A Light in the Window

A fun spin on the usual boy returns home to discover the girl next door has evolved. Readers will enjoy watching these two fight the obvious pull to make their friends with benefits arrangement into the real deal.

A fun and enjoyable Christmas read!

A really great Christmas romance read, highly enjoyable read. Definitely recommend

Another delightful book in this great series. It's so fun getting the back story on each character and getting to know them better.
Look forward to the next book in the series.

Just finished a book entitled: A Light In the Window by Jolysse Barnett. This is a MUST READ. Jolyse Barnett did not disappoint. Ben and Jade's story is one of forgiveness and love. It is a story that says that being true to yourself is the greatest gift. This is an author that I have never read before and enjoyed a great deal. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a heart felt romance. Any Bella Andre and Ruth Cardello book lover will love this author.

Jade and Ben, once the closest of friends. Growing up together they shared all their secrets. Then one day that changes. Years later Jade returns home during the holidays. Ben knows what he wants but will Jade fight the attraction because of a hurtful mistake at 14. . Heartwarming story of a second chance at love. Great Holiday read!

Four writer friends, love and laughter, families and festivities, Christmas and miracles……a magical Christmas In New York!!!!

Christmas In New York series is the compilation of four writer friends and their wonderful stories of lost love, second chances, friendships and relationships and the magical wishes of Christmas that gives four friends a future of love, trust and understanding.

This Christmas (Jake and Sabrina) – Jeannie Moon All I Want For Christmas (Cassandra and Sean) – Jennifer Gracen A Light In The Window (Jade and Ben) – Jolyse Barnett Goodness And Light (Elena and Lucas) – Patty Blount And they all can be read standalone!

At twenty nine, Jade Engel is at a crossroad in her life, and though her family loves her to bits, they can be a little stiff with what they want for their children. Jade is back in her hometown after quitting her marketing job to spend the holidays before she heads off to university. She loves her town, she loves the holidays, she loves her family, she loves keeping busy by helping around, and she loves her next door neighbor, the handsome and charismatic Ben Stephens.

Ben Stephens is a local celebrity and whatever he wants in life is in Starling, including Jade his once a upon a time best friend. And this time he is hell bent on making sure, she doesn’t leave his side forever. Now it is just a matter of convincing her that best friends with benefits, can have lasting and forever benefits.

Jolyse Barnett does a charming job of having Ben being supportive of Jade, as she tries to figure out what she wants to become in life. And with some past pain and insecurities dogging her choices, Jolyse gives Jade the perfect etching of an imperfect woman, trying to become a confident woman and go after what she desires, rather than what others want of her.

“A Light In The Window” is another magical story from the “Christmas In New York” series, written to perfection by Jolyse Barnett.

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Loved this book. Great writing. It was very descriptive and I could picture everything going on very vividly. I loved the match up of Jade and Ben, I think he helped soften her character which was a bit abrasive at times. They were best friends until high school and were reunited (love this trope). The chemistry was fantastic and there was a lot packed into this novella. I highly recommend this one!

I did enjoy reading this series. I enjoyed this one the most. It was different from the other ones. It was easy to read and relate to.. I really liked chemistry between Ben and Jade. It was cute from the start.

Four separate and standalone books about four women who are have been friends since they were children. Their mothers are sorority sisters. When they were born they formed their own sorority based on their friendship and without Greek letters.

First is Sabrina Gervais, a single mother to 9-year old Charlotte. Bree for short, she still pines of Jake Killen, her only lover and Charlotte’s father. Out of the blue, Jake comes back to Bree’s life. Charlotte wants her daddy; Bree wants her lover back but there is too much water that has passed under the bridge. Can Bree and Jake forgive each other for all their mistakes and their hurt to give Charlotte a family she had been wishing for every Christmas since she could remember? (This Christmas by Jeannie Moon)

Then there is Cassandra Baines, the quintessential New Yorker. On a fast track on her career, Cassie almost has everything except the man she loves; Sean McKinnon broke her heart seven years ago. Then she walks into his bar and all bets were off. The question, will their careers continue to pull them apart or are they willing to compromise this time? (All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen)

Next, we have Adirondack girl-in-transition Jade Engel and her childhood best friend turned nemesis, Ben Stephens. They meet in upstate New York, in their hometown of Starling. But while Ben has found his own niche and on his way up his chosen career, Jade’s career is in the doldrums. With memories of teen angst and high school bullying, Jade has to find forgiveness in herself even before she can take the first step to Ben. Question is, will Ben even be there to meet Jade halfway?

And finally, we have Goodness and Light by Patty Blount, the most heartbreaking story! It follows Elena Larsen and Lucas Adair, two September 11 orphans. It’s been 13 years, but the events of that fateful day are as fresh as newly fallen snow in their memories. Their attraction to each other is palpable but will it develop into love that can heal their hearts?

All four books are easy reads, which you can actually finish in one sitting being novellas. Great storytelling using concise words; all four books are thoroughly enjoyable. Though they are solid stories as they are, their brevity is also their downfall. After reading each book, I wanted more. I want deeper background stories; I want more interaction among the hero and the heroines. And perhaps, that is my Christmas wish for this book!

All four books are Rated T and YA for teens and young adults. There are sex scenes but they are implied rather and not graphic.

A wonderful Christmas read by debut author, Jolyse Barnett. Jade and Ben were best friends up to high school, then Jade went her own way and was actually mean to Ben. Now they reconnect at the Christmas holidays when Jade returns home for a short visit. Jade states this will only temporary, friends with benefits. Ben is hoping for a Christmas miracle with winning Jade's heart over.
I really enjoyed this story of friends to lovers. I could close my eyes and visualize everything Jolyse was describing, I love Christmas.
This is the second book in the Christmas in New York series, of four friend that grew up together. Highly recommend for a Christmas read this year.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

This is a reunion romance of a sort. Jade was best friends with nerdy Ben until suddenly she froze him out in a humiliating episode in the school cafeteria somewhere about the onset of puberty. They were neighbours and had a lot in common until she decided to go all girly to fit in.

Now Jade is home for Christmas for the first time in years and the first person she runs into is Ben. Not nerdy any more. This month over the holidays is all about changing her life and then she will be gone to the other side of the country.

Ben is fresh out of a long term relationship so he's not exactly ideal because Jade doesn't want to be rebound girl. But he's always around and pretty nice and soon that best friend vibe is back.

This was a nice hometown romance and while I don't usually like it when the hero hasn't let his sheets cool before meeting the heroine, it worked okay in this case.

Overall an easy read and a nice addition to the series.

Jade’s life is a little hectic at the moment, in between jobs, coming home, re-connecting with old friends. Little did she know that coming home and visiting old friends would not bring her the peace she was seeking, it would only add to it.

Ben is completely different than the last time Jade saw him, so different she hardly recognizes him. A chance meeting allows them some time to reconnect and take a trip down memory lane. Against her better judgment Jade agrees to share a ride with Ben and it leaves her wanting more.

The moment Jade eyes the seductive stranger in line, her interest is peaked, although striking up a conversation wasn’t what she had planned. When Ben notices who is standing next to him, he jumps at the chance to converse, only to be shocked when she doesn’t remember him. A few minutes later the dots connect and conversation is flowing. Once Jade and Ben have returned home the temptation to see each other is becoming too much to handle. Sneaking glances at each other is all they can do until Jade’s mother changes her opinion of Ben. Jade has been trying to find her inner strength so she can reach out and take control of her life, standing up to her mother is only part of the plan. Volunteering is helping her find some peace and make some new friends, helping decorate for the holidays also gets Jade some time with Ben.

Throwing a holiday party was not what Ben had planned but when his mother begged and pleaded Ben opened his doors. Welcoming his secret girlfriends mother into his home was his chance to show her, he’s not the person she thinks he is. He is a businessman, who is doing well for himself, he is taking a risk with her son that no one else is willing to do, and he’s been in love with her daughter for years.

Gathering courage to face many of life’s challenges and pressing on with her goals, Jade is ready to take risks. How big of a risk would it be to fall in love with Ben? To find another way to make things work? Will her mom ever come around?

A Light in the Window is a fantastic holiday read, it encompasses the holiday spirit and romance flawlessly. I read this novel in about 4 hours because I was wrapped up in Ben and Jade and their story, wondering if they would ever be able to work it out. And curious as to how her mother would be involved with it. A Light in the Window, is a great read for someone looking for a quick, steamy romance around the holidays.

I really enjoyed this cute Christmas story!

Jade is so broken going home the last place she ever wanted to go back to seemed like the only place where she thought she could find herself. I Love Benji and his gentle and sweet spirit that he wears his love right there on his sleeve but continues to doubt his self. While the 2 of them both have so much to work through they try to find themselves. I love how the book is not really set in New York but Jade and her friends always make it work with each other. I love how it make you want to go and visit and Adirondacks and enjoy the small town life for christmas. Each one of the books in this series thus far has been worth the read but hands down this has to be my favorite.

Christmas in New York series Book 1: This Christmas by Jeannie Moon Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount

3.5 stars

A Light in the Window was a heartwarming story of a second chance at love.

Likeable characters and entertaining story, overall a great Holiday read.

Thank you Netgalley and Tule Publishing for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Jade Engels and Ben Stephens grew up together since they were little kids, they were inseparable. When Jade starts getting bullied in middle school, due to her friendship with Ben, she must decide if being part of the in crowd or Ben's friend is more important. Ben never understood how his best friend could turn against him. Arriving home for the holidays in the middle of a snow storm, Jade runs into Ben, not recognizing him at first. Ben always felt that Jade was the girl who got away. Can she repair the damage she caused and start off where they left off. This is a story of second chances, love and understanding that sometimes in life we have to move forward before we can fall in love again

Jade runs into Ben during a snowstorm and they team up to jake it home for the holidays. This is part of a series but all the stories are stand alone. These Christmas novellas are a wonderful evening read.

This sweet romance is the story of Jade and Ben, childhood friends who broke apart when peer pressure overwhelmed Jade and made her cut her one true friend out of her life. Years later they meet again, back in the same small town. With memories of their friendship, and Christmas spirit in the air, can they forge a new relationship?

I thought this was a very touching story. I liked the small town atmosphere and the characters in the story quite a lot. Ben is a handsome, rugged and friendly man. He's forgiven Jade for what happened to their childhood friendship and is willing to start over. I liked that Jade was willing to admit to her mistakes and apologize to Ben over what had happened. She is a quiet and somewhat timid individual at first, but gains a backbone over the course of the story and realizes that what she wants is a relationship with someone who will meet her halfway - someone like Ben. There was a good amount of sexual tension between the couple that added a bit of heat to the tale. Overall it was a quick and entertaining read. 4 stars.

Good story of young love & friendship turning into the real thing. Ben & Jade had been friends & neighbours from childhood until the fateful year they entered grade 8, then Jade changed due to pier pressures & their friendship was over. Now Jade is home for the month of December to evaluate what direction her life is going to go now that she's almost 30' after a lousy relationship gone bad & quitting her job. Ben never left their hometown & has made something of himself & become a celebrity in his hometown. Stuck in a hotel during a snowstorm he runs into Jade & believes that his Christmas miracle just might happen this year, especially after he has broken up from a 5 year relationship that he didn't even realize wasn't going anywhere. Ben pushes to rekindle their friendship & Jade tries to back away but the more she does the more Ben pushes forward. Jades family isn't happy with her spending time with Ben anymore, they blame him for her younger brothers troubles,but she finally realizes that it's her life & she's the one who has to live it her way. So friends with benefits will be their relationship until she leaves in January but once they start spending time with each other Jade realizes that she wants more but isn't sure that Ben does. Can she get past what she did him when they were younger? Can he bring the real Jade back to the surface? Can they have the future that Ben has been dreaming about?

This was a wonderful story and great addition to the Christmas in New York series. This was touching and lovely, full of holiday scenes and spirit. Can't wait to read more by this author!

This was a great, quick holiday read!

A wonderful love story from beginning to end. Great Read!

Synopsis:
Jade returns to her hometown in the Adirondacks after hitting rock bottom. She left her job in Florida after being screwed over. The man she wanted to marry turned out to be already married. So she returned home for the holidays before heading off to return to school. She ran into her childhood best friend, Ben. Ben is newly single after ending a five year relationship. Jade fights the friendship and Ben wants more than friendship.

My opinion:
I loved Jade's story. This is book 3 in the Christmas in New York quartet. It can easily be read as a stand alone! The stories all happen concurrently. I was a bit apprehensive because I loved book 1 and was very disappointed by book 2. I am so glad I continued reading! I loved this book as much as I loved book 1!

The chemistry between Jade and Ben is very hot! I loved both characters. You can't help but really feel sorry for Jade. She has not had it easy. (You also can't help but hate her mom! What a witch!)

A Light in the Window is a heartwarming story of reacquainted best friends. Ben Stephens was and still is the boy next door, and when Jade Engel broke their friendship she also broke his heart. When they bump into one another their friendship begins to blossom once again. Is it a case of love thy neighbour?

"I treated you like you were my worst enemy and you'd done nothing wrong"

With a natural easy chemistry, both Ben and Jade were sweet together. She frustrated a little at times, but in her defence she's confused about her life in general and has an interfering mother to contend with, but Ben was a sweetheart; he knows they're perfect for one another and just needs to make her see it.

"I miss the girl I used to know, the one who followed the beat of her own drum, without a care of what everyone else expected of her."

Set in a beautiful small town location and filled with festive feeling A Light in the Window is a sweet, heartwarming journey of love. Another lovely addition to the series. 3.5 stars.

Let me start by saying this series was a holiday treat! All four books in the Christmas in New York series published by Tule Publishing thru their Holiday Books community of writers were fantastic. Each was unique yet held the same feel good holiday heart-warmth you want to read this time of year!
A Light in the Window is an OH EM GEE second chance story. Not your run of the mill second chance, oh no, Jade and Ben were childhood BFF until Jade decided, like your typical 12 year old would, that one day she just didnt want to be friends with Ben. SO here's our story, in a nutshell, Jade is coming home for some much needed R & R when the weather turns bad so she decides to stop for the night. And who might she run into while waiting for a table, yes kids, Ben, in the flesh. SERIOUSLY?! BEST.STORYLINE.EVER! Truth! LOL That is some imagination you have there Ms Barnett! LOVE IT!
SO od course their chemistry is instant and they decide to do the 'friends with benefits' thing because why get tied down since Jade is leaving in just a couple of weeks to start her new life in California.....Bwahahahahha, yeah right. Like that will happen!
There were some incredibly sweet and heart warming moments in this novella, actually, a lot! But there were also some not so heart warming moments that had to be dealt with. But dont think for one second that Ben doesnt get his girl .... :) LOVE IT! (did I say that already)

ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

The books in tho series are about a central group of characters, but each is written by a different author. It was a nice way to be introduced to different authors, and I liked that each and a slightly different style. The characters were strong, and the story lines were interesting

In book three of the series, we follow Jade Engel and Benjamin "Benji/Ben" Stephens; two childhood friends that were torn apart by the ravages of high school.

Jade and Benji used to be inseparable, until high school pressures and mean kids tore them apart; eventually Jade left town and hasn't seen Ben in forever. A chance encounter has these two rekindling their friendship and eventually starting a romantic relationship.

Ben is great, he's a really good guy; Jade I'm like eh, she spends too much time pushing Ben away. In the end though, they fix their issues (mostly on Jade's side) and they get a really happy ending.

Rating 4 out of 5 Read@Book

Received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for a review. This is one of the "Christmas in New York" stories, with some of the related stories reviewed previously, including All I want For Christmas by Jennifer Gracen and This Christmas by Jeannie Moon.

As with the other stories in the series, this is a relatively short book, and was read in one sitting whilst eating dinner in a restaurant one November evening recently (it was a dark and stormy night!).

Things start with Jade returning home in the run up to Christmas, 29 years old, unmarried and some things best left behind her. She's just quit her job for multiple reasons, is about to start college in the new year, has split up with her boyfriend (after finding out he was married, with children) when she runs into Ben, her best friend from school. Of course, he has grown-up, and has turned out to be both attractive and self-employed. Meeting him brings back painful memories of what happened in High School and why they stopped being friends.

Returning to stay with her parents for the month, and she is warned off seeing Ben by her mother Gigi, who has developed some form of hatred towards Ben, wrongly as it turns out, but it makes spending time with him difficult. Time does seem to go quickly (did she really only spend a month there?) and non-Ben/Jade events aren't covered, so it goes quickly. The sex is very much "fade to black", which is ok if you like that kind of thing, and there are some references to the other characters in the series.

Jade, in particular, does grow as a person in this book, learning to finally start to stand up to Gigi, and Jade's brother Jeremy also gets to admit his own faults and starts to heal his relationship with his family. You get the result you want in a traditionally Christmas setting.

I did not really like Jade very much. She was not a nice girl, and I do not understand what made Ben fall in love with her. I also think the ending felt a little rushed, and I would have liked a little more to the end of the story. Other than that it was a cute story, and I did enjoy it.