perfect mate with criteria that definitely describes their best friend. It was fun to watch their friendship grow into something more and the ups and downs they encountered as they both discovered their true feelings.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "She was a friend to many, a good friend to a few, best friend to one; but when push came to shove, she was alone."
REVIEW: A sweet, heartwarming Christmas novella. Nice clean, light read with a Christian thread running throughout. Jeffrey and Lauren have known each other since children and are each looking for the perfect mate with criteria that definitely describes their best friend. It was fun to watch their friendship grow into something more and the ups and downs they encountered as they both discovered their true feelings.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "She was a friend to many, a good friend to a few, best friend to one; but when push came to shove, she was alone."
December 19, 2012
On the one hand, this novella is predictable, short, and cliche-driven, lacking in originality or tension. There is no doubt where the protagonists are going to end up. On the other hand, I doubt the author's intention was to go for those things. Rather, I think she was more interested in writing a heartwarming, gentle story about two good people suffering from a mild misunderstanding who, with God's help, are able to get past it. Evaluated on that basis, she did an OK job of it.
December 29, 2012
This was a sweet love story with Christian undertones woven in. It was precious to see this couple come to the conclusion of their feelings for each other, and to watch friendship grown into much more. A warm Holiday story.
October 21, 2021
My thoughts: this was a short novella, usually read in the day, about two friends and his perfect girl. She was not it. At least not according to the list he wrote and showed her. But when the perfect girl becomes available her heart is shattered. She moves from northern Arkansas to St Louis Missouri - talk about culture shock - it makes a new life for herself. New friends new job new home everything new except a guy. Unfortunately her best friend from home won't let go and keeps calling her to talk about his perfect girl and how their relationship is progressing. What is a girl to do? Avoid phone calls? Block his number? Going home for Christmas is not going to happen. At least not this year. Especially when her new job introduces her to somebody new.. you have to read this novella to find out what's going to happen next. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
December 26, 2020
God working all things together for good
One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28, which says that God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. In the story, we see God at work in action through his people. I truly enjoyed reading the story and the creativity of the author in bringing this verse to life.
If you’d like a short, sweet HEA story filled with the mistakes we make and what God can do with them, you’ll love this book.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28, which says that God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. In the story, we see God at work in action through his people. I truly enjoyed reading the story and the creativity of the author in bringing this verse to life.
If you’d like a short, sweet HEA story filled with the mistakes we make and what God can do with them, you’ll love this book.
June 1, 2017
Home for the Holidays
This was a sweet Christian story of love between best friends. He has made a list of his perfect woman. She, as his best friend, will do anything to help him. But what happens when you want him and he doesn't see you in that light? Well the holidays are coming and miracles do happen.
This was a sweet Christian story of love between best friends. He has made a list of his perfect woman. She, as his best friend, will do anything to help him. But what happens when you want him and he doesn't see you in that light? Well the holidays are coming and miracles do happen.
January 2, 2024
This is a sweet story about best friends becoming forever. And it almost doesn't happen when one of the main characters moves away to avoid proximity and unresolved feelings. I really enjoy this author's books!
January 13, 2018
Uplifting
A great uplifting story of Christianity and love. Makes you realize that you have to give of yourself. Great story.
A great uplifting story of Christianity and love. Makes you realize that you have to give of yourself. Great story.
January 21, 2018
Romance Novel Christian Style
The story moved along well and was delightfully tame. ‘Twas an easy read, but forgettable—for me anyway. Reading the book was fun, though.
The story moved along well and was delightfully tame. ‘Twas an easy read, but forgettable—for me anyway. Reading the book was fun, though.
December 9, 2020
Religious
A religious love story. it's very Short. Not that interesting. Only positive I can give is it's well written and edited.
A religious love story. it's very Short. Not that interesting. Only positive I can give is it's well written and edited.
October 23, 2021
Great book
January 4, 2023
Kindle freebie - cute short book that had me smiling with how things turned out for all of the characters
December 23, 2022
Really sweet friends-becoming-more story. I feel like the author did a good job of capturing the personal dynamics in this situation, and the awkward uncertainties.
December 28, 2012
*2.5 stars*
With the end of the holidays slowly approaching and the reality of five day work weeks in the forecast, I thought it was time to throw in a couple last holiday reads.
This was a cute and light holiday story. Lauren has been in love with her best friend for awhile, so when he starts showing serious interest in finding a wife she can't handle seeing him with other women and she flees. While I don't necessarily see moving two hours away as a solution, I think what she did was realistic. I understand her need to separate herself from Jeff so as not to ruin the friendship with her feelings. Lauren was a very kind person with a big heart. She was willing to help out those in need without anything in return. I admired this quality in her and thought this was a great addition for a holiday read.
Jeff on the other hand, was a bit clueless. He's had a hard past and is not willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. I think he genuinely has a kind heart, but has a hard time looking past his own grief to use it to help others.
As for the story there wasn't much sustenance to it. I think if the main conflict would have been more the focus then I would have enjoyed it more. The story was predictable and like a lot of novels out there would have been resolved earlier if only the main characters talked to each other instead of hid their feelings, but I guess the story would have been a lot shorter than.
Do you enjoy reading seasonal stories? If so, what are your favorites?
With the end of the holidays slowly approaching and the reality of five day work weeks in the forecast, I thought it was time to throw in a couple last holiday reads.
This was a cute and light holiday story. Lauren has been in love with her best friend for awhile, so when he starts showing serious interest in finding a wife she can't handle seeing him with other women and she flees. While I don't necessarily see moving two hours away as a solution, I think what she did was realistic. I understand her need to separate herself from Jeff so as not to ruin the friendship with her feelings. Lauren was a very kind person with a big heart. She was willing to help out those in need without anything in return. I admired this quality in her and thought this was a great addition for a holiday read.
Jeff on the other hand, was a bit clueless. He's had a hard past and is not willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. I think he genuinely has a kind heart, but has a hard time looking past his own grief to use it to help others.
As for the story there wasn't much sustenance to it. I think if the main conflict would have been more the focus then I would have enjoyed it more. The story was predictable and like a lot of novels out there would have been resolved earlier if only the main characters talked to each other instead of hid their feelings, but I guess the story would have been a lot shorter than.
Do you enjoy reading seasonal stories? If so, what are your favorites?
December 19, 2013
This is a cute little story with characters that are well developed, despite the short novella length. I read it from cover to cover in just one sitting, and it only took about 90 minutes. But in that time I felt like I came to know the characters--especially Lauren--quite well.
The novella explores several themes, including facing your feelings and finding the courage to admit them, as well as letting go of past hurts, and helping those who are in need. Despite the short length, there is a surprising amount of content covered! Though I wasn't head-over-heels for Jeff like Lauren was, I did find myself rooting for Lauren to get the happy ending that she desired. I enjoyed seeing how much history the two had together, and their habit of meeting at "the swings" was really cute.
Christine Lynxwiler's stories are always entertaining at the very least, and Home for the Holidays is no different. If you're looking for a quick read, this one is certainly worth a look! Though most of the story does take place around Christmas, the season is really more just a backdrop for the characters... so while it certainly adds a bit of fun if you read the story during December, the Christmas angle isn't heavy enough to require that it be read during the holidays. Any time of year would be fine! :)
The novella explores several themes, including facing your feelings and finding the courage to admit them, as well as letting go of past hurts, and helping those who are in need. Despite the short length, there is a surprising amount of content covered! Though I wasn't head-over-heels for Jeff like Lauren was, I did find myself rooting for Lauren to get the happy ending that she desired. I enjoyed seeing how much history the two had together, and their habit of meeting at "the swings" was really cute.
Christine Lynxwiler's stories are always entertaining at the very least, and Home for the Holidays is no different. If you're looking for a quick read, this one is certainly worth a look! Though most of the story does take place around Christmas, the season is really more just a backdrop for the characters... so while it certainly adds a bit of fun if you read the story during December, the Christmas angle isn't heavy enough to require that it be read during the holidays. Any time of year would be fine! :)
December 27, 2014
This is a cute novella about best friends, Jeff and Lauren, who grew up together in a small southern/mid-west town, outside of Missouri. They have always confided in each other and pretty much knew everything there was to know about the other, until one day Lauren realizes that she just doesn’t love Jeff; but, that she is “in love” with him. She fears that he could not lover her in return as she knows what his ideal girlfriend is supposed to be like and she doesn’t “fit the bill”. Unbeknownst to her, Jeff had a realization much earlier than her, and he was told to look elsewhere that they could never be a match…. Lauren decides that taking a new job in St. Louis and putting some distance between them should help lessen her feelings about Jeff. In the meantime, she meets a nice young man at the library where she works and he begins to take up some of her time and her mind off Jeff…
December 22, 2012
Lauren and Jeff have been best friends for forever. Jeff is on a quest to find the perfect girl for him and Lauren is secretly in love with him. In order to distance herself, she takes a job and moves a few hours away....but he follows her. In the meantime, she takes in a woman and her son who are down on their luck. Will she ever be brave enough to tell Jeff how she really feels?
I thought this was a sweet holiday story. There is a Christian theme to it, which I thought was great because the story was clean. I liked how caring and selfless Lauren was and how clueless Jeff was.
Content: mention of a parent overdosing from drugs and another parent being in prison for drug use, but that's where he found religion. Other than that, clean!
I thought this was a sweet holiday story. There is a Christian theme to it, which I thought was great because the story was clean. I liked how caring and selfless Lauren was and how clueless Jeff was.
Content: mention of a parent overdosing from drugs and another parent being in prison for drug use, but that's where he found religion. Other than that, clean!
December 7, 2013
Sometimes we are our own worst enemy, our hearts tell us one thing and we can't believe it. Opening our hearts to love is the greatest gift we can receive but it's also what we can give. Facing our self and opening up to those who need especially during this time of year is so precious, this story is all about those fears and figuring out what to do about them. It's a beautiful story filled with pain, anger, pity, shame, giving and loving unconditionally. If only more people in our world today were like Lauren and Jeff, we would not be facing what's going to happen to us in the future. The story line is well defined and the cast is superb. I hope you enjoy this reads as much as I did
December 16, 2012
Lauren and Jeff had been best friends since they were kids. She had swore to help Jeff after his mom overdosed on drugs and his grandparents adopted him. Lauren was a type of person who'd help anyone though.
Jeff Warren confided in Lauren about his unsuccessful attempts at finding the perfect partner..maybe because he loved Lauren...and she loved him... and they just forgot to mention that part, or they were both good at hiding their feelings ....until the time was right - on Christmas Eve.
Jeff Warren confided in Lauren about his unsuccessful attempts at finding the perfect partner..maybe because he loved Lauren...and she loved him... and they just forgot to mention that part, or they were both good at hiding their feelings ....until the time was right - on Christmas Eve.
February 4, 2013
This was a cute love story with religion fitting in nicely. Jeffrey and Lauren have known each other since they were kids and have hidden feelings for one another for a long time. Each believes that the other doesn’t love them as more than a friend. Their story takes a major turn when Lauren decides to leave town after Jeffrey gets a chance to hang out with the woman he always thought would be perfect for him. It was cute seeing Jeffrey unsettled by Lauren’s move and how much he missed her and tried to meet her.
December 8, 2014
When Lauren falls in love with her best friend, Jeff, things get complicated. She feels the only thing she can do is to move to St. Louis to give him space. He continues to search for the perfect woman to settle down with what she continues her quest of helping others. Of course we all know how this ends, but it was a Christmas story and free. One needs to read these at this time of the year.
December 22, 2012
This book was a fun, quick and easy read. It was very predictable but was still a good story. If you like Hallmark movies at Christmas time you will enjoy this book. I am a big Hallmark fan even though most of their Christmas romance movies are predictable I still enjoy watching them. That is how I felt about this book. I kept picturing it as a Hallmark movie.
December 22, 2012
A sweet Christmas love story. May have been a little predictable, but sometimes that is not a bad thing. This time of the year(Christmas) we are all so busy and something sweet and easy to read was just what I needed. I would like to read more by this author.
December 30, 2012
A delightful short romance story. Best friends who finally realize they love each other, but not before they stumble through denial, probloems and all sorts of stumbling blocks that life manages to throw at them.
December 31, 2012
A short romantic faith-based story that is easy to read. Jeff and Lauren have been friends since they were children and they confide in each other about everything, but when one starts to develop feelings for the other, it puts a strain on their friendship. A well written story.
December 31, 2012
My 3 star rating is a bit of an "over reach." The characters were not very interesting and poorly developed. The story line was so very predictable right from the start. Don't bother unless you are very bored.
January 23, 2013
A short novella (which is why I can't include it in my 2013 book challenge) that was very sweet, very Hallmark-y... and *VERY* Christian... which is why I couldn't give it five stars. But if you want a candy-cane sweet story, this one is worth wincing your way through the Jeee-zus references.
December 7, 2013
Home for the Holidays was a great story. A tale of best friends that truly love each other, but don't want to risk a lifetime friendship. I recommend this sweet Christmas novella to everyone in the mood for a fast Christmas read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews