Cover Image: Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing

Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I enjoyed reading this book and returning to Evergreen, the Christmas town.  I liked the book, the town and all of its fun characters, the Christmas cheer, and Christmas festivities.  This book was full of laughter, some tears, some disappointments, and a few surprises to keep me quickly reading the pages.  It definitely filled me up with the holiday spirit and made me want to watch the Hallmark movie bring the wonderful town and characters I love to life.  It was such fun watching Hannah shake the snow globe once again and to find love in the town she loved so much. I enjoyed Hannah and Elliot trying to work out what they wanted for their future. I really enjoyed this new book by an author that was unfamiliar to me.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I mean, what is there really to say about this one? If you like Hallmark Christmas movies, then you are going to like this one. There's really nothing to dislike. It was cute, it was romantic, it was fun,

Was this review helpful?

What is there to say about a Christmas in Evergreen that hasn’t already been said?! This is such a wonderful book that gives you the story of Hannah and Elliot. I have followed along with all the other love stories and have waiting to hear about Hannah’s. She is such a loving person that cares for everybody so deeply. She definitely deserves a happily ever after.

Was this review helpful?

Glad that Hannah got her very own books. There are not enough hours in the day for Hannah. Just as Michelle did when Allie was leaving for New York she tried to do it all; now Hannah is trying to do the same thing. Evergreen is a small town where everyone knows everyone. Hannah and Elliot are long-time friends; they are interested in each other but neither makes a move. Elliot is the new owner of the Tinker Shop which was once owned by Hannah’s parents. Hannah accidentally drops the snow globe after making a wish and takes the globe to Elliot’s tinker shop for him to fix. The snow globe is what everyone makes wishes on; it is believed to have special powers for making wishes come true. Hannah has finally decided to turn over some of her responsibilities to others and focus on Evergreen’s Museum which is something that she really wants to do. Michelle is still the mayor and she and Hannah’s brother Thomas are now engaged. Allie returns for Christmas to see her parents with news.

I enjoyed this book just as much as I did the movie.

I received an ARC via Netgalley and I leaving my review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

I loved being transported back to Evergreen, a magical Christmas town filled with enchanting characters. Lacey Baker is superb in her writing and draws you in. Hannah and Elliott made a fantastic pairing! Loved reading about them. Good job Lacey Baker!

Was this review helpful?

Initial Thoughts/Expectations:

I've listened to the previous books in this series on audiobook, and seen each of the Hallmark movies that they represent. I've loved the traditionally, almost stereotypically heartwarming feel of the series. The books do seem to add some richer layers to the characters and the stories that the movies tell, so I was really excited to dive in to this year's holiday in Evergreen. I was also looking forward to seeing how Lacey Baker took on the novelization duties from Nancy Naigle, who'd done the first three.

What I Loved:

Within the first few minutes of the audiobook, I felt like I was right back there. The town of Evergreen, Vermont has become a bit of a fictional, holiday "home-away-from-home" for me. I loved seeing the townspeople, who have all taken turns as main characters from previous stories, become a part of this new book. I loved knowing their histories, and seeing how close they all still are, and what's been going on with them since last Christmas.

While the small-town, boy-and-girl-next-door cliches seem to apply (in the very best ways), each of the characters still has depth and their own unique offerings to the story. We have a main couple, but these other characters are so integral to telling the story. Planning a wedding, opening up a new business in town, people finding where they can make their marks, and sometimes finding their own peace with the past and even the future -- all of these things are happening, and affecting the town as a whole. I love that none of the "side stories" are irrelevant. Everything that happens is important, serves a purpose, touches our hearts, and reinforces that these are friends who have become a family.

I think we all have people in our own lives that we can see bits of in the residents of Evergreen. Specifically, I think we all know someone like Hannah. I love her joy in all she does. I love that she is so dedicated to her projects, and all of the people she's trying to help. I can also relate to the "overfilling the to-do plate" problem she has (even though she doesn't realize she's got a problem). She and Elliott are the "picture perfect" couple in so many ways. Unfortunately, in their effort to support each other's everyday plans, they neglect to make sure they share their long term goals and plans for themselves. Again, something I think many of us can relate to.

I love that the conflict in this particular story was never a question of how Hannah and Elliott felt about each other. I much prefer stories where the couple is solid, and the conflict comes from an outside source. While *technically* their issues in this book were of their own making, their love for each other was never in doubt. That makes the resolution and HEA so much stronger in my mind, since the basis of the HEA wasn't in jeopardy. <3

What I didn’t Love:

I really did understand how the problem that Hannah and Elliott had could happen. I understood the reasons why each of them thought they way they did, and how they managed to miss actually SAYING it in a conversation about their future. What I didn't quite feel right about was the resolution. It ended the only way it could/should, really, but I feel like one of the two reasons Elliott had for wanting to make the change he did wasn't addressed. I was fine with how the business side of things worked out, but his personal reasons -- the feelings from his childhood and with his mother -- I think they got pushed aside in his effort to compromise. And I get it, love is full of compromise... but I was sad that the wonder and joy and "energy" he was craving seemed to be left out of the equation. And yes, I realize I'm feeling sad on behalf of a fictional character... but I blame that on both Nancy and Lacey for making me care, lol.

Final Thoughts/Recommendations:

Overall, I was really happy to spend a little more time in Evergreen, and I think Lacey did a fantastic job continuing the story. Hannah and Elliott were a lovely couple to see get even stronger, and I was thrilled to see how all of my other friends were doing. The other stories happening with the townspeople, while we were focused on our main characters, added so much to the overall experience, and gave them all so much more depth and interest. I can't wait to see the movie version of this story, now! If you love sweet love, small-town friends & family, magical Christmas merriment, and smiling til your cheeks hurt... I highly recommend that you spend a little time in Evergreen. <3

Was this review helpful?

All the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas are alive in Evergreen as well as a few sparks of love. One such couple is Hannah and Elliott who have discovered their love for each other this past year but there are secrets they are keeping from each other. They will need to dig deep into their own selves before they are able to be honest with each other in order to make this season ring.

Was this review helpful?

Thank go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing. I voluntarily agreed to read and review by the publication date. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

Bells are Ringing is a sweet romance with engaging characters. The basis of all the interactions between the characters is based on deep abiding friendships. The heroine and hero have known each other most of their lives, so clearly this is a friends to lovers story, and it’s a lovely one.

The author does an excellent job of describing the quaint town of Evergreen adding to my enjoyment of this delightful Christmas tale. I you enjoy heartwarming romances set in small town USA, then you will love Bells are Ringing. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Baker, and I found it enchanting. Happy reading!

Was this review helpful?

Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing is a true Hallmark kind of story. Based on a Hallmark Channel original movie this book by Lacey Baker returns to the town of Evergreen, Vermont. Overextending herself, Hannah finds the stress causing her to question her choices and the people in her life. We have all been there one time or another, so this is a realistic story.

It is wonderful how the questions that Hannah asks herself and others leads to a conclusion that makes for a heartwarming sweet story. Elliot and Hannah have been friends for years but decide on more. Their journey is not as bumpy as if they were just getting to know each other. The town is interesting and provides some surprises in this story.

It is an enjoyable Hallmark story featuring the town of Evergreen, Vermont once again.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is a well written sweet Christmas romance. It's a heartwarming story set in the wonderful town of Evergreen.
Perfect read for the Christmas season.
I received a complimentary copy from Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Hands up who loves Hallmark and Christmas? It wouldn't be Christmas without these fantastic festive treats.

Perfect cosy under a blanket with a peppermint hot chocolate and a crackling fire. Whilst I've seen and read the other Christmas In Evergreen series this one was new to me. There is a different feel to the rest of the series and a different author but still everything you come to expect and love from Hallmark. Snow is falling, carols are being sung, twinkling lights. It's the community feel that always brings me back. That being said i couldn't connect to the couple in the story, they seemed more friends than a couple. However, despite those feelings this was still an enjoyable read. I loved my return to Evergreen and to catch up with the residents. It's such a magical place. I love all the festive traditions, and the community coming together to help each other. Such a cute, feel good festive treat. Now I need to watch the film.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hallmark Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely love anything by Hallmark Publishing and it was so wonderful going back to the town of Evergreen! Love Hannah!!

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I love Hallmark movies and holiday movies are my favorite. This is just what I needed to start off my Hallmark Christmas book and movie flow for the holidays. We are back in Evergreen and the magic of Christmas is everywhere. It’s just the sweetest holiday romance …

Was this review helpful?

First of all I'm a Hallmark movie fanatic so I absolutely had to read this book! I love all the Hallmark "Christmas in Evergreen" movies. This book is based on the original movie. Even though I'd seen the movie, the book played out in mind; the beautiful descriptions and storytelling of the magic that is Christmas warmed my heart. A must-read for Hallmark movie lovers!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful story with entertaining an interesting characters. Christmas always adds an unexpected element to a story. Heart-warming and touching story set in Evergreen. Really enjoy the series of books. Could read.

Was this review helpful?

Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing: Based on a Hallmark Channel original movie by Lacey Baker
Publisher: Hallmark Publishing
Genre: OwnVoices, Romance
Publication Date: November 2, 2021

Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing by Lacey Baker is based on the Hallmark Channel original movie by the same name.

I loved returning to Evergreen. The magic of Christmas is everywhere! This is a sweet, contemporary romance set in the small town of Evergreen at Christmas.

This book closely follows the movie, so it will feel very familiar. Like all good books, this has more depth than the movie and will make you feel all the feels.

This is a quick read and very enjoyable! I definitely recommend reading this to get ready for the holiday season!

I'm so grateful to Lacey Baker, Hallmark Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

So I loved the Hallmark movie in which this book is adapted, so this book was pretty close with a lot more nuance. I loved the focus on the characters and their motivations.

Was this review helpful?

Evergreen: Bells are Ringing is a sweet and heartfelt book that is loosely based on a series. Lacey Baker gives us an established couple in Hannah and Elliot. The only real problem they face is the fact that Hannah is extremely busy while Elliot is contemplating expanding his business. The dilemma with the expansion is that it will mean leaving Evergreen. Will Elliot and Hannah be able to work though this life-changing situation and still be together?? This book involves nice people trying to compromise and save their relationship; there was no tension or even any surprises, just niceness all around.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book from Netgalley and this review is of my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

I was thrilled to read the story of Hannah and Elliot in 'Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing.' The magic of Evergreen in evident in the way that difficult issues are addressed and resolved in the latest offering in the Evergreen series. I actually feel as if I know the people in this town, and I like them. I highly recommend the entire series for a joyful taste of Christmas goodness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Another enjoyable story that takes place in small town Evergreen. Heartwarming Christmas feel to it as usual and the story of the Snow Globe continues to hopefully grant peoples wishes.
It's a perfect Hallmark type story to give you all the Christmas feels and magical moments!

Was this review helpful?