This is a really good book. The two main characters are Lucy and Miles. They were once engaged to each other when they were teenagers, but they broke up. The whole town is trying to get these two people to get back together. Miles is kicked out of the house he is renting. Lucy has a garage apartment that she wants to rent. Miles has to find something quick because he has to be out of his home in two weeks. He rents Lucy’s apartment and realizes he is still in love with her, and Lucy realizes she loves Miles. They have some issues but they worked them out. Eventually the get engaged.

For fans of the Second-Chance and Small-Town Romance tropes, there is a new Christmas Romance coming out in October to add to your list! While this is listed as a Book 2, it is not necessary to have read Book 1 as it reads well as a stand-alone.

The two main characters are sweet and likable. The story comes packed with the town gossip column, mis-understandings, old heartbreaks, Christmas display contests and a stack of super sweet characters.

As far as cozy Christmas love stories go, this one will provide several smiles throughout.

Thank you to #ReadForeverPub and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Is there such a thing as a meet cute in a second chance romance where the two characters have managed to remain friendly for a decade? Whatever we call it, the opening scene in which Miles responds to Lucy's emergency call about a burglar was amazing. I really enjoyed seeing their interactions throughout the book.

I loved the autumnal vibes that began the book and the amazing description of Thanksgiving in a community that cares for each other. Even more, I appreciated the decorations for Christmas. Lucy lives on Christmas Lane in The Village. They host an annual Merriest Lawn Contest. The book feels so festive for the entire holiday season.

This is the second book in Annie Rains' Somerset Lake series, but it works just as well as a stand alone.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

TW: loss of a parent (before book begins), grief

Charming and utterly enjoyable, I loved this one.

I adore a second chance romance and this one delivered.

The Christmas Village is the second title in the Somerset Lake series but I didn’t feel confused or out of place by reading the second book without the first. This was the first book I’ve read by the author. It won’t be the last.

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for an eARC of this title. Opinions shared are influenced by nothing other than my reading experience.

Sign me up for a Christmas second chance romance!

Lucy is struggling with her first Christmas without her mom. She inherited both her childhood home, the only pink house on Gingerbread Lane, and a winning streak in the annual Christmas lights competition. The pressure is on and Lucy needs some help. In comes her exfiance, Miles who desperately needs a place to live and is generously taken in as a tenant by Lucy. With a lot on her plate, Miles steps in to help with the Christmas decor and sparks start to fly between the two. But can Miles make up for the past and will Lucy let him back in?

Another fabulous second chance romance! I really enjoyed the friendship that blossoms between Miles and Lucy throughout the book. There’s even a 'whodunit' mystery in the book! It truly has everything you could ask for in a Christmas story. It really is like reading a Hallmark movie and that’s a good thing in my mind, although it can be a bit predictable.

Would recommend to all my Hallmark lovers out there!

Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Recieved an ARC of #TheChristmasVillage from #NetGalley. The book is a romantic read of love lost and found again. The story is had beautiful description of the people and setting that draw a reader in. If you are looking for a story of love and romance and chemistry between a couple this is a good fit. However if you are looking for something on the erotic side this probably would not be the right choice

This heartwarming romance is a great return to Somerset Lake! I loved reading about Lucy and Miles’ second chance. Heartbreak, loss, fear, misunderstandings. So many things that get in the way of that happily ever after. Can good friends, wise advice, and competiveness help overcome those obstacles? The story is emotional, charming, romantic, and compelling! I look forward to the next return to Somerset Lake!

A sweet, Christmas story about love, forgiveness, and second chances.
Lucy has recently lost her mom, the last of her family members. The house of her childhood is now her responsibility, but the cost of upkeep is more than she can handle. With no other option, she agrees to rent the garage apartment to Miles, her ex-fiance, and the only man she has ever loved. Will living so close to each other bring closure to the old hurts, or is it too much to overcome?
While predictable, it is extremely enjoyable. I love the characters and the real life feelings they have.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Lucy and Miles have a lot of history. Fate works in mysterious ways and Miles ends up renting the garage apartment at Lucy's home. While they have spent a lot of years apart, their feelings really haven't gone away. This is a great second chance romance. The book is emotional and perfectly set at Christmas. The side characters make the book so much better. The friendships feel real and are strong. I love the series. Each book can be read standalone, but they are all worth reading. The books remind me of RaeAnne Thayne books and I've enjoyed Annie Rains books just as much. I've become a big fan! I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Annie Rains has done it again! She has written a beautiful, interesting, sweet story with a wonderful plot and continued character development. In The Christmas Village, Annie continues the story of the ladies of Somerset Lake. Specifically, the story of Lucy Hannigan.

Lucy Hannigan has found herself struggling with bills after the passing of her mother, her ex-fiance has moved into her garage apartment and she is struggling with the holiday spirit. She is also finding herself with feelings for her ex. He ex, Miles Bruno is also being extra kind in helping her find some holiday spirit and helping her try to win some money in a local holiday decorating contest. Is having him around bringing back old feelings? Isn't it dangerous for her?

Miles Bruno has only had eyes and love for Lucy but he was forced into breaking up with her years ago. And due to some unforseen circumstances he finds himself living in her garage apartment. Talk about tricky for his feelings. But he finds himself able to help her out and that brings him some joy. It also brings back a lot of old feelings, well strengthens feelings that never really left.

Check out the adventures that the town of Somerset Lake, Lucy and Miles and of course good ol' Revs and her blog go on in this new Annie Rains novel. You will not be disappointed!

For as long as I can remember, I've loved Hallmark Christmas movies. They're the perfect hug after a hard day, the best hot cocoa by the fire when it's snowing out, the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you see amazing displays of decorations down a neighborhood street. The Christmas Village by Annie Rains has that same feeling - it's such a sweet romance, with the perfect amount of holiday cheer wrapped in it. This book felt like it had a little of everything: a strong but struggling main character, the hurting and handsome love interest, an adorable dog and lovable cat who knows just when their owner needs a cuddle, a wonderful group of friends who represent all sorts of walks of life, Christmas decorations and mistletoe and gift exchanges, and even a small-town 'whodunit' style mystery! While some of it was predictable, it was wholly enjoyable; and truthfully, you go into holiday books hoping to have them tied up in a lovely bow at the end. This one won't let you down.

Definitely a feel good Christmas story. I predict a movie in the future, has all one wishes for in happily ever after story. I love the characters, the second chance on love, the added mystery of the Crankster and the small town charm. Lucy and Miles was once in love, a bit to young at 18 years old but they planned on getting married. Well things happened and the marriage didn’t. Now at thirty their paths crossed again, but one never forgets their 1st love nor does the town gossip blogger. Miles is now a town deputy and Lucy has moved back to take care of her dying mother. She started her mid-wife/ nurse practice and business is doing good, but not enough to take care of all her mother outstanding debt. And then she gets another bill from the HOA.
Miles was asked to move from his place, his landlord is downsizing and wants to move in by Thanksgiving. Lucy needs extra money and is debating on renting out the apartment over the garage. Miles is desperate and approaches Lucy about the apartment. They can surely put their past behind them, but the sparks are still there.
I couldn’t put it down, but with only a few chapters left I savor it for the next day. Love the characters and hope this series continues. there is more storylines in the future right?

This was sooooooo good!!! Christmas and romance goes together so well, doesn't it?! Annie Rains brings you a story that tugs at your heartstrings and you can't help but love all the village characters that help our hero and heroine find their HEA.

Both Lucy and Miles have so many problems, least of all the fact that they had been engaged at one time, many years ago! Hearts were broken and secrets were kept. Now they have a second chance but that's easier said than done. Lucy is a midwife who has inherited her moms huge pink house, as well as all the bills! Miles is a sheriff's deputy and all he's ever wanted was to buy his own house....oh, and win Lucy's heart once again!!!

Heartwarming and humorous, this is a story well worth reading, no matter what time of year it is!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This book was fair. It was a quick, easy read. It is a story of loss and second chances. The characters were fairly interesting.

Disappointment, devastation, hope, and a Christmas contest; what more could you want in a romantic story about two people who end up as landlord and tenant after 12 years avoiding each other? After her mother died, Lucy Hannigan inherited her childhood home along with all the debts. As a midwife, Lucy could live comfortably but was hard pressed to pay off her mother’s debts, renovations to the house she just couldn’t understand. Miles Bruno, a sheriff’s deputy, broke off their engagement 12 years ago for reasons he could not tell her then and certainly could not now. The secret would be more than Lucy could handle. Needing a new place to rent, Miles moves into Lucy’s garage apartment, a win-win for both. She needs the money; he needs a place to live. When Miles learns of the financial difficulties Lucy has, he tries to step in to help. There is a Christmas contest Lucy’s parents entered every year. The winner received a hefty prize that would take care of the debts Lucy owed. Miles is determined to help her win. With his competitive spirit, he refuses to give in. But will that spirit transfer to winning Lucy’s heart back as well as the contest? And will she ever be able to forgive him for the hurt he caused? This is a romantic story with enough tension between Miles and Lucy to make for a good read! A fun story that I recommend! I look forward to reading more books by Annie Rains.

Wow there comes a time that you have to realize that second chances are the best for everyone. Lucy gets a second chance...with what you say? Well I'm not going to give the story away but it's in the romance department.
Lucy has inherited her mother's dog, the home she grew up in and she even inherited her mother's debt....which is about to break the camel's back so to speak. If it isn't one thing it's another...I feel so bad for Lucy. But someone from her past asks if he could rent the apartment above the garage and well Lucy thinks why not she could earn some extra income from the rent...but there is a catch...he's her ex-fiance.
Somerset Lake is a special place with great characters. Heartwarming and beautifully written. I fell in love with the fictional place in Annie Rains first book, The Summer Cottage, and I think readers will fall in love with the town as well...
I really enjoyed The Christmas Village and I highly recommend. I hope there will be a third book to the series I'm not ready to leave Somerset Lake yet...

I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy for my honest opinion.

I love a good second chance book. Lucy and Miles were high school sweethearts. Family and time was not on their side. He comes from a poor family. Miles also has father issues. Lucy's family is well off. She has always had what she needed. Miles is now a deputy sheriff and is still carrying the weight of his father who abandoned them. Lucy is back to care for her mother. Her mother has passed and now Lucy is at lost ends. She couldn't understand what her mother was doing. Her circle of friends have stepped up but the least likely person is Miles. It seems that first love has been the true love. Both want the second chance but the past is rearing its ugly head. It takes mom and the town gossip to get them to their HEA.

Miles and Lucy are two people who you instinctively like from the very beginning. I absolutely love that Lucy's house is pink and I think my favorite detail is the abalone shell backsplash in her downstairs sink. I love how their relationship grows and strengthens after all their years apart. This book has everything that I enjoy in a story and I can't wait to see what couple will be written about next!

A light, sweet, Hallmark channel movie of a Christmas novel. The town is sweet, the premise is sweet, the characters are sweet...but all that sweetness is not quite balanced by spice. Reach for this when you're in the need of a clean, benign comfort read and it will do the job well.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

I loved Mile's and Lucy's story. Getting passed the past and starting anew was wonderful. The Christmas set up seemed like fun and everything worked out. Great to have good friends too.