Member Reviews
At first I thought that this book had three separate stories. Well, it does, but the stories are tied together so please read them in order. While three different authors wrote the stories, the style was the same. Each story followed a different character. It was pleasant to read in each story references to the characters and their story. It is set in Christmas time, but could happen anytime of the year. However, snow did play a major role in the last story. This is a gentle read. One most people will enjoy. I know I did.
3 cute, wholesome, and heartwarming Christmas stories. This is a great and easy read--perfect for curling up with a fire and reading during the holiday season.
A Louisiana Christmas to Remember is a collection of three interconnected romances set in the fictional Louisiana town of Moreau, which is loosely based on Natchitoches, the oldest European settlement in Louisiana
A Louisiana Snow by Morgan Tarpley Smith
This is the story of Mattie Hayes, small-town journalist and organiser extraordinaire, who is organising the Christmas market to raise funds to restore the local chapel after it was damaged in a recent hurricane. This means working with Paul Ammons, her long-time rival since he beat her to become high school valedictorian and won a coveted scholarship to Paris.
Restoring Christmas by Betsy St. Amant
This is the story of Jolene, Mattie’s artist cousin, who is hired at the last minute to repaint the town mural, and Cameron, Jolene’s new boss.
A Christmas Reunion by Lenora Worth
This is the story of Mattie’s aunt … and I don't want to say too much more about it, because that will ruin the surprise.
My favourite story was Mattie’s, perhaps because she is the character I related to best, and perhaps because I’m a big fan of friends/frenemies to more stories. My least favourite story was Adala’s, because even though I know these are made-up stories, I’m not a fan of controlling parents who go out of their way to do what they want rather than seeking what’s best for their child (as God does for us).
I loved the way the three stories were separate but intertwined. Even though they are all standalone stories and all set at the same time it’s best to read them in order, as each story introduces situations and characters that become more relevant in the next story.
It’s also fun to see the came characters from different points of view. In the first story, Mattie has definite opinions about Jolene and whether she can be trusted, but Jolene’s story explains why she is how she is.. I enjoyed seeing Granny Eloise in all three stories as well, as the mentor figure able to give advice whether it’s wanted or not.
The three stories combine to provide a heart-warming Christmas set of Christian romances, even if the Louisiana snow is a far cry from the sunshine I am used to at Christmas.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I enjoy reading novellas and this is a lovely Christmas one. Each story builds off of the previous one and when one ends the next seamlessly starts as we find a generational thing going with strong and faithful women from the same Louisiana town. We don't usually connect snow and Louisiana but this season with a little holiday magic and a generous helping from the unexpected snowstorm forgiveness, romance and coming together again of a special family may just be happening.
A delightful feel-good holiday story I was delighted to read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This book feels like a cozy holiday invitation to a small town where everyone knows each other, and family is everything. Set in the heart of Louisiana, each novella in this collection shines a light on different members of the Lavigne family, bringing themes of love, healing, and second chances wrapped in Southern charm. As someone who loves a good, uplifting Christmas story, these characters felt like they could be family or friends, with their personal challenges and hopes for a joyful season making the stories feel authentic and close to home.
I was drawn to the way each character’s journey explored a different aspect of love, whether it was rekindling an old romance, finding peace after loss, or coming back to family traditions. The setting of Moreau, Louisiana, added such a unique backdrop that made everything feel warm and familiar, even for someone who’s never been there. If you enjoy stories where you can picture yourself sipping cocoa by the fire and feeling the love of family and friends, A Louisiana Christmas to Remember will resonate with you long after you close the book.
Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.
I read this after Christmas but since it’s my favorite holiday this just made me think of HallMark movie vibes. I loved the three novellas with overlapping characters and by multiple authors. Such sweet love stories made me feel just like during the Christmas holiday with the decorations, the hot cocoa and a great book. All I needed was a roaring fire and it would be perfect!
I thought this was a good Christmas story collection. I liked how each of the stories connected and gave us a wonderful glimpse into this family and the town. I liked how the stories were uplifting. I liked how the each showed that everyone is imperfect but with faith and love we can find healing and forgiveness. I haven’t read many books by each of these authors by I will definitely look into reading more by them.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Three delightful stories from three authors. Each is a separate story but the setting and main family are carried through in each. Secrets from the past and conflicts and challenges in the present create scenarios that keep a reader’s interest as to how things are ever going to be resolved. These heartwarming romances set during the Christmas season will entertain readers any time of the year. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley and I listened to a library copy of the audiobook. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions are my own.
A perfect festive read full of cozy charm and well rounded characters. Grab a. Hot chocolate and a blanket and snuggle in for this winter treat.
Set in the small, picturesque fictional town of Moreau, Louisiana, this collection of three heartwarming novellas written by three very talented authors focuses on the lives and loves of three members of Moreau’s founding family. Each novella is well-written and engaging with themes of reconciliation, restoration, faith, and love. The characters are real-to-life and easy to cheer for. I love all three couples--Mattie and Paul, Jolene and Cameron, and Adale and Remy—and enjoyed how their sweet romantic relationships developed. My favorite character, however, is feisty, endearing Granny Eloise. These three separate novellas blend seamlessly to create a touching, entertaining read not just for the Christmas season but anytime! I highly recommend this contemporary Christian romance gem.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Three heartwarming Christmas romances that are connected. The authors did a great job in writing this book. I loved the characters and the town.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
What a perfect Christmas read! A Louisiana Christmas to Remember contains three novellas that all connect to make one delightful story.
The characters are four generations of Lavigne women. Eloise is the grandmother and matriarch. Adale is her daughter. Jolene is Adale's daughter. And finally there is Mattie. She is also a granddaughter like Jolene but her parents are deceased and she has been raised by Adale.!!
The overall story starts two weeks before the annual Christmas Market and go through the annual Christmas Eve Ball. Lots of misunderstandings and heartbreak but also lots of opportunities to set things right and make up!
I believe the final story, which is Adale's is my favorite. (Probably because she's closer to my age.) It not only tells us her part of the story but it also wraps everything up in a pretty bow. After all you need a happy ending for a Christmas story.
If you love to read Christmas novellas like I do you can't go wrong by adding this one to your collection.
A sweet Christmas story that involves a family of wonderfully flawed ladies.
Why I chose this book: I love Christmas stories and, as the author said, it's difficult to find one set in Louisiana. I have a love for books set in Louisiana ever since reading another author who set her stories there. The culture is unlike any other in the US.
Type of book: contemporary Christian romance
Overall: This was a cute read. It's a "Hallmark read" for me; you know the ending from the beginning but still it's a cozy way to spend a couple hours a day. The setting is a legitimate part of the storyline--I like it when the setting itself is a character in the book. Some people don't give the setting enough credit.
Favorite Character: At first I didn't think I had a favorite character but as I sat with it, I like the mom the best. Ok...there are two moms and they both hold their own on the page.
Bookshelf worthy? It depends on your taste. I think I'd be happy borrowing this from the library each year. I don't think it's one that I'll be raving to my friends about--not everyone likes Hallmark.
Teenability: Yes, this is an appropriate read for teens.
I give this book 3.8 stars
I enjoyed these three intwined family stories set in small town Louisiana. I loved that the authors wove Cajun Culture and French into the stories. Jolene and Adele's stories the most. I ended with two new favorite authors from this book, as the other author is already a beloved author.
I loved a family story set in a small-town, and at Christmas, this is my kind of collection! I really enjoyed this collection of small-town, faith-filled, heart-warming stories! These connected stories told of a great Christmas season for this family and this town. I loved Granny! She was a great addition to the over-arching story. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A beautiful collection to start the holiday season. All three stories were beautifully written and perfect for an evening by the fire.
The Christmas stories are always great to read at any time of year, aren’t they? This was a very special one that I wasn’t expecting. What I thought at first was an extra long novel, I found was a trilogy of novellas, each focused on a new character, yet all related to the same events in Moreau, Louisiana with the Lavigne ladies.
First there’s Mattie, who’s a task master getting the little town’s Christmas events together to raise funds for the chapel that needs fixing after a hurricane came through not long ago. She ends up being thrown together with her high school nemesis, Paul. Mattie, though, prefers to not have anything to do with him.
Then there’s Mattie’s cousin, Jolene, a couple years older and left town not long after her father passed away. Jolene had been living in Nashville, trying to succeed as a painter but was willing to return to Moreau for their grandmothers 80th birthday party. Little did she expect to be forced to paint a mural for the chapel when she’d failed to get into the art school of her dreams and no gallery wanted to take any of her work.
And then there’s Jolene’s mother Adale. Adele is matronly and has been planning three Moreau Christmas parties for years. This year was no different, but little did she expect to run into her long lost teenage Paris fling, who happens to be a famous architect who restores historic sites, like the chapel that needs restoration.
Each character in these novellas is not to be reckoned with. While everyone has their own issues to work through, they are accepting of their differences and strengths eventually. I love how this is put together and how I can relate to the main characters. It would be such an experience to attend the Christmas party or even Adale’s mother’s birthday party.
I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because I loved each story and how each woman’s challenge became their shining moment. I also love the detail provided that makes me feel like I’m right there with the characters. Thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for access to this title. This review is all my own words and opinions, a fantastic Christmas story to get into the holiday spirit!
This sweet trilogy of novellas is like a Hallmark Christmas movie weekend in print! The stories center around a family of women in Moreau, a fictional small town in Louisiana as they come together to plan some very special holiday events. Each one finds love and a renewed connection to their town and to each other, and their faith plays a big role as well.
A Louisiana Snow gets things started with Mattie who is one of the key planners for a holiday marketplace that will also be a fundraiser as the town is recovering after hurricane damage. On her team is Paul, a school friend that she saw as a rival. As they are forced to work together, Mattie learns to let go of her need for control as she gets to know Paul again and their friendship is rekindled.
Enter Mattie's cousin Jolene, an artist who has been away from Moreau for years and has a reputation for being unreliable. When she comes home for the holidays, Mattie gets her to paint an important mural in the second novella, Restoring Christmas. Jolene reluctantly takes on the project under the supervision of Cameron, and they get off to a very rocky and combative start. Jolene's attempts to find inspiration for the art help her work through her guilt and fears, and their truce becomes a romance as Cameron sees Jolene for who she is and wins her trust.
A Christmas Reunion focuses on Jolene's mother, Adale, a beautiful widow whose contribution to Moreau's holidays is planning the Christmas ball. She's caught completely off guard by the architect that has come to oversee the restoration work on the chapel. Remy is not just any architect - he is the boy who stood her up in Paris when she was sixteen years old. While Remy has never forgotten Adale and wants to win her again, Adale is reluctant and fearful of being hurt. It's only when she finally learns the truth about the past that she is able to fully forgive and allow herself to accept the second chance for happiness with him.
Despite being by three different authors, the stories are well coordinated and follow chronologically. Eloise, or Granny, is the matriarch of the family, and her presence in each story helps tie them all together as well. The characters and storylines work together so well that there's not a jarring change in style when a new author takes over. The viewpoint characters simply change, and this does allow a little bit more character development than most novellas have time for, since the four women appear in each story, even though they may be more in the background.
Charming, heart-warming, light holiday reading with sweet romances and small town characters.
This trio of Christmas stories is set in the fictional Louisiana town of Moreau (loosely based on Natchitoches.) You meet the Lavignes women in the town (Mattie, Jolene, and Adale) who each get their own 'love story' with their beloved Granny (Adale's mom and Mattie and Jolene's grandmother) constantly in the background cheering or pushing them onward. Lots of Louisiana culture is woven into the stories as all three authors have a connection to the state.
Overall the plots are your typical romance with a strong sense of Christian faith woven into the characters and town. I far prefer the 'clean' romance that these stories provide along with the dose of southern charm.
I had one BIG conflict when reading this title. While the description of the title says a 'rare snowfall,' when I read the book it seemed like it wasn't such a rare thing for the characters. I grew up in SE Louisiana and can count on one hand the number of times it has snowed since the early 1970s. If Moreau is located in the middle of the state, it could be more likely. But, if it snows it usually is there and you blink to see it vanish. It wouldn't be hanging around for multiple days with multiple times of snow occurring.