Lucy Hannigan, a midwife, and Miles Bruno, a deputy, were high school sweethearts and engaged when Miles broke things off. Ten years have passed and Lucy is back in town struggling to deal with her mother's death and the debts that were left. Miles needs a temporary place to live and rents Lucy's garage apartment.

This is the second book in the Somerset Lake series but can be read as a standalone. Jake and Tricia from book 1 have a small part in this one too. The story was a sweet, second chance romance with all the holiday feels. There is almost no steam. The book focuses on Lucy and Miles overcoming the baggage of their pasts to take a chance on the future. I enjoyed all the friendships in the story and look forward to seeing how things play out in future books.

If you're looking for a sweet romance full of Christmas festivities to add to your holiday TBR, give this one a try. Thank you to Forever Publishing for an e copy of this book.

My Review
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

The Christmas Village 🎄
By Annie Rains

Coming October 12th -2021

I Absolutely Adore my Annie Rains Book's 💕

Lucy Hannigan
Returns to her childhood home in Somerset lake..

To begin with there's an almost would be breaking in calling 911 The officer on duty no less your ex. But what he discovers is not what you expect.. then Lucy Hiding behind the sofa while things are being checked out that was a hoot..

Lucy Has inherited her childhood home.. Along with it's many bills.. And more she didn't know about. Needing to pay bills finding ways that will work. Renting out that garage apartment not knowing who was going to show up needing a place to stay.. Surprise for sure.


Lucy And miles So long ago had been engaged.. But miles pushed Lucy away.. But a decade has gone by.. And things have changed it's time to try for a second chance romance.. The truth about what happened will come out. One would never expect what caused the breakup.

Can Lucy and miles get past all that happened in the past and push forward.. I highly suggest you pick up this book and check it out Annie Rains writes the absolute best books they could be a Hallmark movies.

#ReadForeverPub
#TheChristmasVillage

Thank you @readforeverpub for a copy of a great Christmas story. I have always enjoyed Rains’ books and this one was no exception. The small town feels so special with everyone caring for each other and also knowing each other’s business. I enjoyed the second chance story between Miles and Lucy. I loved that they helped each other out as they figured out their own issues. The Christmas aspect made me feel like I was in a Hallmark movie.

Lucy Hannigan has had a stressful year.  Returning home a year ago to care for her ill mother and then mourning her death has been challenging.  While her Mom left her the large pink house on Gingerbread Lane, she also left behind several large bills.  There were several more bills that she didn’t even know about.  As a result, she’s desperate to find another source of income.  Thankfully, the emotional support she’s received from her girlfriends has been instrumental in keeping Lucy’s spirits up.  However, the Christmas season is just around the corner.  Heading into her first Christmas season without her Mom, Lucy wishes she could just skip Christmas completely.

One night Lucy hears a commotion on her deck and is fearful of someone breaking in.  She calls the police and is thankful when help arrives.  Unfortunately, it’s her ex-boyfriend Miles who attends the call. The high school sweethearts had an abrupt end to their relationship a decade ago which led Lucy to leave Somerset Lake.  While catching up, Miles reveals he needs a new place to live after his landlord decided to take over his rental property.  Lucy reveals she’s looking for a tenant to live in the garage apartment.  She is reluctant to have Miles living on the same property. but with no other potential tenants, she agrees to have Miles move in.  Through the next several weeks, it’s evident to all around them that there is still a strong attraction between the two.  But will it be enough for Lucy to mend her broken heart?

I enjoyed this charming story which kept me engaged throughout. The romance between Lucy and Miles was sweet, but not without obstacles to overcome.  I appreciated how the author presented these challenges and the need for each of them to work through their personal issues before coming together.

There are several backstories woven into this book including a series of elaborate Christmas decorations being destroyed. The characters are well defined and I felt connected to them. The central characters in the first book in the series, The Summer Cottage, were also included as they prepared for their New Year’s Eve wedding.

The book is a good reminder that not everyone looks forward to celebrating seasonal holidays - particularly if they have suffered a loss in recent years.  I appreciated the way this town acknowledged Lucy’s loss. It was inspirational to see how Lucy was able to remain connected to her parents -  a process she discovered by trial and error and pushing herself out of her comfort zone.  I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Annie Rains knows how to write a sweet romantic story but then she adds in some Christmas Spirit and you have a miraculous story that will warm your heart. The Christmas Village is the second book in the Somerset Series but Rains writes so well you can read it as a stand-alone! This is a wonderful story of small town charm, friendships and loyalties. It is filled with romance, loss of family, holiday traditions and second chances. The characters are so real and well developed you can feel the camaraderie and will want to join in! I highly recommend you read this one, it will give you the Holiday Sprit to begin the Holiday Season!

Thank you NetGalley, Annie Rains and Forever/Hatchett Book Group for an advanced copy of this spirit filled story in exchange for my honest opinion.
#thechristmasvillage #NetGalley #annierains #forever/hatchettbookgroup
#arc

One of the things I most enjoy about Annie Rains is the sense of community she creates within each of her series while also writing each book in such a way that it can be read as a standalone. For fans of the series, there are overlapping characters and continuations that are sure to delight but at the same time new readers are able to jump in with any book in the series without feeling lost.

This second book in Rains' new Somerset Lake series features Lucy, a midwife who returned home a year ago to nurse her mother through a final illness and Miles, her first love who is also the man who shattered her young heart. Will life give them a second chance to get it right?

I love a second chance romance and this one sure tugs at the heartstrings. Both Lucy and Miles are dealing with personal issues, including but not limited to the implosion of their relationship several years earlier. I enjoyed the journey the author took them on, slowly rebuilding their friendship, and trust, then carefully guiding them into deeper feelings. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the book club women as well as the kids from the youth center. They added another dimension to both main characters. Lucy and Miles are both complex characters who evolve quite a bit throughout their journey. I found their growth to be realistic and believable, speed bumps and all. By the end of the book, I was firmly in their corner and cheering on their happy ending.

Readers who enjoy dogs, cats, strong friendships, community involvement, a bit of a mystery, and second chances with your first love will want to add The Christmas Village to their holiday reading list.

CW: Death of parent, grief

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

There is nothing I like better than reading Christmas stories. I know Halloween hasn't yet hit but sadly for reviewers, it's our time for Christmas stories.

Here we are back in Somerset Lake. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and had high hopes for this one. I'm pleased to say that it landed just where I hoped it would. The Christmas Village is a wonderful story of second chances and letting go of the past.

I very much liked both Lucy and Miles and felt they belong together. They might not see it all the time but they work together. They are so busy fighting their own demons that they can't see how lucky they are to have this second chance.

Because they are both a little bull-headed they dismiss what could be the first problem. You are going to want to shake them. Happily, they figure it out and work things out. As they work things out they work very hard to try and win the Christmas decorating contest in Lucy's neighborhood. I love this idea as someone who loves decorating for the holidays inside and out.

I don't blame Lucy for not wanting to give up her family home. She was raised there and has so many memories. Plus, it's a great house and who wouldn't want to live there? Sadly like Miles, she lives in the past a lot. She has trouble getting over the end of her relationship with Miles but let be real, they were kids. Yes, it still hurt but it's time to move on.

You'll love how much Miles cares about the people in Somerset Lake. He works so hard on helping them. He pulls those feelings he had as a child and uses them to understand where others are coming from. Unfortunately, that also means he lives in his past too much. He has trouble seeing a future because of it.

These two both have their issues but nothing that can't be worked out with just talking to each other. I think you'll really enjoy this addition to the Somerset Lake series. I'm looking forward to more books in the series.

"The Christmas Village" by Annie Rains
A 2nd Chance Sweet & Clean Romance
This was a fun, light, easy reading romance. I really enjoyed my time with Lucy and Miles and all the people who are a part of their world. Happy Reading ! !

Sweet book about second chances. Miles and Lucy have a history. Now Miles is staying in Lucy's garage apartment temporarily. They both try not to act on their feelings for each other but it is hard.

This is the perfect feel good Christmas love story! I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and can't wait for a third book in the series.

Lucy is grieving the loss of her mother while trying to handle the mounting bills she left behind. One solution to make extra money is to rent the apartment above her garage out, she just never thought it would be to Miles, the love of her life who she's never gotten over. Miles has never left Somerset Lake and is now a town deputy. He's been asked to vacate the house he's been renting for 7 years and needs a quick solution until he can find a new place to live. While living in close proximity their attraction to each other is undeniable. They are better together but can they move beyond their past hurts?

I loved this book, this is such a great series so far! Annie Rains has created an idyllic small town of Somerset Lake and with each book we get to know the town and their residents better. The main characters in this book, Lucy and Miles, both had great chemistry and growth throughout the book. I love watching their relationship heal and develop. They also both have a great group of friends, which we originally saw in the first book. It's fun getting little updates on them all.

The setting of this book takes place over the holidays, starting with Thanksgiving and ending at New Years. The traditions from invites to Mile's mothers house to The Villages Christmas decoration contest were a great aspect for this romance to be set against. And Lucy? I never share my chocolate either.

A sweet second chance romance you won’t want to miss!
Lucy has had a heck of a year, the loss of her mother has brought her back to her home town and she quickly finds that things were not as she thought. Unexpected expenses puts strain on Lucy as she struggles to find her way through her grief. Miles was her first love and he couldn’t be happier to have Lucy home. But the two have a decades worth of baggage to unpack before they can move forward. I loved the holiday theme, and that it was the magic of the holidays that really brought them together!

Annie Rains creates a heartwarming second chance story set during the season of love, hope and forgiveness. The unresolved feelings and the undeniable chemistry between midwife Lucy Hannigan and police officer Miles Bruno immediately drew me into The Christmas Village.

Lucy and Miles’ story is emotional and very complicated. Lucy never understood why Miles broke up with her ten years ago and Miles has never stopped loving Lucy. Neither of them were able to move forward. I enjoyed that the author added drama to this holiday romance--it kept me engaged in the story.

Miles realizes that Lucy is still grieving for her Mom and is struggling both emotionally and financially. He has two goals: to make sure Lucy isn’t alone during the holidays and to win the neighborhood’s Merriest Lawn contest which offers a cash prize. Loved that Miles’ competitive spirit and his enthusiasm enabled Lucy to face the holidays with a smile.

Loved how Lucy and Miles story developed during the novel. Both Lucy and Miles are complex, strong characters. Lucy is building her midwife practice, re connecting with friends and has set a goal to be out of debt by the New Year. Miles childhood experiences play a huge part in his desire to help his community and be financially stable. Miles is a charming romantic –he’s a swoon worthy hero! I loved that he owned his mistakes— this made me love him all the more! Loved that the couple shared a romantic past and Annie Rains is able to convey all the feels-heartbreak, love, forgiveness-as the couple's story unfolds.

Annie Rains has created the perfect small town and filled it with wonderful characters. I loved the small town feel and the sense of community in the Somerset Lake series. I imagined that I was watching the holiday flotilla with Lucy, Miles and their friends. I could see the bright lights and festive displays on Lucy’s street. Loved the honest conversations and the strong bonds between Lucy, Moira, Della, Trisha and Tess. Miles love for his family and his community shows each time he speaks with his mom, sister and the children who spent time at the Youth Center. The two secondary stories added a bit of mystery to this story and introduced new characters to the Somerset Lake community.


If you are looking for a heartfelt holiday romance – pick up a copy of the Christmas Village. Grab a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy!

When Lucy dials 911, she doesn't expect her ex-fiancé to show up on her doorstep. And she doesn't expect him to respond to the ad to rent an apartment over her garage. But she needs the money, no matter how disconcerting his proximity is. Will these two high school sweethearts finally get a second chance at love?

This book has everything you could want in a small-town Christmas romance: family gatherings, interfering neighbors, pets, Christmas trees, hot beverages, pumpkin pie, help for needy kids, and of course, a happily-ever-after. Yet once again, Annie Rains manages to write a sweet romance that's never saccharine, deep emotion that's never maudlin, and wounded characters who work hard for happiness. Who could ask for anything more?

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

What a wonderful story!! I loved reading Miles and Lucy's story. Their relationship is full of ups and downs and will keep you turning the pages. This is a beautiful second chance romance that was absolutely wonderful.
I received a complimentary copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received this book from NetGalley
Lucy moved back to town last year to care for her mother; who has since passed away. She is living in her large family home. Her mother left a lot of debt and she has been trying to get paid off. She decides to rent the garage apartment.

Miles was engaged to Lucy years ago. He was been saving to purchase his own home when is landlord tells him he needs to move out of his current rental home. Miles ends up at Lucy's garage apartment and they start off spending some time together.

Miles always felt he didn't deserve Lucy's love since he was raised in a poorer side of town. Lucy finds out she needs to pay money to HOA for the past year and doesn't have the money. Lucy and Miles decide to enter the Christmas contest for best decorations for the neighborhood to get the money.

Miles is a deputy in town and hunting down who has been doing vandalism in town. Can him and Lucy find their way back to each other?

The Christmas Village needs to be a Hallmark movie ASAP! There are old flames, second chances, and the joys of Christmas! What more could you want?!
Thank you so much to the publishers for my arc in exchange for my honest review.

Cosy, spirited, and heartwarming!

The Christmas Village is a quaint, beguiling tale featuring the hardworking, ruggedly handsome Deputy Miles Bruno who broke his high school girlfriend’s heart ten years ago when he suddenly cancelled their engagement and dumped her out of the blue, and the loyal, caring Lucy Hannigan who, after inheriting her late mother’s house and bills, may finally have to put her heartache aside and allow the one man she’s never quite forgotten back into her home and heart.

The prose is charming and light. The characters are lonely, thoughtful, and friendly. And the plot is an enchanting tale full of tender moments, friendship, family, community, self-discovery, merry preparations, furry companions, and a touch of romance!

Overall, The Christmas Village is a clean, festive, uplifting, wintery treat by Rains that is a wonderful addition to the Somerset Lake series and is sure to have you believing in the magic of Christmas and daydreaming of snowflakes, twinkling lights, decorated trees, and scrumptious chocolatey treats.

There is something about Christmas romances that draws me to them and The Christmas Village had all the ingredients for a perfect read. Lucy returns to Somerset Lake and can't avoid coming face to face with her ex Miles. Thus begins the tale of two star crossed lovers which is enjoyable in it's own right. Can their relationship survive nosy friends and neighbors, a gossipy blog, and secrets from the past ? We also get treating to a mystery regarding the identity of the Christmas Crankster plus the traditions and warmth of a small town..*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for writing a review**- I recommend adding extra marshmallows to your hot cocoa and savor this enjoyable story. For anyone who misses loved ones at the holidays definitely have tissues handy as well.

Great book and author. If you haven't read this book yet I highly recommend doing so.. read in order