Cover Image: A Down Home Christmas

A Down Home Christmas

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is a sweet romance story about a young man, Kris, that is finally achieving his life's goal of becoming a country music star and Victoria (Tory) who was recently put aside by her fiance, since he thought pursuing a better job was more important than she was.

Tory is neighbors to Kris' Aunt Tansy and that is how their lives become connected. Kris has come home to visit his Aunt, who raised him when his parents died and try to persuade her to move to a safe community since she is obviously too old to live alone any longer. (not so) Aunt Tansy is not happy about that and is set to straighten Kris on that idea and also show him how important the family’s farm roots are to his life. Tory happens upon the farm when Kris arrives chasing her loveable and energetic dog Edison (I love him) and that begins the book.

I enjoyed this wonderful story with the message of family, healing, community, mentoring young people and hope of a happy future.

I recommend this story for a nice, uplifting message for the Christmas season, or any time actually.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Words cannot describe how much I enjoy reading each title from Hallmark Publishing. And "A Down Home Christmas" is no exception.

After receiving word that his Aunt Tansy has broken her leg, Kris Trabeau is coming home to help out with her property...and to finally convince her to come and live next to him in the big city. Small town life never suited Kris, that's why he left in pursuit of his music career and never came back. But changing Aunt Tansy's mind is going to be a process. She's fiercely against moving and insists that she will never sell the property. After all, it is part of Kris's heritage.

Tory isn't sure what to make of the country star that has invaded the town. He seems nice enough but distant. But then again, what's it to her? After things get back to normal, he will leave and never give the town a second glance. Her job for now is to put together this year's Christmas program and to not fall for the handsome country singer who keeps running into her.

This was a sweet romance novel that I highly recommend reading if you are a fan of Hallmark movies. As always, these books are free from language, violence, or sexually explicit content and is appropriate for all ages.

Was this review helpful?

A perfect, sweet, cozy romance. I loved this story!!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A cozy and sweet book that make you crave for Christmas time. It's heartwarming, fun to read and engaging.
I liked the cast of characters, the setting and the plot,
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

I’m not one to read Christmas books this early in the year…but I am so glad I read this one. Liz Talley has you from the first page to the last. When newcomer winner to Country music, Kris arrives back home in Mississippi to look after the aunt who raised him when he was a young boy, she had an accident and broke her leg. He thinks his aunt should give up the family farm and come live in Nashville, but his feisty aunt has other plans. She wants to have a real down home Christmas like she had when she was and girl and sweet talks Kris and their neighbour the lovely and broken hearted Tory, to help her with this plan. Just what Tory does not want to do, celebrate Christmas and Kris is in the same mind. But neither of these people who love and care about Aunt Tansy and don’t want to disappoint her.
Tory is up to her neck in the Tinsel Ball, that she was talked into co-chairing at the Community Centre where she tutors and mentors trouble youth and she talks Kris into helping her with a young girl who has a beautiful voice, but is scared to get up in front of an audience. This was a sweet and heartwarming story. The sexy heartthrob country singer and the beautiful and nerdy teach and a quirky aunt and kids who will steal your heart. Will Christmas magic be just what Santa is bringing for these four, who need a down home Christmas…
I adored this book and it gives you faith that when all things around you are spinning out of control, being home with those who love you can bring you peace and love.

Was this review helpful?

Love all the hallmark movies and the books are just as good! I watch and read everyone I can and always will! It's nice to have something to read that's clean, wholesome and real!

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC from NetGalley. This book was super cute! It was Lifetime Movie cute. County boy comes home for the holidays and falls in love. Typical love story and I still enjoyed every second. A must read

Was this review helpful?

A Down Home Christmas is a sweet and heartwarming story that makes a great addition to the Hallmark Christmas collection. This book grabs you from the very first line and leaves you wanting more after you read the last word. The characters are sweet and relatable while the small town setting feels like home. A Down Home Christmas can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. This book would make the perfect Christmas gift for the reader in your life. If you’re looking for a feel good read to put you in the Christmas spirit, then look no further!

Was this review helpful?

The perfect pick-me-up!

I don’t usually read holiday books, but I love Liz Talley’s stories and a DOWN HOME CHRISTMAS was the perfect pick-me-up good for anytime of the year.

Liz Talley hit all the sweet spots that make a Hallmark holiday movie (even though this is a book) a tale that fills us with love and happiness reminding us of better days and that family, friends and home are the most important things in life. However, the author didn’t stop there, she kicked it up a notch or two by bringing us a fabulous cast from the main characters right down to the fur and feathered side-kicks.

I think a lot of readers could relate to Kris and his desire to succeed, while wanting to take care of his aging aunt. My heart went out to Tory with her kind and giving heart. The sweet romance between these two was fun, flirty, and just so perfect. Then there was Aunt Tansy…what a hoot! Not to mention tough but sweet Bria and the rest of the cast including Edison and Loretta Lynn the sweater sporting hen.

If you’re looking for a feel good read then look no further because this book will make you laugh and smile and leave you feeling like Santa just left you everything on your wish list no matter what time of the year it is.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book from the first scene, that had me laughing, to the last, that had me swooning. Sweet Christmas stories are my favorite, but this one by Liz Talley has something special. Not only because of the chicken wearing a sweater, or the cookie recipe in the end, but because the characters are warm and loveable yet imperfect and working through their issues. I love quirky Aunt Tansy, and hearing her point of view as an older, wiser character, and Kris, of course, is perfectly imperfect. Tory is smart and independent, and has the best dog ever. Heartwarming, easy read that will grab you from the first page!

Was this review helpful?

A down home Christmas is going to pull at your heart strings. The characters will find themselves being pushed or pulled to find their true paths. You'll see this played out in hallmark movie fashion.

Was this review helpful?

Wow! What a sweet, clean, romantic Christmas story! The book is full of family, country music, and roots. This is a great feel-good story that would be an equally amazing movie. It isn't sappy, but it is full of swoon-worthy romance. Courage, strength, selfless love, and determination are all intertwined throughout the story. Fantastic read!

Was this review helpful?

I thoroughly enjoyed A Down Home Christmas.. It is a story about finding home and family, about centering oneself with what is truly important. I loved the characters. They were very relatable, with real life problems, hopes, and concerns. Feisty Aunt Tansy made me smile, and Kris found his home physically, emotionally, and romantically. The glimpses into the recording industry just added depth and interest to the plot.

Was this review helpful?

Every once in a while you run into one of those books that you just don't want to end; this is one of them. There was the senior who raised the son of her very special brother. There was a beautiful neighbor who was a dedicated teacher. There was the special, very talented foster child who lacked confidence. And lastly was the famous country music star who came home to find his muse. Add to all of that, there was humor and enough sadness to make real tears! Above all, there was the HEA that made me want it to go on and on.

This book was gifted to me by the publisher in return for an honest review. 👍👍 Ms. Talley

Was this review helpful?

Sweet love story. Would love to see this turned into a Hallmark movie. Loved the characters and you can't go wrong with a Christmas story involving a big fluffy dog! Thank you Liz Talley for this charming book.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! It's a sweet romance with a big fluffy dog and happens at Christmas. And it has a great sounding recipe at the end. Another Hallmark winner. Thank you Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion and I can't wait to see the movie.

Was this review helpful?

This is a sweet Christmas book that will take you back to your roots. The main characters both bring their own issues to the table - one as a recently-abandoned fiance and the other as a star-on-the-rise fumbling through his success - both they manage to help each other find equilibrium. The story ends sweetly with a nice twist involving a talented little girl...

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book. I love any book that has to do with Christmas. Wonderful story line. Loved the characters

Was this review helpful?

In Down Home Christmas, Kris, the hero, loses his parents in an accident & his aunt steps up to raise him. When he left to try his luck at a country singing career, they argued & he was determined not to come back until he “made” it. Now he’s come back to convince her to sell the family farm & move to Nashville with him.

Tori lives next door to Kris’s aunt. Ever since she had purchased the house with her fiancé, she’s been busy renovating it. Now, her fiancé broke off the engagement & left town. Tori is determined to ignore the holiday until Kris’s aunt pulls her into her plans.

This was a very heartwarming emotional story. Kris has forgotten the good things about his childhood & being raised by his aunt. Tori feels embarrassed & depressed & wants to ignore all of the emotional aspects of the holiday. Kris & Tori both bring out the good in each other & you can tell they belong together. Wonderful story!

Was this review helpful?

A sweet small town romance. Likeable characters including a big lovable dog and a good storyline also. A nice Christmas story full of love and hope.

Was this review helpful?