Homecoming in Christmas Falls, Ciara Knight

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, Women's fiction

I'd not read any of Ciara's novels before but liked the sound of this, I love second chance romances.
I should have checked though as Goodreads bio says this series is " sweet romance series, Sweetwater County (rated PG), is a small town romance full of family trials, friendly competition, and community love." It is all that, sweet, easy to read, heart warming - but for me drama free, no angst and that's what I look for. My bad, I could have guessed from the description had i searched further. 

The characters are pleasant, not heart-stopping in any way, not full of drama. the most drama seems to be reminiscing over Ashley's schoolgirl pranks. Brent, a charmer in a nice way, a gentleman and product of a wealthy family. He and Ashley reconnect when she retunrs to town.

Its an easy read, but so cute and sweet it almost made my teeth ache. If you want sweet HEA that's drama free this is perfect, but for me the downs, the angst, the drama and what make the highs, the happy bits so much better. without that contrast I just don't enjoy a story. 
Its a shortish read at 159 pages, and perfect for those who want quick and easy, happy all the way. Sadly that's not me. A series I'll pass on. 

Stars: 2.5/3. A good read, just not my sort of read. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

Great start to this series. This book definitely put me in the mood for Christmas. A romance but also a story about friendships and family. True friendship is when you can go long times without talking and pick up right where you left off when you do. Ashley had a crush on Brent and who does she run into almost instantly - you guessed it. I'll admit he did frustrate me but he came around. We often feel and think things are one way when actually they are somewhat or totally different. This was a really good book and left me feeling hopeful and ready to read the next one. The author did a good job of introducing the other friends who will have their own books. I voluntarily received an ARC from NetGalley.

Oh my ever-loving god! This book had me in my feels from the beginning! I had to stop reading more than once so that I could see through the tears to continue.reading. This book was one of the most amazing sickly sweet books I have read lately. I loved it!!!

Very charming and enjoyable. Perfect to read on Christmas!

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Christmas Falls
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from Ciara Knight.

An interesting story that opens with Ashley Brooks returning to Christmas Falls because of a letter she received from her old choir teacher. She has not been in touch with any from the town for the past eight years including her parents. Leaving town eight years ago after being arrested along with her best friends, the book opens with her being arrested once again for an outstanding speeding ticket. Not only is that but the guy she had a crush on forever there as well. She still does. Brent Donnelly sees Ashley and sees a do over, he must chose. Does he follow in his father’s foots steps or does he go after the girl he has always thought was an inspiration and full of life when she was around, and how life has become dull since she has been gone for eight years. The story takes you through Ashley’s past and how she felt and how she feels now. When she goes to her parents and her and her mom finally talk and make Christmas cookies together the story really begins to shine. Now can the town and the community center be saved and does Brent want her really or does he want to follow in his father’s footsteps? My only problem with the book was the ending a few loose ends, but then I realized that there are seven books, so I am guessing that you have to get to number seven to find out about the town and the community center. Overall a good book.

Oh how I loved, loved, loved this. It was the perfect little Christmas story for me. Now I'm off to read the rest of the books in the series. Seriously, this book made me happy.