I was provided with an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of this book.

My merry holiday readathon continues with Christmas at Holiday House. I was a little nervous after my first two books that I wasn’t going to find one that really spoke to me, and pushed all the right Christmas buttons. Maybe holiday books weren’t my jam after all?

Christmas at Holiday House did something right off the bat that I love: we had not just one, but three points of view throughout the story! We followed Abby, Ethan, and Ethan’s sister Lucy as they all navigated through the holiday season, through their past relationships, and towards their new lives.

Abby is a single mom after the traumatic murder of her husband two years prior. While there isn’t any graphic mention of his death, it is brought up more than once in the novel, and contributes to the fears Abby begins to overcome with the help of the Holiday House. Now that she has come out on the other side of crippling grief, she’s able to realize that she needs to start somewhere new with her son, somewhere she won’t be known only as the widow.

Lucy, her college roommate and best friend, called Abby after Lucy’s widowed grandmother fell down the stairs of her home, which just so happens to be the Holiday House in question. What Lucy failed to mention to Abby, who as a nurse volunteered to stay with and care for her grandmother, is that it slipped Lucy’s mind to mention Abby’s arrival to her other family members, namely Ethan. This fun little plot twist set up the entire novel in a way the forced the characters to learn to navigate each other and everything the Holiday House throws at them.

If you’ve read my reviews for any length of time you know I have a few reading pet peeves. There is one universal pet peeve I seem to encounter time and time again in romance. I will never understand why the author thinks we need the same information repeated in every chapter. I’m very fortunate to have a good memory, and do not need a recap of what happened two pages ago before we can move on to the next event. Despite this trend, I did really enjoy this story which was in thanks primarily to the characters, their depth, and the holiday shenanigans they partook in.

During a time where leaving our houses or hosting big gatherings is not only frowned upon, but dangerous for everyone everywhere, Christmas at Holiday House reminded me what it would be like to have a normal (if I was stupidly wealthy and had a thousand friends) Christmas.

Ethan and Abby’s son bonded right away, and Ethan took the pair snow tubing and skiing while I lived vicariously through all of them. There was a gingerbread house contest, Christmas carols, Christmas tree decorating, Christmas shopping, Christmas cooking, you name a festive holiday tradition and it can probably be found within the pages of this novel. And honestly, that’s exactly what I have been looking for.

I think the characters that tied this novel together so sweetly for me were Abby’s son and Ethan and Lucy’s grandmother. There was something so innocent about the way both of these characters interacted with others that made me want to invest more deeply in the story.

While this novel doesn’t get down and dirty, it does have a rather high sizzle factor. The chemistry between Ethan and Abby, as well as Lucy and Jose, jumps off the page.

There were times during this novel when I was having so much fun with the characters that I wanted to rate this book five stars just for the experience. My rating lost a star solely because I skimmed so much of the latter half of the book, dodging inner monologue that continued to consist of mostly recaps of events we’d already read about five or six times. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants a lightly steamy romance, and a very Christmas heavy read. It was exactly what I was looking for.

I love anything written by RaeAnne Thayne and have searched out her books for years now. Christmas is a joyous time of family, friends, and faith and of course presents. For the Lancaster family this holiday meant being together. Ethan and his sister Lucy spent lots of time with their grandmother Winnie at Holiday House. These memories are priceless. And for the two of them their time with their grandmother provided needed roots and stability. Two items definitely missing from their life with their divorced parents. It really wasn’t the divorce that caused most of the problems. It was the fact that neither parent faced life from a reality perspective. They were always looking for something. They were always falling in love. And because of their lifestyle Ethan and Lucy had an abundance of step siblings and an angst about love.
But for family grandma Winnie was the core for Ethan and Lucy.
Even so neither could get a handle on forming a true loving relationship. They both felt unable to get to that deep loving and caring place with anyone. Ethan tried but inevitably walked away feeling as if he should be heartbroken but instead felt only relief. Lucy on the other hand kept a carefully built wall around her heart. Lucy cared deeply for people. In fact she loved people. But Lucy did not fall in love.
So now they are all back at Holiday House. Perhaps taking this opportunity to investigate where their lives are heading. Lucy has spent her adult life traveling and working with folks all over the world. Coming home means facing some people that challenge her resolve to keep her heart safely guarded. Lucy doesn’t really like structure and maintaining a relationship seemed out of her comfort zone. She was adverse to give up any control to her life. Unfortunately following your desire just might require relinquishing some of that prized control.
Ethan on the other hand was finding his resolve slipping away on a daily basis. Since Abby and her young son Christopher came to help Grandma Winnie recuperate from a fall Ethan has had a difficult time compartmentalizing his relationship to this lovely woman and adorable son.
For Ethan this just might be the most important deal he ever had to close. As a businessman Ethan knows how to clinch a deal. Abby is a prize. Ethan recognizes what Abby did for his grandmother and she won over the entire town with her graciousness. Ethan wants to be the recipient of some of Abby’s light. Like his sister Lucy Ethan isn’t too sure what real love looks like. But the picture is becoming clearer with each day.
CHRISTMAS AT HOLIDAY HOUSE is an extraordinary picture of family dynamics and love that just happens to take place around the holiday seasons beginning with Thanksgiving and culminating at Christmas. RaeAnne Thayne is the prolific author of delightful stories that center on wonderful folk. CHRISTMAS AT HOLIDAY HOUSE takes a place of honor on the bookshelf among her many stories.

I really like this book! It had a nice Christmas-y feel to it. It was nice to see old friends from previous stories. I would recommended this!

I really enjoyed this book and hope there will be more. I enjoyed that Abby and Lucy both found love and will settle in Silver Bells. This book has everything you would want in a romance. Once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest.

*** I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

I absolutely loved this book! The characters are full of chemistry. RaeAnne Thayne really brings them (Abby, Ethan, Chris, Winnie, Lucy, and Jose) to life and you feel like you are there in the Holiday House with them! This is a story of love, family, friendship, Christmas (obviously), and taking a leap of faith in life. I just cannot believe how much I enjoyed it! It has just the right amount of Christmas flavor. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a Christmas-y story of family and love set in a beautiful scene. (P.S. I've read 7 "Christmas" books so far this year and this is by far my favorite so far!)

Another great one. So good to see old friends and meet new ones. Best part of the holiday season is when a new Raeanne Thayne Christmas book comes out! I love that it’s two romances! Neither one outshone the other. I would love to revisit this characters in a future story.

Abigail is looking for a fresh new start when a friend calls to ask if she can watch her grandmother who injured herself. If not the beloved grandmother runs the risk of being taken to a care faculty by her friends brother. Figuring she'd help out she takes her son to the holiday house and end up getting more then she imagined. She also got the meet her friends brother who means well but is sticking around as well.

I enjoyed this book if you are looking for a holiday book to escape into I highly suggest checking out this book. There is plenty holiday scenes, there is romance, and a clean one at that. I loved getting to know the characters and seeing the attraction slowly build between Abigail and Ethan. Then there was another side thing going on with Abigail's friend and her short story within this one and romance that was going on in her end because things really were complicated in her life.

Very sweet Christmassy story about single mom Abbie and her son making a “quick” week or two stopover as they travel from their old hometown to begin a new life in a new area of the country. The stopover is in Colorado - great backdrop for Christmas, for possibilities, and for love. I liked the way Winnie helps Abbie and son to forge relationships, build a support system, and feel like they have purpose. The main romance was predictable and charming, and a secondary romance was just as nicely developed even though it was in the background. I didn’t like the ending, but that’s just because I wanted more! The promise of a sequel doesn’t satisfy this reader unless the sequel is ready and waiting!!

A very good book, I enjoyed it. I liked the characters and the story line. I would recommend it. Beautiful setting.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.75 Hearts I love all of RaeAnne Thayne’s books but there is something special about the Holiday/Christmas novels that she writes and this one was simply one of the best yet.

Abby is brought to town to help with her best friend’s grandmother. She feels this will give her son a festival holiday and she is slowly pulled into the town and the wonderful people she comes across. Ethan is one of those people and sparks fly but neither Abby nor Ethan are sure that they are ready for or even can love.

The city of Silver Bells makes you want to climb through the book and head there for the holidays. Thayne has a way of pulling you into her stories with the meeting of the first character.

Another worthy read to get into the Holiday/Christmas spirit.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Abby is headed to Silver Bells, Colorado to help out a friend’s grandmother, Winnie, who has had a bad fall. Winnie lives in a place called “Holiday House” and is preparing for a big Christmas event. The house is a mess but filled with rooms dedicated to nutcrackers and angels and everything Christmas. Abby tangles with Ethan, owner of several luxury hotels, and together they find the magic of Christmas. I also appreciated the character of Rodrigo, Jose’s brother with Down syndrome. When Rodrigo’s around you can’t help but feel happy. I enjoyed visiting Silver Bells and this Christmas love story. It has a beautiful ending and makes me want to live in this charming town!

Abigail Powell and her five year old son are in the midst of a big move after they have endured the tragic loss of their husband and father. Before the big move, she takes a detour to help her friend's grandmother, Winnie, who had an injury and needs help making the holidays special for her community. This could be a healing stop and maybe even may really detour their plans!

This book was one of the highlights of my Christmas reads. I loved Abigail and Ethan as characters and Abigail's son was the perfect comic relief and brought such light and life to the story. I loved that there were two love stories in this book and that they each took very different paths. The author expertly weaved in and out of them and gave each couple their own story and their own time to build.

Rarely do I reread a book and rarely do I reread a romance, but could this be the one that stays in my annual rotation for each holiday season.

I usually have now problems reading an advanced copy, but this one was hard to read. Words running into each other, no chapter separation, then just errors. It actually made the story hard to read. I loved Winnie! she sounds like a hoot. Liked the Silver Bells and the setting of the book. Cute Christmas book, but not my favorite

You get two for the price of one in this Christmas novel. Holiday House is the star of this followed by a charming 5 year old named Chris. Add to the mix are a brother and sister who think they cannon fall in love. What a surprise when both are proved wrong. It does take a while for all of this to happen. Look for a nice present read. Great for the Hollidays when we are stuck at home.

4 1/2 STARS!

A small-town Christmas delight! I can always count on RaeAnne Thayne to bring me a sweet small town romance, and one filled with Christmas spirit is all the sweeter. The characters were easy to fall for, the atmosphere was magical and the love story super pleasing. I would have liked to have seen the ending developed slighter more with a magical Christmas morning for Christopher, but overall it was sweet, sentimental and delightful.

Abigail Powell is a doll. She knows she hasn’t given her son the best of holidays over the last couple of years without her husband, but after the new year they are starting a new adventure in a new town without all of the memories crowding around, so she’s happy to get the opportunity to help out a dear friend with her ailing grandmother in a magical Christmas town.

Ethan Lancaster starts out a bit Scrooge-like, but he quickly warms up and becomes enjoyable. He’s less than pleased that his grandmother is being contentious about her injury and he wants her on the mend properly. He eventually realized Abigail and her son are good for the situation.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a holiday read filled with love, laughter and a whole lot of heart.

I loved this book!

Ethan and Lori have scars from their parents constant falling in and out of love. They both need special people to bring it out of them.

A heartwarming and sweet story that kept me hooked. Ms Thayne can surely write books that keeps you hooked and this one is no exception.
I smile, rooted for the characters and was sad when the story ended.
A well developed plot, likable and interesting characters, a lot of Christmas spirit and a lovely setting.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Author RaeAnne Thayne delivers a sweet holiday romance full of traditions and charming characters, set in the small town of Silver Bells, Colorado. Our main heroine, Abby, and her 5-year-old son Christopher take a detour to this picturesque town at Christmastime as a favor to her dear college friend, Lucy. Abby is a nurse who is in between jobs. Lucy knows Abby is the perfect person to take care of her grandmother Winnie after her fall. Of course, Lucy's brother Ethan arrives to help although he has a different idea as to what is best for Winnie. The two butting heads of Abby and Ethan turn into a budding romance, with young Christopher often stealing the show. All set during the wonderful activities of the Christmas holidays, this is a heart-warming story of second chances for the endearing characters RaeAnne Thayne always develops in her Hallmark-like romances. This story has a bonus secondary romance for Lucy and her best friend Jose. All the holiday magic leads to a lovable Happily Ever After ending that delivers all the feels.

This was a lovely story of heartbreak, loss, life changes, and growing from all of it. Loss is hard no matter what kind but Abby and Ethan over come and find love in places they never expected.

This Christmas story is about a small town and the friends that help Winnie continue her plan to open The Holiday House for charity. The Christmas House is a beautiful place and Abby with her son, Christopher, are finding this all out.

Lucy is such a great friend to Abby and adores Christopher. When she invites them to her grandmother's home she never expected to realize things she too is missing out on. Lucy has always been there for Abby. Now Abby is there for Lucy and her grandmother Winnie.

I really enjoyed the characters in this story. The beauty of Silver Bells, Colorado through the words in this book.

Wow! This is the first book I have read by this author and I adored it. It was easy to read and flowed so smoothly between chapters. The characters were heartwarming, and the town of Silver Bells was so charming. I was instantly enchanted with the book once I started reading.
Abigail “Abby” Powell had just been surviving after her husband died. She was ready to have a fresh start and move to a new town. When Lucy, her best friend, called and needed someone to stay with her grandmother, Abby was glad to help before her move to Texas. Winnie, Lucy’s grandmother, lived in Silver Bells, Colorado in a historical house named Holiday House. Abby was excited to create a wonderful Christmas experience for her son Christopher. She wasn’t sure about helping Winnie decorate Holiday House for the Silver Belles’ fundraiser but once she started, she had plenty of help. She grew to love the town and all the new friends they had made.
Ethan Lancaster, Winnie’s grandson, wanted Winnie to cancel the fundraiser since she needed to recuperate from her fall. They convinced him that Winnie would only supervise so she could recover. Ethan tried to escape Winnie’s attempt at matchmaker, but he couldn’t tell her no. As Ethan gets to know Abby and Christopher, he is charmed by them. After his ex-fiancé broke up with him and told him he was not capable of love, Ethan thought he would never feel love. Abby and Christopher touch his heart in a way he had never experienced, and he wanted them to stay in Silver Bells. He wanted a future with them as a family. Can he convince Abby to give him a chance?
I’m so glad I found this author and had a chance to read this book. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to future books from this author.