i wanted to love this book.. like really love this book because christmas is my favorite and i love me a good romance novel but.. this one just didn’t hit the way i would have like it to. it seems a bit scattered, so many subplots going on, the characters didn’t seem to connect with me because i don’t feel like i got to know them on a deep enough level, for being a christmas book it wasn’t fully set on christmas which bothered me a little bit. i did end up dnf’ing towards the end because the writing style and how i connected with the book, just werent sitting right with me.
thank you netgalley for this opportunity

Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes
Contemporary chic lit with romance. HFN.
With the death of her mother, Caroline Holt is feeling a bit lost. She feels burned out at work and hasn’t found her usual joy in reading and working with authors. Her boss tells her she needs to step up or could lose the only job she’s ever wanted. Caroline heads up to the family cabin and finds an unsigned letter addressed to her mother from Santa’s Little Red Mailbox in Aspen, Colorado. The writer says they will meet her mother on New Year’s Eve at the mailbox. Caroline knew her mother was at a conference in Aspen but not that there had been anyone special. Not wanting the person to think her mother just didn’t show up at the designated time, Caroline decides to go to Aspen for the holiday and meet this person. But first she has to trace her mother’s steps to find out who and what may have had an impact on her mother in the last year of her life.

Caroline is feeling the loss of her mother deeply. Especially now that her younger sister is engaged. Caroline doesn’t do long term relationships. She’ll have short term flings but doesn’t ever give them too much personal information. She keeps her emotions to herself. She’s always thought that was the best way to keep from getting hurt or left to stay and take care of the home. But she’s feeling alone now and looking, questioning her decisions.
Caroline immerses herself in Aspen and tracing her mother’s footsteps. She’s also found and is reading a series of letters that her mother kept from a famous female author that disappeared after only two books. Caroline’s sister thinks it is time for that Caroline to have a “real” relationship.

Self assessment, and mourning. Caroline has been on autopilot until now and the death has rattled her. She’s loved her life but is it going to fulfill her through the end?
She makes a bet with her sister to take her currently flirting in Aspen with one man to the next level. To see if it can be real. I didn’t like the whole betting concept. It made it seem unimportant. But it does have Caroline changing some of her behaviors.

This book is categorized as romance and while that is included in this story, it’s a very small percentage of the whole. As cliche as it is, it’s a mid life crisis story brought on by loss. Caroline has lost her mother and her role model and she needs to decide if she’s content as is.

Contemplative and hopeful.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 - Anita Hughes writes amazing settings for her stories. They are cozy and wintry, with beautiful hotels, inns and lodges that have gorgeous suites with every amenity imaginable. Every time, I come away ready to travel to whatever the location is and stay in the luxury accommodations. This book had a lot going on in it - multiple dramas in the present day storyline, as well as another set in the past. I think having so much happening detracted from the depth of the characters, but it was still an enoyable journey. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance digital copy!

CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN – Anita Hughes
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250908155
October 8, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Aspen, Colorado – Present Day

It’s the first Christmas without her mother who died recently of breast cancer, so it’s understandable that Caroline Holt is feeling a bit depressed. Add in that her only sister, Daphne, announced that she is marrying a man she barely knows, it’s no wonder that Caroline feels out of place. While staying at the family cabin in upstate New York, she reads a letter sent to her mother from Aspen. It is a love letter that mentions them meeting again on New Year’s Eve. There is no name or return address, and curiosity gets the best of her because her mother never mentioned having a lover while she visited Aspen for a writer’s conference. On the spur of the moment, Caroline books a flight and hotel for Aspen. She plans to meet the mysterious lover at the appointed time on New Year's Eve.

After arriving in Aspen, Caroline asks around if anyone remembers her mother. While she gets a couple of bites, it’s mostly a miss. She does meet Max, a local brewery owner. They begin to click, though Caroline tells herself she can’t get involved with him because she is leaving after the holidays. Caroline is a book editor, and her job is currently on the line, so she is looking for a potential manuscript. She happens to run into a local author whose locally printed book is so good, that she wants to help him submit it to her publisher. Daphne arrives in Aspen with her fiancé and announces that they will get married on New Year’s Day right here. Meanwhile, Caroline spends her downtime reading some letters she found in her mother’s possession. They are letters written over time by a woman named Nina and speaks about her growing relationship with Teddy. With so much going on in CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN, there is rarely a dull moment. Will Caroline find out who is her mother’s mysterious lover? And why was it a secret?

There are a lot of mixed emotions for Caroline in CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN and readers will hope she finds closure. She admits that she hasn’t been up to par at work while grieving for her mother and her boss gives her a chance to regroup after the holidays. Running into the local author, Nick is an opportunity to find a diamond in the rough. She is helping him edit the book and then she will hand it over to her publisher. Nick has his own story to tell about a woman he once loved. That is what goes on a lot in this tale. Most everyone has a tale to tell, and readers get to hear about them. Meanwhile, Caroline’s relationship with Max slowly develops. She is hesitant to dive right in since she is only here temporarily. That issue doesn’t seem to bother him. We get to read about the sights and sounds of a bustling Aspen at Christmas with its luxurious resorts and restaurants. Caroline isn’t afraid to try things as Max shows her the best of the town.

By the end of CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN, Caroline will have mixed feelings, especially as it grows closer to when she meets the mysterious lover. She fights with Daphne because she doesn’t think the fiancé is right for her. Is she right? Will there be a happily ever after for everyone by the end? Along the way, there are a few surprises. If you love a book that keeps you entertained and wants to find out what happens to everyone, then you will love CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

While it felt strange to be reading a Christmas book in the summer, I always enjoyed Anita Hughs "Christmas in..." books. They each capture the spirit of the holiday and she has managed to make each one unique to its location. While there are themes of loss and finding oneself which can be heavy, Anita does a beautiful job of bringing it back to a feel-good holiday read- a little mystery but plenty of romance. If you are ready to get into the holiday spirit grab this one! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Really loved this story about Caroline who went home to Hudson to the family cabin to spend Christmas with her sister. When she got their she found her sister to be engaged to Luke, a restaurant owner there. They had lost their mother to cancer in November. she found some old mail and found letters from an elderly author, Nina Buckley, telling about what she was doing after having written several books when she was younger.. She then found a letter from Santa's mailbox in Aspen to her mom with someone asking her to meet them at 5pm on New Year's Day. Carolina felt she should spend Christmas in Aspen so she could meet the person and let them know what had happened. Daphne and Luke end up there too and decide to get married there on New Year's Day. Follow them on their journey and see who the person is that she meets. A GREAT READ..

A great Christmas read with a fabulous sub-plot, you will enjoy everything about this book from the location to the characters to all of the holiday touches. I would have given it 5 stars but another well known novel is referenced in by a main characters and the information is completely incorrect.

It's a fun romantic story that's more holiday story than Christmas story as most of the story is set between Christmas & New Years. Carolyn, Daphne, & fiancee Luke end up in Aspen for the holiday season because Carolyn wants to meet her dead mother's lover at New Year's. There's the usual ups & downs of love while wanting to save one's career. It's definitely a Hallmarkish type story, while there's elements that made me think of the movie Christmas in Connecticut. It's a fun read.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Loved this. I’ve really enjoyed everything by this author. She’s an autobuy author for me. I love how every one of her stories is completely different from the others but you can still feel she’s the author. A very strong voice - one I really enjoy.

Anita Hughes’ *Christmas in Aspen* is a charming and heartwarming tale that blends holiday magic, self-discovery, and a dash of romance. Set against the snow-covered backdrop of Aspen, Colorado, the novel takes readers on an emotional journey as editor Caroline Holt unearths family secrets and confronts her own fears of love and loss. It's the perfect festive read for anyone who enjoys a story where love scales new emotional heights.

At the beginning of the novel, Caroline is at a crossroads. A successful editor, she’s been struggling with burnout, both from her job and from the emotional toll of losing her mother. The holiday season, which should be filled with warmth and cheer, instead feels cold and isolating for Caroline. Instead of spending Christmas in London, as originally planned, she heads to her late mother’s cabin in Hudson, New York, seeking solace and a quiet retreat. However, the discovery of a mysterious red envelope in the cabin—addressed to her mother from a man professing his love—sets her off on an unexpected adventure to Aspen, Colorado.

The intrigue surrounding this letter is one of the key plot points that drives the narrative. The letter, sent from "Santa’s Little Red Mailbox," is filled with promises of a reunion on New Year’s Eve, and Caroline’s curiosity gets the best of her. Hughes masterfully uses this mystery to not only propel Caroline’s journey to Aspen but also to lead her into a deeper exploration of her own heart. As she sets out to discover the identity of her mother’s mysterious lover, she begins to question the path she’s on, both personally and professionally.

Once in Aspen, Caroline is thrust into a picturesque winter wonderland, and Hughes’ vivid descriptions of the town bring it to life as a place brimming with holiday spirit and romance. The town is almost a character itself, full of snow-dusted streets, cozy cabins, and holiday cheer. It’s the perfect setting for Caroline to rediscover the magic of the season—and perhaps her own capacity for love.

But Aspen holds more than just answers about her mother’s past. Caroline soon meets a man who sparks something in her that she thought was long extinguished. Their encounters are serendipitous and charming, and as they continue to bump into each other, the attraction between them grows. Hughes writes their budding romance with a light, tender touch, and while their chemistry is evident, it’s the emotional connection Caroline feels with him that truly stands out. He becomes not only a romantic interest but also a mirror for Caroline’s own insecurities about love and the future.

As the story unfolds, Hughes weaves together Caroline’s search for answers about her mother’s secret romance with her own internal journey. The letter leads her not just to revelations about her mother’s past, but also to a deeper understanding of herself. The truth Caroline uncovers is surprising, yet it fits perfectly with the story’s themes of love, loss, and second chances. These revelations force her to confront her own fears—of loving again, of moving forward, and of letting go of the “perfect life” she had envisioned for herself.

What makes *Christmas in Aspen* particularly special is how Hughes balances the romance with Caroline’s personal growth. While there’s no shortage of romantic moments, from impromptu ice-skating to festive dinners by the fire, the real heart of the novel lies in Caroline’s emotional transformation. The narrative doesn’t rush her journey, instead allowing her the space to grieve, to question, and ultimately to choose what kind of life she wants to live.

By the end of the Christmas week, Caroline is not just facing the possibility of new love, but also a chance to rewrite her own story. Hughes offers a satisfying conclusion that feels both realistic and hopeful. Caroline’s decision to confront her fears and embrace the unknown is a fitting end to a novel that celebrates the power of love, family, and the magic of the holiday season.

Overall, *Christmas in Aspen* is a delightful, feel-good holiday read. Anita Hughes expertly captures the magic of Christmas while also exploring deeper themes of loss, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to open your heart to love again. For anyone looking to be swept away by a festive romance with emotional depth, this novel is a perfect choice to curl up with by the fire.

I’m a hard sell for a super cheesy holiday book (give me a hallmark movie all day, but a book is just hard for me to really get behind) and this one didn’t sweep me away at all. The lonnnnnnng letters were weird and the storylines kept repeating- we get it, Caroline doesn’t do commitment and thinks her sister is loving too fast in her relationship. She’d resolve to better then start over on her BS the next chapter. I just felt annoyed and it wasn’t giving holiday magic at all. It was giving bratty sisters and disjointed plot-points. I’ll give it 3 stars cause for the right audience I’m sure it’s cuter, but for someone who’s go-to genre is NOT cutesy romance, the only good things about this were the location descriptions and maybe some sweet date moments.

I admit to being a fan of Hughes' Christmas novels-novels in which the holiday is the backdrop to a woman's story. In this installment, Caroline discovers things she didn't know about her mother, or herself, when she goes to Aspen to meet a man who wrote to her mother to set a date. She also learns more about her sister Daphne, with whom she has a fractious relationship. Daphne's about to get married, which Caroline isn't happy about. The focus, though, is on Caroline, who finds romance quickly. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. There's a lot going on, nothing is dark, everyone is quite privileged, but it's the sort of read that is good for a rainy day.

Anita Hughes is a favorite of mine.
I was thrilled at the opportunity to read and review another title by her.
Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes was such a sweet and fun book.
I loved the descriptions that Anita Hughes uses to describe the setting.
This book, with its enthralling story provides depth and context to our characters journey. Hughes' vivid portrayal of the wintry charm of Aspen evoked a desire to experience such a magical setting firsthand.
Anita Hughes is my go to for my dose of Christmas romance.
This is a perfectly written book. The story is sweet and the setting is perfect for Christmas romance. The other supporting characters add depth to the story.
Those who like sweet romances set in small places will want to take a look.

Thank You NetGalley and St.Martin’s Griffin for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes is a sad then happy Christmas tale. Most of us can relate to missing someone at the holidays or being afraid of having our hearts broken. Editor Caroline Holt is feeling both this year. In a roundabout way, she ends us in Aspen. Her plan is to solve a mystery concerning a letter her mother had received. What she finds is so much more.

A lovely story reminding us to that taking responsible chances can be good for us and to remember to experience the magic of the Christmas Season. I loved the idea of Santa’s Little Red mailbox. As adults it is as needed as for children. It wouldn’t seem like the Christmas Season without a new book by Anita Hughes. Be sure to read this season.

The death of a parent is devastating, and Carolyn and Daphne are trying to celebrate their first Christmas without their mother. Heading up to their mother's cottage where they spent every Christmas together, they are planning to meet and reminisce as they always did as a complete family.. Those plans go awry when Caroline finds a letter from Aspen, not signed, but promising to meet with their mother on New Year's Eve in front of the Little Red Mailbox in Aspen where traditionally Santa letters are mailed every year.

Caroline heads to Aspen and Daphne and her Fiancé soon follow. There is romance in the air for Caroline with Max. Daphne and her fiancé face some difficult times, Add in Caroline's job situation and the letters she brings with her that were written to her mother decades before, this book is very busy. It seems there are almost little novellas written between the present day issues.

We are taken through a LOT of different themes in this book! It was really busy. Sometimes I was wondering if we'd ever get to the mystery man reveal! Will Daphne really get married in Aspen? Will Caroline and Max be able to make something of their fledgling relationship? But, my biggest question is...how did Caroline and Daphne score two rooms at a sold-out hotel a couple of days before Christmas in one of the most sought after venues in the West at that time of year???

I've not read this author before and although the book was busy, it was an OK read. Not something for someone looking for a HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY Christmas book, but OK. The mystery man reveal is probably one of the best parts of the book. Too bad it took so long to get there.

3.5 stars

While this was a sweet romance I wanted more of the Hallmark Christmas movie feeling. The small intrigue on the side was a nice detail and the family connections were good attributes to the story. There isn't much to say about it, it was a just an ok sweet holiday book.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin, Netgalley and Anita for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes offers a festive and mysterious setting, full of potential for a heartwarming holiday story. The premise intrigued me right away: Caroline Holt, an editor burdened with burnout and grief over her mother’s death, finds a mysterious love letter from her mother’s past. The letter sets her off on a journey to Aspen to uncover the truth. But what she discovers leads her to not only untangle her mother’s secrets but also face her own fears of love and loss.

The setting of Aspen at Christmas was one of the elements I was most excited about. Hughes creates an interesting backdrop for the story, though I wished it had been explored in more detail. There were hints of the holiday charm Aspen has to offer, but I found myself wanting more—more descriptions of the decorations, festivities, and that quintessential Christmas magic the town could have brought to life.

I also appreciated Caroline’s emotional journey as she worked through the grief of losing her mother while trying to understand who this mysterious man at Santa’s Little Red Mailbox was. It was a compelling enough reason for Caroline to embark on the journey to Aspen, and it hooked me early on. However, while that aspect of the story carried weight, I felt the book struggled with cohesion.

Surprisingly, the synopsis left out two major subplots that I think had a significant impact on the story. One of these involves Caroline’s sister, Daphne, who arrives in Aspen unexpectedly with her fiancé. This subplot added a layer of complexity to Caroline’s life, as she wrestled with her feelings about her sister’s sudden engagement. It also allowed Daphne to push Caroline to reconnect with a part of herself that had been buried. I actually found this storyline quite enjoyable, as it provided some warmth and emotional depth.

The other subplot—centred around a series of letters Caroline finds—felt disconnected from the main narrative. The letters seemed to promise revelations about Caroline’s mother, but their importance was only truly revealed late in the book. By then, they felt like a distraction, pulling me away from what should have been a more focused storyline.

As for the characters, while they were somewhat interesting, I struggled to connect with them on a deeper level. Caroline’s romantic interest had a charming and mysterious vibe, but I felt like both he and Caroline were somewhat emotionally distant, which kept me from fully immersing myself in their connection. Ruby, the romantic interest’s niece, was meant to be precocious, but she leaned a bit too far into being unbelievable for my taste.

Despite these mixed feelings, there were moments I genuinely enjoyed, like the surprise revelation about who Caroline’s mother had planned to meet at Santa’s Little Red Mailbox. That twist caught me off guard and added some emotional weight to the end of the story.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, Christmas in Aspen has its shining moments, especially when it dives into themes of love, loss, and healing. Still, I couldn’t help but wish for more cohesion in the storytelling and a deeper exploration of Aspen’s Christmas charm. For those looking for a light holiday read with a bit of mystery, it might hit the right notes, but I was left wanting a bit more from this festive tale.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Caroline and Daphne are sisters and this is their first Christmas since their mom’s recent passing.
Caroline finds a letter addressed to her mom to meet new years at a red mailbox in Aspen. Caroline wants to meet this mystery man and explain about her mom.
Hmm last minute cancellation and Caroline books a room in the hotel her mother stayed. Then Daphne decides to join her with her very recent fiancé and yes another cancellation and they booked a room. (They get into an argument and he’s able to find a room too from cancellation) 🙄
Story setting is in Aspen, however majority is week between the holidays, not very Christmasy.
Characters were hard to connect with and dragged in chapters. There were not ohh 😱moments or 🥰 moments.
The story revolved around love, relationships, personal growth, and second chances. Max was ridiculously patient with Caroline and his niece Lily was wise beyond her years.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC read in exchange for my review.

Caroline Holt is an editor and needs to find a new book by the first of the year. She's also burnt out, and dealing with the loss of her mother. She decides to spend Christmas in Aspen after reading a letter that was meant for her mother.
Reading a Christmas book in August was a way to cool off from the heat. Snow, skiing, sledding all outside cold weather activities.
I have been to Colorado, but not to Aspen. Aspen felt magical and so festive. A winter wonderland with the holiday season. I wanted a cup of hot cocoa while seeing Aspen through Caroline's eyes.
A story of loss, love and the magic of the holiday season. A sweet holiday romance.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Another wonderful Christmas book by one of my favorite authors. Every year I look forward to the next Christmas romance novel by her. This did not disappoint!