Cover Image: Christmas Ever After

Christmas Ever After

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley for sending me this copy of Christmas Ever After. I have seen The Christmas Prince on Netflix but haven’t read any of Karen Schaler’s previously. I can say I thoroughly enjoyed both and can see this Christmas story also on Netflix!
Riley is a Christmas Bah Humbug and ends up in a Christmas Lake Lodge with a Santa themed bedroom. There are lots of comical moments throughout the book and also the Christmas magic and romance that is a must in a Christmas story. A really quick easy read, perfect to settle down with and look forward to the holidays.

Riley was supposed to be interviewed by Tom early on in the book but ended up been interviewed by Joe which is where it all started to go wrong. However, when Riley & Luke are talking about the interview they refer to him as Tom which was confusing.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 starts for this sweet, cute, pretty predictable, feel-good seasonal offering. I wondered how a Christmas Grinch was going to pull off being "Miss Christmas," but thanks to her innate goodness, she pulled it off, eventually (and predictably) emerging above the demons that were suppressing her completeness. She demonstrated that she was NOT the shallow person she seemed at the beginning. And surprise, the "villains" of the story turned out to be instrumental instead!

Now I'm curious about Cayllee & Paul's story, past, and future...

Still quite a few spelling errors in my ARC, but a satisfying beginning for the Christmas season.

#NetGalley #ChristmasEverAfter

Was this review helpful?

Christmas Ever After is the warmhearted tale starring author Riley Reynolds. After she bungles an on-air interview with questions about her love life, Riley realizes that the only way to save her writing career is to host a Christmas Camp reader event. Riley hasn't celebrated Christmas in years since the death of her father tainted the holiday in her eyes. Now she works to pretend she knows and loves everything about it.

Add in the complication of the three ex-boyfriends showing up at Christmas camp. The three individuals showing up felt authentic, but their individual dates and Bachelor type "decide if I'm your true love" was too over the top.

Overall, the writing was excellent and made you feel ready to celebrate the holidays.

Put a little Christmas in your hear with Christmas Ever After. It's never too late for love!

Was this review helpful?

This is a book has my two favorite things, Christmas time and love itself. Riley Reynolds is an accomplished writer and is doing an interview to promote her new book. While there, she is asked a question she was not prepared for. How can you write stories that contain true love when you yourself are single? Her comment would change her life and the life of three of her ex boyfriends. She now has an opportunity to find true love once again however, it seems that she may have found it three times.... can that actually happen? Well in Christmas ever After you will have your heart strings tugged and for us single gals, hopes that one day we too will meet a guy.....or three.... that can show their true love how bad they want to spend ever after with someone special.

Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and HawkTale Publishing for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
Well I’m going to start with the obvious first- I’m not sure anyone can fail to notice how stunning that thing is. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, and I read a lot of old classics whose covers are often blank or very bland, so I clearly am willing to look beyond a cover. But it sure don’t hurt to have a thing of beauty to look at does it. Well done that person who designed that- you instantly made me want to read the book.
And it just got better! The story starts off with a real punch and I defy anyone not to actually sing in their heads all the carols first mentioned. Safe to say, it instantly gripped me and I stayed invested throughout the whole book.
It ticked so many Christmas boxes for me- a snowy lodge, a Scrooge type character learning the spirit of Christmas, lots of people coming together to do Christmas traditions (thinking caps on folks because we might need new ones for socially distanced 2020- but that’s another story, feel free to write it someone!) I am notoriously stingy with my 5 star ratings and the only thing that stopped me slapping one of those onto this review was I found one plot point just a bit too convenient and unlikely. I wouldn’t expect to find all my ex partners to still be single and pining for me (as fabulous as I am) and willing to drop everything and race cross country to win me back. Maybe it’s just me.
But putting that aside this was a wonderful Christmas romance and it did stand out amongst the pack for all the Christmas feels for me. I’ve promptly put all this author’s other Christmas books on my TBR, and if you want a visual festive treat- go check out those covers for yourselves and thank me later. You’re welcome.

Was this review helpful?

I could not have loved this book more. Seriously, go buy this right now if you love Christmas and romance! The characters were amazing, the feel-good Christmas spirit was everywhere, and I’m honestly ready to start the holiday season immediately. This one put me into the holiday mood.

Successful romance author Riley Reynolds is not a grinch, but after the loss of her father as a child, her and her mother, chose Hawaii every year over celebrating Christmas. After a successful string of book releases, Riley has a book bomb, and her publisher is giving her one chance to make it right. She has to write a Christmas-themed romance novel. Her publicist creates a Christmas Camp idea hosted by Luke, who is trying to sell his family’s Christmas cottage resort, and Riley will be the Miss Christmas host. Fans of her books will be coming to the cottage to spend a Christmas weekend with Riley while she comes up with new ideas for her book. With her secret ignorance of holiday traditions, and a mistaken interview comment that makes three of her ex-boyfriends think they are “the one that got away”, Riley has her hands full at Christmas Camp. Her exes have all shown up to reignite that romantic spark, and she must balance them, as well as her fans during her Christmas Camp experience. All while trying to create the perfect book.

This book was utterly fabulous. The descriptions of the Christmas decor were amazing. I want to go on my own Christmas Camp adventure now! Luke’s resort is the perfect mix of homey feel, and relaxed vacation atmosphere that you want in a get-away adventure. I loved how the author chose to describe the town, the decorations, the Christmas Lake and trees, and everything else. It was just an amazing creation of a book setting.

The characters were so well-developed. Riley is struggling with her lack of Christmas knowledge, her loss of romance in her life, the loss of her father, and these crazy feelings that she keeps having for Luke, the resort owner. When her exes come into the picture, she genuinely wants to see if there is a connection with the “one that got away” or if it’s the one in front of her now that she should go after. I loved her character arc throughout the story. We go on a ride with her romance adventures, watching her grow as she realizes what’s really important to her, but we also get to experience her growth and acceptance of her loss of Christmas spirit and how to get it back.

I want to talk a bit about the other characters because they were all SO fabulous. All the characters were so well-developed with their own backstories that we get to read about, and their own personalities to connect to. One of my favorites is the dog. Luke’s dog is amazing. He’s a bit anthropomorphized, but it made him so lovable.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book, and I highly recommend it!!

Was this review helpful?

Riley Reynolds is a successful romance writer. Unfortunately, her latest book was not as popular, and her publisher pushes her to write and promote a Christmas romance. When Riley goes on national television to promote her upcoming book, the interviewer catches her off guard and she makes a vague statement about her personal life that leads three of her ex-boyfriends to believe they are the one that got away. When Riley travels to Colorado for a Christmas Camp to promote her book, all three ex-boyfriends arrive to sweep her off her feet ... although she is already interested in the handsome inn-keeper.

I wanted to read Christmas Ever After because I enjoyed Karen Schaler's Finding Christmas. This sounded like a fun, upbeat read.

Christmas Ever After is a very enjoyable cozy holiday read. I loved the setting. The inn has a Christmas theme, and each room has a special Christmas motif. Riley's room has a Santa motif:

"Inside her room were dozens of Santas. From a life-sized Santa cardboard cutout in the corner, to a collection of figurines on the dresser, to all the pillows on the bed, there were Santas everywhere. There was even an elaborate eight foot red-and-gold velvet Santa chair next to a real Christmas tree with Santa ornaments and a quaint stone fireplace. Hanging from the wooden mantle above the fireplace was just one red felt stocking that had Riley’s name embroidered on it. But it was the bed that Riley couldn’t stop staring at. It was a red Santa sleigh —an actual sleigh— that had been converted into a bed. And above the bed was a sign that read, Always believe." (Kindle location 1156).

The storyline about Riley and her three ex-beaus was fun to read. She finds herself being courted by her college boyfriend, her long time world-traveling ex-boyfriend, and her recent NYC boyfriend. Meanwhile, she has an immediate spark with Luke, whose family owns the inn. I loved the rapport between Riley and Luke, and appreciated his love of the inn's long history.

There is even a lovable dog - Comet, a Bernese Mountain Dog who immediately befriends Riley at the inn. (Lovable dogs or cats always add to my enjoyment of a light read!)

This story is told with humor and a lot of warmth, and it put me in a Christmas mood (although Christmas is still quite a time off!). I recommend Christmas Ever After for fans of romance, Christmas novels, and anyone who enjoys all things Christmas. (This book would make a great Hallmark movie!).

Was this review helpful?

Riley is a romance author who is in a writing slump, after her last book did not do well. Her publicist and agent set up author meet and greet at Christmas Lake Lodge. They want her to write her first Christmas book. They make it sound like she loves Christmas. That is further from the truth. She hasn’t enjoyed Christmas since her father died, when she was eight. Luke’s mom is the owner of the Lodge. Luke is trying to sell it and is doing this event for his mom. The book is filled with Christmas magic, a few ex-boyfriends and an adorable dog Comet. Thank you to NetGalley and HawkTale Publishing for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Riley Reynolds is a best-selling romance author whose last book did not do so well so she has one last chance to redeem herself by writing a Christmas book. She also must participate in a weekend event called Christmas camp where she will interact with select fans to get ideas for her new book. The problem is, Riley has not celebrated Christmas since her father died when she was eight years old. When Riley does a live interview to promote her new book, she is caught off guard by a question and announces that she had the love of her life but is now single. Who is that great love that Riley let slip through her fingers? Can Riley fool her fans and the family that owns the lodge where she is holding her event and make them believe she is Miss Christmas?

Luke is helping his mother out at his family’s lodge holding an event called Christmas Camp. He is everything Christmas and he thinks this is just the publicity they need to sell the lodge, that is until he meets the author that is holding the event. He does not trust that she will not run out on the guests and the event like she did in her live interview. When three ex boyfriends of Riley’s make reservations to surprise her, can Luke pull off this event and deal with Riley Reynolds and her ex boyfriends for an entire weekend?

Luke and Riley must rely on each other to make this event a success. Things seem to be going smoothly until Riley sees her ex boyfriends, all believing they were “the one that got away”. How can Riley choose just one man?

This was just the sweetest story of someone who rediscovers the magic of Christmas. I loved Karen Schaler’s writing style and I am excited to read her other novels. The premise for the book was unique and oh so much fun. It added such an interesting twist into the story as the reader tries to figure out which man Riley will choose. The characters were loveable and Comet the dog was just the cutest addition to the story. Thank you so much to the author Karen Schaler, HawkTale Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This made me want to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie! It was like a holiday version of the Bachelorette. Great recipes and extras at the end of the book too! I want to read more about Christmas Camp, so I’m going check out her backlist. Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy for review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book. It is the first time I have read a Karen Schaler book and I really enjoyed it. I have watched the Christmas Camp movie on Hallmark so I understood the premise of the book, however I don't believe it is necessary to have either read or watched the Christmas Camp to understand the plot lines. I loved the idea of bringing back Riley's old boyfriends, it added a really funny dimension to the book. It is a great holiday read that promises the necessary happily ever after that you expect to find in a holiday book.

Was this review helpful?

Christmas Ever After by Karen Schaler is a story about a popular romance author, Riley Reynolds. When her last novel does not get good reviews, she needs to rebuild her career. Her publicist decides she needs to write a Christmas love story and what better way to get in the mood than to host a Christmas Camp for fans at a lodge in the mountains of Colorado. While promoting the idea for her book, she is blindsided when asked why she has not found her own true love. Caught off guard, she quickly says she did have love in one of her past relationships. Her three ex-boyfriends watched the show, and each man thinks it must be him. Much to her surprise, they all show up at her Christmas Camp! Now she must decide who her true love really is. Throughout the weekend, she agrees to meet with each man individually to reconnect and let them know by the end of the camp who her true love really is. This is a heartwarming story where the heroine and the reader discover that sometimes one of the most important things in life is to have faith and just believe; after all, it is the magic of Christmas.

Was this review helpful?

In exchange for an honest review, I received an ARC from the author Karen Schaler and Netgalley. I have not read any other books by this author and enjoyed the book.

Author Riley Reynolds has never been a fan of Christmas - and due to a mix-up on a live interview, she becomes know as Miss Christmas and that she has found "the one". Neither statement is true, but in a true HEA fashion everything works out in the end. She is reunited with her ex-boyfriends and set up to be the main attraction at a Christmas Camp. Loved reading about the traditions at the Lodge and "meeting" her campers. If you are a fan of Christmas and Hallmark movies, this is the book for you!

Was this review helpful?

Christmas is my favorite holiday and simply my favorite time of the year. I just love everything about it. So Christmas reads are also one of my favorite genres. In 2018 I read ‘Christmas Camp’ by Karen Schaler which I really enjoyed. And I also loved her movie ‘A Christmas Prince’. Simple because it was just a little much. LOL! So when I saw this new book by Karen Schaler, I knew I had to read it.

In ‘Christmas Ever After’ we meet author Riley Reynolds. Riley has been a successful author, but her latest book has been a bust. Now, to win back her fans, Riley has agreed on writing a Christmas novel. The only problem is Riley hasn’t celebrated Christmas ever since she was a little girl. And she has no experience what so ever with celebrating it. To help her write the story, Riley has agreed on going to a Christmas Camp even. There she meets the handsome owner Luke. And disturbingly enough also her three ex-boyfriends.

‘Christmas Ever After’ was definitely a nice Christmas read. You definitely get the Christmas vibe by reading this book. Riley hasn’t done Christmas for many years, and now slowly on she is getting reacquainted with Christmas by spending time in this beautiful Christmas Lake lodge. It sure was fun to see her struggle with Christmas.

The romance in this book was very sweet and very mellow. I could have gone with a little more passion and chemistry, but it was definitely nice. And there where also plenty of funny moments in this book.

The one problem I had with this read was that I really didn’t think it was very different from the previous book by Karen Schaler ‘Christmas Camp’. In the beginning I even thought I might have already read this book. It might be because this book had a Christmas Camp event in it, which was similar to the book ‘Christmas Camp’. But I just thought it wasn’t very original.

Overall ‘Christmas Ever After’ was a nice read with some nice Christmassy vibes.

Was this review helpful?

So. Much. Fun. Take one not-so-cute first meeting, a tanking writing career, a heroine who hasn't celebrated Christmas since the age of eight, and a manipulative PR manager with the brilliant idea to save her reputation with a Christmas-themed, author-reader weekend at his college roommate's family lodge. Visualize a small mountain town, frozen lake, lots of snow, and forced proximity with Christmas on steroids. Add in three party-crashing ex-boyfriends, each under the assumption that he's the heroine's one true love, a lively cast of townspeople all operating under the erroneous assumption that the heroine is some sort of Christmas super elf, a hero who just might be able to help her find that lost holiday spirit again, and an adorable Bernese Mountain dog who can come live with me any old day. Stir it all up and you have a heart-tugging, holiday romcom that had me smiling pretty much from beginning to end.

If you're in the mood for plenty of great dialog, humor, and heart, along with tempting recipes and holiday ideas, pick up a copy of Karen Schaler's Christmas Ever After. It's sure to put you in the mood for snowball fights, Christmas lights, and romantic holiday delights.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

Was this review helpful?

Christmas Ever After is a funny, uplifting, and heartfelt Christmas romance about finding your Christmas spirit, possible second chances in love, and finding a love "spark", that proves that anything is possible at Christmas.

When I first read the plot where the main character, author Riley Reynolds, does a live TV interview and makes a statement that causes three of her ex-boyfriends to try to rekindle their old romances, I knew I had to read this book. It really does resemble The Bachelorette at one point, and I love all dating reality shows, so this was right up my alley.

I sincerely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good heartwarming romance filled with heart and hope.

Was this review helpful?

Christmas Ever After by Karen Schaler is the second Christmas-themed story that I have read from this author, and I must say that even from this small sampling, Ms Schaler can certainly bring the holiday spirit, even on a grey and drizzly day in October. If you have watched and enjoyed A Christmas Prince on Netflix (also written by Karen Schaler) you are in for a treat with this sweeter than a candy cane story.

Riley is a highly successful romance author but her last book seemed to lack a personal quality, causing it to be panned by critics. Riley has always drawn on her past relationships to create the romantic idyll that her readers have come to expect. When she accidentally admits during a live television interview that a great love from her past has inspired her novels, three former boyfriends converge unannounced at a Christmas Camp that Riley is hosting for her fans, each believing themselves to be Riley's one true love. Adding to the confusion, Riley finds herself undeniably attracted to her co-host at the event, the owner of the Christmas Lake Lodge. Will she embrace the Christmas experience, and find true love at last?

This is a light and heartwarming read that is perfect for curling up with in front of the fire. Ms Schaler has created endearing characters and an atmospheric read that will be as difficult to resist as Christmas cookies.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HawkTale Publishing for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this enchanting Christmas story. It's the a romance author who still hasn't found her own romance story. Join her as she tries to figure out why. A great tale!

Was this review helpful?

Another heartwarming Christmas tale from Karen Schaler brings us Luke and Riley. Luke’s family owns the Christmas Lake Lodge though he has branched out working for other hotels and resorts consulting and making them more Green. He’s selling the family lodge but is doing one last event hosting the Christmas Camp for bestselling romance writer Riley and her fans. There is a Christmas Carol theme with Riley as the Scrooge who never celebrates Christmas whose experiences at the lodge, including three boyfriends Past, transform her into Miss Christmas. But the book has so much more depth.
The book is warm and engaging filled with great Christmas food (recipes in back) and Green suggestions including ornaments for the birds (again, in back).
I would recommend this book to my patrons.

Was this review helpful?

This author and her Christmas stories just keep getting better at better. I enjoyed some laughs, some tears, and a heartfelt of love. Karen Schaler’s Christmas Ever After was the book I didn’t know I needed in September during a pandemic. It was just what my heart needed.

Was this review helpful?