Member Reviews
I can't tell you how much I've loved this series. Angel Falls has been a place I've enjoyed visiting. I've heard rumblings that this is the last book in the series and if that's the case I have to say I'm a little sad. I'm hoping that if we do leave Angel Falls we find someplace that's equally nice to visit.
One of the things I've loved about this series is the great covers. Each other is better than the last. I loved this one and can honestly say that if I had never read Liasson before this cover would have drawn me in.
Up this time we have Kaitlyn and Rafe. These two have been friends for what seems like forever. That's what happens when you live in a small town and your sisters bring friends around. I really loved their friendship. It was comfortable and easy. Or at least it was until someone ended up pregnant. Like you don't know who that someone is. Only of them have to parts to carry a baby so this is pretty easy to figure out.
I like how both of them are torn on what to do and how to handle everything. But when Rafe's nonna falls ill they decide that they are getting married. Silly Rafe and Kaitlyn. I think they are the only two who don't see that they are truly in love.
I get Rafe's issues and why he feels he needs to stay alone. You'll get it too when you read this story. But come on...really!!!
Their relationship might have been rocky as hell but you still saw how much they loved each other and didn't want to see the other hurt. I just kept waiting for Rafe to get a clue. The man had a wall up so thick you could knock on it and hear nothing.
I also enjoyed how Kaitlyn worked on her relationship with her niece. It wasn't easy at times and the girl had so issues but over time she, along with the town was able to help her understand her worth.
During the book, Kaitlyn is looking for a recipe of her grandfathers so it's talked about a lot. I haven't yet tried it but plan on doing so soon. I love when books talk about food/cookie/drink and then give you the recipe.
I will mention that All I Want for Christmas is You (do you also hear music when you say the title?) but for me, it reads better after you've read the other two books in the Angel Falls series. It flows better.
5 - "All I really ever wanted for Christmas was you…" Stars!
Another absolutely stellar addition to the Angel Falls series, Rafe Langdon and Kaitlyn Barnes story began in the previous book in that the reasons for their getting together in this one occurred at that point, and I have been dying to read their story ever since. Miranda didn’t disappoint. All I Want for Christmas is You was the perfect mix of Christmas, family, a budding relationship and the chemistry that simmers constantly between our H/h as their connection grows.
"I’m not sure I can be who you need me to be… But I want to try. You make me want to try…"
Unplanned pregnancy is always going to be one of my favourite tropes and Miranda played this one out perfectly with a couple that are neither prepared, together or in any way, shape, or emotional form, ready to take on the responsibility of raising a child together. A little face-planting action from Nonna brings about a fake engagement, and some rogue asbestos, brings about a change in living conditions and voila! Our couple are living together and trying to keep their clothes on!
Everything between them felt different… it was better… but in a way she couldn’t quite put her finger on…
Rafe has been the happy-go-lucky charmer of the previous books so getting a deeper look into him and his past added a great emotional depth to this story, and Kaitlyn was the perfect match for him in that she didn’t give up her independence in order to be with him.
"Love changes things… But you’ve got to make yourself vulnerable enough to let it in…"
Add in a cute puppy, plenty of interaction from the rest of the Langdon clan and the town of Angel Falls in general and this was a Christmas winner for me!
"Yours and mine…"
This small town romance was a coupling that has been hinted at since book 1 of this series. I was excited to finally get more of this love story, and get the full picture, especially with Rafe.
TW: LOSS OF A LOVED ONE, DEPRESSION
I was a little disappointed that the author chose to go the pregnancy route for this love story. I mean, after reading it, I do understand that particular choice. It's just still a trope that isn't my favorite.
This couple really had an amazing friends to lovers go though. I enjoyed it, and would recommend it despite the fact that it has one of my least favorite tropes.
I can't wait to come back to Angel Falls for the next book, whenever it gets written.
There’s no doubt in my mind that fans of the Angel Falls series have been clamoring for Rafe and Kaitlyn’s story - myself included. I fell for them from the beginning, and thank God Miranda Liasson gave us their story with All I Want for Christmas Is You! This is the third book in the series, and yes. You could read it out of order and be just fine; that’s how I read it. But I will say that Kaitlyn and Rafe’s flirtation in the previous books was so wonderful, and I think reading them in order will give the reader a much sweeter payoff.
Having lost his first love in an accident years ago, Rafe Landgon is no stranger to tragedy. It’s taught him to distance himself from people, and to shut his heart off to finding love. His one exception is his family, who he absolutely adores. Rafe was such a wonderful man. The adoration he showed his family was mutual; he was so sweet to his sisters, a doting uncle who loved being around his nieces and nephew, and a hero with his work as a firefighter. There was a particular scene with his step-mother in this book that showcased how loving Rafe was, and it was enough to tug at the heartstrings. He is just such a loving man, and to see him hold himself back from that was heart wrenching. Kaitlyn has been friends with Rafe’s sisters for as long as she can remember, and she’s had a crush on Rafe for almost as long. While her family may have been smaller, it was no less loving. But the lesson she inadvertently learned from her mother wouldn’t allow her to ask for help or even allow it when it was offered. So when Rafe and Kaitlyn get carried away one night and it results in an unplanned pregnancy, she’s adamant that she can do this by herself if she has to. This is where Kaitlyn’s hard-nose for independence comes through. This man, who she has known her entire life, who has always been there for his family, and for her - she can’t help but continuously give him an out. Which, of course, Rafe never takes. It was getting frustrating for me, and I had to keep reminding myself that Kaitlyn wasn’t privy to Rafe’s thoughts like I was. I also had to remind myself that it was an inherent part of her character based on things that happened in her life, and her character arc really was wonderfully written. There was a lot of push and pull in this book, which was fitting based on Rafe and Kaitlyn’s pasts, and it killed me. They were so in love but just could not get on the same page at the same time. And when they finally do - man. It’s that amazing payoff that I was talking about earlier!
We finally get to meet Kaitlyn’s mother here and her troubled niece who has come to stay with him, and I really enjoyed this part of the story as well. That Kaitlyn’s mother recognized her inability to accept help before she did really spoke to how well she knew her daughter, and I like that Kaitlyn saw pieces of herself in her niece. There was also a stray puppy in this book that (mild spoiler) Rafe wouldn’t allow himself to connect with despite his adoration for the pup, and it was a brilliant way for the author to showcase just how much he’d shut himself down. Oh, and my favorite part of this story was Rafe calling Kaitlyn ‘Katie.’ He was the only one who did, and every time he did, it melted my heart. That he was in love with her pretty much from the beginning of this book was so evident to everyone but them. Obviously we get to see a lot of Rafe’s family in this book, as they have collectively played a large part in each installment of the series. I do wish that there had been just a bit more focus on Rafe’s past relationship since it played such a prominent part in who he was today, and based on his past, it was fairly predictable to see what the main conflict was going to be between him and Kaitlyn, but that didn’t make All I Want for Christmas Is You any less enjoyable for me.
Overall, I have found the Angel Falls series to be so poignant and delightful. Highlights for me have been seeing the Langdon kids still dealing with the loss of their mother even all these years later as adults; it just felt so real. Also, the way they are with their Nonna was so precious; this author has created a beautiful family that I think anyone would love to be a part of. I am very sad to see this family go, but the epilogue in this one left me feeling happy for them. If you love small town romance and close knit families, I can’t recommend this series enough. I know I’ll be returning to Angel Falls many times over with re-reads!
If you're a sucker for a sweet - and a little spicy - holiday romance, this is the book for you.
Kaitlyn and Rafe have been friends forever, albeit the kind of friends who want to rock the headboard. One drunken night they do, and now Kaitlyn is pregnant. A fake engagement ensues, and you can kind of guess where this is headed.
I loved this story. I liked seeing Rafe learn to trust his heart, and I loved his Nonna. I liked Kaitlyn's selflessness and perseverance, and I liked her strength. She's not going to change who she is for Rafe, and she isn't going to let him take more of her heart than he has.
The Christmas angle is delightful. I'm all about some hot Hallmark loving, and Miranda Liasson delivers that here.
Get your mistletoe on and read this book. It's sweet and romantic and full of holiday cheer.
I really enjoyed this book, this whole series is super fun I am in love with the small town of Angel Falls, they seem like one big family and everyone has your back. I liked how in this book it was about finding a hero but about finding hope in the present. I loved how Kailyn and Rafe were best friends and how through everything they faced they wanted to keep that friendship at the forefront. I had a hard time putting this book down it just draws you in and so fun to read it really makes you feel like you are reading about friends not about fictional characters. There is sex in this book so it may not be suitable for all readers.
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane- Annie Rains
When I saw this book all over social media I knew I wanted to read this book and one thing I wasn't sure of if it would live up to all the hype. Well I was not disappointed it completely lived up to the hype I fell in love with this book. I have never read anything by this author and to be honest I can't wait to read more. I loved the small town of Sweetwater Springs and it seemed like one of those towns you just want to go visit, total small town America for sure. I loved the heart of the story and I loved how in the end you want to follow up with some many more characters wondering whats happening in there lives as well. I felt this book was a quick read even though its a larger book. I will also say that in this book it does imply adult situations but over all this is a good clean read which was completely refreshing. If you have never read or even if you have by Annie Rains grab this book you will not be disappoint at all totally worth the read and it will totally put you into the Christmas spirit.
All I Want for Christmas Is You the third and last book in the Angel Falls Series by Miranda Liasson. Even though this is book number 3 in the series it can very well be read as a standalone. This is a wonderfully written story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. This is a sweet Christmas Novel dealing with real life issues like for example pregnancy. If you like a friends to lover’s storyline then this is definitely the book for you. The story was well written the characters are well defined. This book will have you both laughing and crying. I highly recommend this book it is a great story, has an adorable dog and a cookie recipe to boot what more could you ask for?
All I Want for Christmas Is You by Miranda Liasson is a sweet Christmas romance. The story is full of friends and family with an unexpected baby and an adorable puppy as bonuses. There's even a cookie recipe at the end of the book.
Kaitlyn and Rafe have been friends for a very long time. Kaitlyn is best friends with Rafe's sisters. She is pretty much already a part of his family. They both have things in their past that prevent them from having a relationship. They are best friends and both feel an attraction but feel it's better not to do anything that would hurt their friendship. One night at a wedding they get carried away and it results in a positive pregnancy test. Everything escalates when they tell Rafe's family and end up pretending to be engaged as to not upset his Nonna when she ends up in the hospital.
I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance. The characters were fun and the story centered on family. I would love to read more from this author.
Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Romance
Release Date: Oct 29, 2019
I fell in love with the Angel Falls series by Miranda Liasson when the first book, "Then There Was You", included as a "bonus novel" in the back of another book. This series has the best small town romances and I've really enjoyed getting to know the Langdon family. I was so excited when I learned that we were finally going to get Rafe and Kaitlyn's story after seeing it build over the previous two books.
Kaitlyn is determined to finally get over her crush on Rafe, one of her best friends; but as a result of one night at a wedding Kaitlyn finds herself with an unexpected surprise: she's pregnant. Their families immediately assume this means they're engaged and the two are stuck navigating this pretend relationship while they figure out what they actually want from each other.
Like the other Angel Falls stories, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is such a sweet, charming story that will have you feeling all the cozy, holiday romance feels. I particularly enjoyed the subplots in this one with Kaitlyn's niece and the stray dog. Seriously, if you want a romance that will just make you happy, read this one.
4/5 stars
I absolutely loved this book! It was sad, exciting, emotional, happy and full of love! It was hard to put down and I just couldn’t get enough! I will be looking for more books by Miranda!
This is the third book of the Angel Falls series and while they all stand alone and you don't *have* to read the first two to enjoy this one, you really should because they are wonderful and they add so much to this story. There is some mild cursing and some sex, but neither thing overwhelms the story – this is absolutely a character-driven story. The cover of this book is also gorgeous. I cannot wait to add this paperback to my collection because all three of these books have had the perfect covers for the stories and this one is my favorite.
I have loved this series so much, and this book was no exception – this was the perfect ending to this arm of the series. (Yeah, I'm holding out hope that we don't leave this town yet, don't judge me.) Rafe and Kaitlyn's story was deeper and more emotional than I'd thought it would be, to be honest, but I should have known better with Ms. Liasson. Both of them had tremendous loss and trust issues due to their pasts that broke my heart as we read and learned more about them, but Rafe's was especially difficult. His innermost thoughts and fears about his past (no spoilers) made me want to hug him so hard. Watching him overcome those was really heart-breaking but also so beautiful.
As always, the side characters in this story were amazing. I loved the updates on the characters from the previous books, but my favorite non-Nonna side character was, without question, Rachel. Oh my gosh, I absolutely adore Rachel and her relationship with the Langdon kids, but I especially loved seeing her connect with Rafe. So often step-parents are portrayed as evil and horrible, but Miranda Liasson has created a beautiful relationship between Rachel and all of the Langdon kids, but her talk with Rafe was especially gorgeous. I loved it. And yeah, I cried during their talk. Because Ms. Liasson just isn't happy unless she makes me cry at least once when I'm reading her books. Hazel also turned out to be quite an awesome addition to this story and the family, which surprised me, to be totally honest.Hopefully Nikki comes to Angel Falls and we get a side story in town because I don't want to leave this magical place! Without spoiling anything, I also loved the baby's name. It was so beautiful.
And of course, Nonna and her shenanigans made me fall so in love with her. She was hilarious and sweet and absolutely perfect. I'm not going to spoil anything but I need to say Thank You to Ms. Liasson for the gift of Nonna.
I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a well-written, character driven story. Ms. Liasson is the queen of beautifully written, feel-good, emotional love stories. If you're new to her books, start at the beginning of this story – you will not be disappointed.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU is the third book in Miranda Liasson’s “Angel Falls” series. I believe this book can work as a standalone story but reading the previous two books in the series first will give the relationship more context, and give the reader a better understanding of the hero’s family dynamic. This is a great book for romance fans who enjoy the friends-to- lovers trope. Kaitlyn Barnes and Rafe Langdon have known each other and been friends for what feels like forever. In ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU, two friends re- evaluate their relationship after Kaitlyn becomes pregnant by Rafe. Rafe must work through his emotional baggage before he can be the man Kaitlyn needs him to be for her and the baby.
Each of these two main characters in ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU have a lot on their plate. Kaitlyn is frantically looking for her grandfather’s cookie recipe in order to use it to win a cookie contest, she’s acting as guardian/mentor to her visiting seventeen-year-old niece Hazel, and she’s pregnant by her longtime crush and BFF. Rafe is struggling with the idea of fatherhood and coupledom after the last time he tried it, things ended tragically. Kaitlyn is easy to relate to. She’s a strong woman with a kind heart. Kaitlyn’s honest with Rafe about the baby and tries to work with him to make the best situation in a sea of complicated circumstances. I’m glad this story is told from alternating perspectives, since Rafe’s emotions vary day to day, along with his fear of taking another chance on a long-lasting love. Although there is a lot of drama in this story, it’s also full of the small-town charm, humor, and phenomenal characters typical of a Miranda Liasson book. At the end of the day Rafe and Kaitlyn are both good people and their love story is a fascinating one.
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU has yummy cookies, Christmas miracles, and a sensational seasonal love story. This story has a relationship that starts with an unexpected baby and a fake engagement, but the love that develops is very real. I love the supporting characters that add to the storytelling. I look forward to reading Miranda Liasson’s next book.
One of my favorite series comes to an end with her latest, All I Want for Christmas Is You. If you haven’t read anything by Miranda Liasson, now that the weather is getting cooler, she has the perfect love stories that you can curl up with near the fire.
I purposefully took my time because being this is the last book in the Angel Falls series, I didn’t want it to end. I’ve grown so fond of the Langdons and really didn’t want to say goodbye. As with all good things that must come to an end, this has to be my favorite of all. She saved the best for last concluding the series featuring Rafe and Kaitlyn.
So, if you’re not familiar with Rafe, he has had things pretty hard. After he lost his wife and baby, he basically shut down love and relationships that potentially would be long term. With the support of great family and friends, the biggest hurdle has been him opening himself up and breaking down the protective walls of hurt and pain. He has everything good going for him but the love of a great gal that would make things complete. If you have followed the series than you know out of the ladies that have come his way, there has been no one as special as his friend Kaitlyn.
She has had life tough but has made a great life for herself. With the support of the Langdons and her friendship with Rafe, life couldn’t have been better. In the last book, we left off with them at a wedding and they had a night that they both will never forget. Fast forward to this book, the awkwardness that has been between them turns around when Kaitlyn finds out something that changes both their lives forever.
Overall, like with all her books, she captures something special in her characters that makes you want them to be a part of your life. Out of the Langdons in this series, Rafe is the one that you want to root for the most to get his hea. Kaitlyn is such a loving and relatable character that you just want to be your best girlfriend. Without sharing too much, their friendship will shift and fate will step in big time for a sweet gift for the readers. This was a wonderful wrap up to the series that will leave your heart full and complete. If you have read the series, start from the beginning. If you have followed along like me, make sure you add it to the list to read.
So I have loved this series, I am not sure which book in the series this is but I have read the whole series and I absolutely loved every single story and every character in this story. I also love this author a lot. So when I saw that this book ended the series and stars Kaitlyn and Rafe well I was so excited. But I was majorly disapointed with this story. I cannot remember another book where I was so let down with what I expected in a series ending and characters I had grown to love.
Mostly my issue was the character of Rafe. I felt for at least 50% of the story that he was a HUGE, humongous coward and to be honest I had not one clue why Kaitlyn loved him so much. Really not one single clue. He might make a great friend but as a man he was this big coward and he is 29 so he does not have youth on his side on why he was such a jerk.
His excuse is that he fiancee some 8 years before. YES 8 YEARS!! died and lost their baby at the same time. And since then he does not want to risk his heart on committment, love or a family. Now I have never lost a fiancee and a baby but 8 years, its crazy and you would think he could get counseling for it so he can move on. And he has this close and amazing family with some of them being doctors so you'd think they'd encourage him to heal and move on but some 8 years later he is this huge coward. I really hated him!
So when Kaitlyn, his supposed best friend and best friend to his sisters sleeps with him, he treats her like crap. I mean horribly. He ducks her, he doesnt talk to her, and that was for several months since the wedding where they have a one night stand. Then she finally tells him and he is the biggest coward and is awful. Eventually he decides to support her but for it was way too late.
Now what did I like about this story was everyone else BUT Rafe. I loved Nona, and Sarah and Kaitlyn and her niece and even her mother. They were all awesome characters and totally there for her no matter what. The story is also well written and pretty realistic with the whole pregnancy thing. For me the character of Rafe really ruined this story for me.
I was hooked on this book within the first chapter. Such a good love story that keeps you on your toes as it unfolds. I didn’t want to put it down once I started it! Definitely a book to read.
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @readforeverpub
This book was a beyond lovely Christmas read! This is the 3rd and final book In the Angel Falls series Miranda Liasson but it was my first visit there.
This was a great read with friends to lovers, an adorable puppy, an unexpected pregnancy and Christmas magic. I loved Kaitlyn and Rafe and the dynamic between them while they figured out how to let each other, healing past hurts and how to become more than best friends
A sweet story that brings the Angel Falls series to a nice end. Rafe and Kaitlyn will have you rooting for them to find there way to be with each other and have the happy ever after that they both deserve.
This was the best friends to lovers, surprise pregnancy romance that I've read in a long time.
I love the family aspect of this story. Everyone was so close and so cheerful, it was hard not to fall in love with Langdon family, even when Nona is manipulative and calculating...with the best intentions, of course.
There was a bit of back and forth from Rafe that could've gotten really annoying if the author hadn't done a great job of showing (not just telling) how his history has affected his ability accept love and happiness with someone outside of his immediate family. It was obvious from very early on that he and Kaitlyn felt more for each other than the love between friends but their journey to acknowledge those feelings was paced perfectly and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey!!
I'm sad to see this series come to an end but what a great way to finish!!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for honest review
This author once again excels in her storytelling giving us a touching story to be enjoyed all year round.
Kaitlyn Barnes and Rafe Langdon have known each other all their lives and been very good friends just as long.
She’s now the proud owner of the local bakery. A woman that will do anything not only for the ones she loves, but for the town in general.
Rafe is a firefighter, always with a smile, a jokester and a man who avoids serious relationships. But on the night of a friend’s wedding they slept together . A night that would change their lives forever.
This unexpected pregnancy is not only a shock but one that will test their friendship and future. Rafe had a tremendous loss years ago. More than what many know about. After that , he swore he would never give his heart to anyone since they too could be taken away from him.
Will they be able to find their HEA, or will Rafe miss out on the wonders of love because of his fears?
This story though at times heartbreaking, is also heartwarming. A reminder that life is messing and loving is a gamble , but also the most wonderful thing in the world.
You will come to love Rafe, Katie and the rest of the characters in this book.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Hachette Book Group. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is a cute Christmas novel. If you like Lifetime Christmas movies, this book is for you.
I liked that a romance-y Christmas novel dealt with some realistic modern problems like pregnancy and prior losses and not just some contrived misunderstandings.
I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series so it was kind of hard to keep track all of the pregnant sisters and their various spouses and kids. But I quickly realized it didn't matter since they aren't really germane to the plot. They are very much bit players in this book.
The subplot with Hazel was pretty weak. I would have liked a little more focus on that relationship. Kate spends way more time working on that cookie recipe than she does with her niece. If she hadn't made Hazel work at the diner, she'd never see the poor girl.
*I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and I am required to disclose that in my review in compliance with federal law.*