As a longtime fan of Catherine Anderson I’m sure each of us have a favorite series – mine spans two genres, contemporary and historical – which probably factors into my choice which is the Coulter Family Series. However I must admit I’ve read just about everything written by one of the most beloved talented heartwarming authors. And once again Catherine Anderson introduces us to some fabulous characters who basically grow and develop right before our eyes.

The title of THE CHRISTMAS ROOM perhaps narrows the scope of the story which is far from the truth. The holiday season is just another characters shall we say in THE CHRISTMAS ROOM – a supporting member of a great cast.

No one knows more about complex family issues than Catherine Anderson. I’ve always applauded her drive to avoid finding fast, easy or convenient solutions. Life involves an ever seeking search for whatever will make you happy and more fulfilled and that’s what THE CHRISTMAS ROOM is all about.

The generations of a couple of families face some rather difficult challenges. Changes in environment, health and making important vital adjustments. Packing up a family and trying to finally follow a dream is never easy and Maddie, Cam and Caleb are realistic in their expectations and timeline. Cam basically sets up a tent city on his new property to accommodate his son and his mother. It all took work and planning but of course it isn’t ideal – but then again it is supposed to be temporary.

Unfortunately their closest neighbor Sam looks at the McClendon family as poor white trash living in tents and trailers. In fact he has not even made an attempt to welcome them – on the contrary Sam is nasty and threatening. This is the new Sam created by the loss of his wife Annie. The entire community knows this new Sam and is diligent about keeping him at arm’s length.

But Sam’s daughter Kim has been forced to follow some very strong armed measures put down by her father. She has no social life – wouldn’t dare go against Sam. Having the McClendon’s next door is bound to have a huge effect on Sam and Kim. Good people sometimes find themselves in a dark place. Welcoming a source of light is a difficult step for some and majorly an issue for Sam.

There’s a lot at stake here in THE CHRISTMAS ROOM and watching these people settle in and find new personal peace is an absolute delight.

I have bought and read many of Catherine Anderson's books.
I then donated them to my library where others have also enjoyed them.
I enjoyed every one of her books and I was thrilled to receive this ARC.

Two people meet and discover that they have in common- both lost a parent to cancer.
(I also loved that her name was Kirstin- mine is Kirsten and it is rare to see that name in print)
Mother is in treatment for cancer now and has not told her son.
This story begins in the summer, so that by winter/Christmas time you are completely immersed with these characters. The information and discussions on ranching/land/cows were very interesting
These characters became so likable they became real to me.
I would love more books with this family!! .

So this one was a bit on the light and fluffy side for me, but nevertheless an enjoyable, gentle-ish read.

Maddie and Sam, two sixty-somethings with grown children who are falling in love don't exactly hit it off at first, to put it mildly. He calls her white trash, and she gets even more colorful with him. Some of my favorite moments are due to their escalating hate-each-other shenanigans (she nails about 150 no trespassing signs in her yard, and his hilarious moment involves some singed eyebrows). Other than that, the book is rather paint-by-the-numbers. The only time this truly disappointed me was the way in which it handled a) the Big Misunderstanding (they seem a bit too old for the childish dramatics that ensue), and the off-hand way the author deals with Maddie's insecurities over Sam seeing her imperfect, maturing body. A missed opportunity there.

Otherwise, a sweet, fun (and at times downright funny) read.

3.5 stars.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*