Some stories feel effortless. There’s no doubt author Sara Richardson worked incredibly hard to craft every sentence, yet Home for the Holidays feels like sitting down with a group of friend with a mug of hot chocolate for a chat. Her joyful descriptions of the shenanigans at the Juniper Inn blend with her heartfelt modeling of sisters in need of their family and a reset, making it easy to get lost in these pages. It feels effortless.

A lot of this success stems from the sisters themselves, three strong and unique characters who spearhead the action. Richardson has chosen to tell the story from each of their perspectives in alternating chapters, and it’s so much richer for it. Always organized and focused Dahlia, whose ex-husband has taken their children to Paris for the holidays, finds herself at a crossroads in life with no clear direction. Magnolia, who’s always been the most independent of the bunch, is struggling with her marriage after failed IVF treatments. And Rose, while usually ready with a creative solution, feels trapped in an engagement to a man with unreasonable expectations. Each is running through a low point in their life, and these early sections are especially heartbreaking because they’re such likable individuals.

Fortunately, the Juniper Inn serves as the perfect escape for each of them. Usually bustling with a hint of festive wonder in the air, it’s a little more rundown than the sisters remember. And yet, there’s a warmth that’s almost palpable on the page. Some of this stems from Aunt Sassy, a hilarious woman with a penchant for knowing just how to handle her girls. But Richardson really deserves the credit—she’s created a breathtaking backdrop that, as the books reaches its close, becomes hard to want to leave.

While not a heavy focus, there’s some romance in the air. Richardson carefully balances the broader family story with a couple of romantic suitors, one seemingly grumpy and the other seemingly perfect. Richardson has such a light touch with these scenes, and the feelings that blossom across the course of the book feel entirely natural while being a total joy to read. And really, how could anyone not want to fall in love in an enchantingly snowy Colorado setting?

Richardson has written a charming story that feels like a gift to read. Home for the Holidays is so perfectly packaged it should come with a bow on it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of "Home for the Holidays" by Sara Richardson in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Let me be the first to say that I'm a sucker for a good heartwarming holiday story. "Home for the Holidays" by Sara Richardson immediately grabbed my attention and had me reading late into the night just to reach the satisfying ending. This is the first novel I've read by Sara Richardson, and it certainly won't be my last.

The first few chapters described three sisters, Dahlia, Magnolia (Mags), and Rose all receiving letters from their estranged Aunt Sassy requesting that they join her for one last Christmas at their beloved Juniper Inn. Each sister is struggling in her own way with personal and family issues. All three decide to accept Sassy's invite and head to Juniper Inn for the holiday season. Each sister is described with vivid detail from their looks, to their personality, to their struggles, and beyond. I felt like For most of the book I felt like I was actually there witnessing the events that were taking place. I felt their pain, their joy, and the clarity that each gained regarding their situation.

Combining nostalgia, romance, and sisterly bonding is always a great idea. My only wish is that the story didn't end so quickly. With the ending, I hope that means the author is considering turning this into a series about the Dahlia, Magnolia, Rose, and their families. It's one that I would continue to read.

Home for the Holidays was my first experience reading anything by Sara Richardson, I truly enjoyed it. It was nice to read this Fall as the weather changed to thinking forward to wintertime with the beautiful writing. In this story, we travel with the Buchanan sisters to wintry Colorado for the Christmas season to help their Aunt Sally at her Inn. We meet the oldest sister Dahlia as she navigates helping her children through her recent divorce. Middle sister Magnolia, baker extortioner, and courageous women patiently waiting for her season of motherhood. Youngest sister Rose, preparing for her wedding but met with anxiety over what her married life may look like. I loved the sweetness of this story, it was told from the heart and felt like I have stepped right into the Christmas season. I especially loved the chapter where Rose arrived in CO and insists on "fixing" the town Christmas tree. This story is all about discovering how to use your talents to work together. It is about sisterhood and family. I loved the multiple points of view from each sister and seeing how they call come together to help Aunt Sally and her Inn.

Home for the Holidays is a bit different story for me to read written by Sara Richardson. I had read several books in the past that were true cowboy romances, this book is more along the lines of women’s fiction. All do not find there HEA in this story they do find family, happiness, contentment, and a measure of peace.

It is the story of women, three grown sisters and their aunt. There is past drama and present drama that makes this an interesting read. Their problems are not the same but not so unique that we can’t identify with each of them. A heartwarming and encouraging story that is highlighted by the Christmas holidays..

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

This is the first book I've read by Sara Richardson and if all her books are as good as this one, it certainly won't be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday book and while I typically don't break out the holiday reads until a bit later in the year, this year has been so out of whack that I am just going with the flow and reading what calls to me and this one was just what I needed.

I love books that explore sister relationships. Having two sisters myself, I always feel such a pull to these books and I think Sara Richardson does such a good job exploring these bonds. These sisters are all at a crossroads in their lives and when they come together at Juniper Springs for Christmas, they finally reveal the secrets they have been keeping from each other. I could relate to each of these sisters in some way, but more so to Magnolia as I have been where she is and could feel her pain and frustration completely.

This book tugged at my heartstrings so many times, but it is also such a heartwarming book, too. I loved the Christmas theme and it definitely has me looking forward to the holidays, whatever they may look like this year. It may not look like years past, but we will make do with what we can and that is all that matters.

I highly recommend adding this to your reading list...whether it be now when it comes out or later in the holiday season. It's definitely a great read and one that will certainly get you in the holiday mood!

When Sassy sends a letter to her three beloved nieces, it brings them back to the Colorado mountains for one last Christmas together. One is a divorced mother of two, one is overwhelmed with planning her wedding and dealing with her fiancé's high society mother, and the third sees her marriage crumbling around her after struggling with years of infertility and innumerable pregnancy attempts.

Dahlia, Rose and Magnolia each have their own struggles and uncertainty, but there's something magical and healing about being back at the Juniper Inn with their Aunt Sassy. They’re planning one last hurrah to make this the best Christmas the inn has ever seen, and each sister brings a skill set needed to make it happen.

Their time together finds the sisters reconnecting and strengthening their bond, allowing them to lean on each other when shocking family secrets are revealed. In the process, they learn forgiveness and acceptance and find hope for the future.

The small town is charming, the characters are likeable, and I love the storyline and underlying themes. If you enjoy women's fiction, you’ll probably love this book. Aside from being a bit wordy, which potentially obscures the uplifting messages, I thoroughly enjoyed this story about these three sisters.

Super cute movie style book with three sisters go out to see their aunt at her inn that they use to visit! Told in three POV with one that is a mom to some cute kids, getting over a divorce but almost truly running into the town doc. Rose who is about to get married and hating her soon to be mother-in-law. Mags who has had fertility issues. Love all the sister-ness and them finding themselves again. Super cute location!

Overall, 4 stars and .5 steam


Thanks Forever and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Home for the Holidays is the perfect feel-good holiday read!

This book has sisters Dahlia, Magnolia, and and Rose reuniting at their aunt's inn at Christmastime. Although the sisters have kept in touch, they're not as close as they once were. And they've become estranged from their aunt due to circumstances they don't understand between their aunt and mother.

Once at the cabin, their aunt welcomes them with open arms, and the familiarity and coziness draws each woman out. Once secrets and fears are shared, the sisters become closer than ever. They each have different struggles, but with patience, understanding, and encouragement from the other sisters and Aunt Sassy, they're able to face their circumstances.

I have a younger sister and so much of this book was relatable. It's so easy to drift apart as adults, when life gets busy with partners, jobs, and starting a new family. I love that the three sisters had the chance to reconnect as adults.

There's plenty of sweet romance in this book! There's new love, rekindled love, and a door left open for future romance. At the beginning of the novel, I was unsure where each sister's relationship was headed, and I was kept guessing until the final chapters!

The small-town, holiday backdrop was the perfect setting for the family reunions and romance! This book had plenty of Christmas moments, but it wasn't over the top. There were so many cozy scenes that had me wishing I was curled up with a warm blanket and hot cup of cocoa (and a Christmas cookie or two!).

Overall this is a delightful holiday read that I'll be recommending to everyone who needs a cozy, uplifting read in the coming months!

Home for the Holidays by Sara Richardson is a beautiful story that takes place in Juniper Springs at Christmas Time. Aunt Sassy brings together her three nieces who are sisters to celebrate Christmas. The sisters are named after flowers Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose. Such a special story read the story you will love it.

This book felt like I had been sucked into a real life Hallmark movie and I loved every minute of it! I seriously hope there will be another book that is a continuation of these 3 sisters. I need to know where Rose ends up 😉

Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose grew up spending Christmas at the Juniper in with their Aunt Sassy. Picture perfect Christmases that still hold a huge part of their hearts. Then their mom had a falling out with Sassy and they never went back. A letter from Aunt Sassy brings them all back to the inn for one last Christmas.

Each sister is fighting a different struggle within their life and they all decide that distance from the problem is probably their best choice for now. They decide to have one last Christmas Extravaganza at the Juniper Inn and spend a couple of weeks facing their problems and getting the Inn ready.

Of course they all make the right decisions for themselves and end up with their own versions of happily ever after. This was exactly the feel good book I needed right now.

Sara Richardson has captured the true meaning of Christmas in the pages of this book. Home for the Holidays follows three sisters who are at a crossroads in their individual lives and trying to find their self worth. They are all invited to their Aunt Sassy’s inn in Colorado for one last Christmas together. Being at the inn brings back memories of times shared, Christmas celebrations, and so much love. As these three sisters reminisce, they begin to realize who they are and what they want. This Christmas novel is going in my favorites pile, not just for the season, but for the whole year. I adored everything about this book!

This book was very sweet. The story of three sisters who travel to their Aunt's inn for Christmas, with chapters alternating in perspective between the three women. One thing I loved about this book was that it was like three mini stories in one! So if you weren't feeling one sister's path, you still had another, and another, to focus on. Each of the three stories was basically a romance, with some reaching more of a solid conclusion than others. Read on for a more detailed discussion and spoilers.

~~SPOILERS~~

DAHLIA
Dahlia's story was my favorite. I love a good later-in-life, single parent romance (gives me hope lol). She was truly free to find herself and a new relationship with sexy small town doctor Ian. There was no reason she couldn't take over the Inn and start a new independent life away from her a-hole ex. I found her romance the cutest, and her story the most plausible. I almost wish we had seen more of them! A second date? More at the Christmas extravaganza? An epilogue?? I want more!

MAGNOLIA
I wanted to love Magnolia's story. I love second chance romances because there's a built-in history and connection--there's no too-soon I-love-you's or a rush to the altar to wrap things up in a happy bow. The characters have a past and the story just builds on that. But I think this story would be extremely difficult to read for anyone who struggles with infertility to read. In all honesty, I wish Magnolia hadn't gotten pregnant in the book--instead, I wish she and her husband Eric had come together on their own, learned to love each other as partners again, baby aside. MAYBE in an epilogue they could have a baby or adopt or something, but it didn't seem like they ever got over their argument, it just seemed like a baby magically solved all their problems. And that isn't going to happen for everyone. For once, I'd like to see a couple in a romance novel struggling with infertility not just happen to get pregnant. This reminded me of one of the issue with The Friend Zone (which I love overall, but I likewise find this element problematic).

ROSE
Rose was the youngest of the sisters, and you could tell. It was difficult to come back from the moment she complained about her fiance's unwillingness to miss an important work meeting to spend the day in bed with her. Like... he has to work? That's what the weekend is for? She was being completely unreasonable and just started out the novel on the wrong foot. She quickly redeemed herself, and her fiance revealed himself to be kind of an a-hole (demanding she come back home with him, not standing up to his mother on her behalf, not supporting her career, etc.) and I grew to like Rose's story, though it still felt very rushed. She seemed to go from very in love with her fiance to leaving him in the matter of a few weeks without a sudden triggering event. I feel like it would have made more sense for her to refuse to go back with him but say they would discuss it when she got home or something? It just felt very sudden.

Obviously, I had a soft spot for Dahlia's story and was ambivalent about the other two. But that was the great thing about this book! We got three stories woven together into one complete package, so I was always entertained and genuinely looked forward to finding out what would happen to all three women. It had oodles of holiday cheer and Christmas-y goodness--all the qualities you could in a holiday read. It had romance and family and even a dog. Pretty much checked all the boxes!

Do you need a heartwarming, heartfelt book to cuddle up with? You don’t even need a fireplace to get into the spirit of this uplifting story.
Home for the Holidays is just that special kind of book that makes you want to be in the story and become a friend of the characters.
Three sisters and their aunt have lost contact with each other mostly due to being too busy. Though their mother also played a major part in this separation. Each of the main characters became special to me. Their family bonds, their friendship and their love for each other shines throughout the story.
Sara Richardson writes a beautiful happily ever after story you won’t want to miss experiencing. She is a new author to me and one I hope to read more from.
I strongly recommend you pick up this book! I know I will be picking up a few copies to share with friends.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing and author, Sara Richardson, for the opportunity to read this beautiful book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Home for the Holidays is a great sister bonding story. Rose, Dahlia and Magnolia are sisters all at different stages in their lives. They haven't spent a lot of time together in a lot of years. When they heard from their Aunt that they hadn't talked to in years, they all reached the same decision to spend their Christmas holidays with her. It's a great premise for the reunion and for each of them to face what isn't working in their lives and what to do about it. I really enjoyed the story. It made me laugh, cry and gave me the warm fuzzies. I will definitely keep an eye out for more books from Sara Richardson. It's a great holiday read. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book. This is my first Sara Richardson book that I have read but I can guarantee it won't be my last! What a great story about three sisters and their quirky aunt who all have lost touch due to busy lives and how the bonds of love can bring them all back together. The stories are all very believable and most people probably have someone in their lives or have heard of someone who have gone through similar trials. Ms. Richardson's writing of these stories were a joy to read and who doesn't want a happily ever after read during the holidays. The book was well written with strong characters who strive to move ahead with their lives by accepting the things they cannot change, but changing the things they can. I highly recommend if you want a good read over the holidays or any other time of the year to pick up this book!

Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose are sisters who each lead busy and active lives.
The sisters each get a letter from Aunty Sassy asking them to return to the Juniper Inn suggesting they spend the holidays together with her and they all think she is ill and they want to spend what time they have left with her.
Little did they know she is perfectly fine and just want them all to be together.
The sisters each have complications in their lives and need to be with each other.
I loved the story – the setting and each character added another dimension to the story.
I want to thank NetGalley, Sara Richardson and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of
Home for the Holidays. This is a story that will warm your heart and make you glad you went Home For the Holidays with them.

"Home for the Holidays" by Sara Richardson was enjoyable to read. It is about 3 sisters, Dahlia, Rose and Magnolia, returning to Juniper Inn which their Aunt Sassy owns for one last Christmas. Each sister is dealing with hard ships at home, whether it is Dahlia dealing with an ex who isn't very helpful or great with her kids, Rose and her soon to be mother-in-law who is more like a Monster-in-law, or Magnolia who is unsure how to handle her marriage right now as she and her husband are dealing with fertility issues.

Being that the book is from each of the sister's perspectives, it is easy to find something to relate to in each of them, as well as tell what is going on in their heads. The book is amazing at giving you that feeling of being able to look back at where you come from and still make decisions that can shape your future.

Sassy is a great aunt to spend time with, and reminds me a lot of family members that I have of my own.

If you want a book that will put you in the spirit for the holidays and remind you of the importance of family, than look no further than this book

Going home to lick your wounds or to get that extra strength from a beloved family member is what we all need sometimes.
The Buchanan Sisters get an opportunity to go back home to recharge their batteries and to reconnect with one another again and their dear Aunt Sassy! Maybe each woman can discover what they are truly looking for that is missing in their lives!

This is a good feel book without being sugary and sappy! The author does a great job of keeping it growing on a certain track, but I wish she would have developed it even longer is my only complaint! I didn’t want the book to end!

I don’t want to go into further details about the book because that would be divulging spoilers, but this is a great read!

Thank you to the authors and publishers who work diligently for us the readers.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

WOW!!! That was my reaction to this book. I feel in love with the cover and always have enjoyed this author so I dug in blinding have not a clue what the book was about. I so enjoyed it. I love the closeness of the sisters. I love Sassy, oh my what a pistol she is. I also liked how the author didn't even try and sugar coat any of the sisters lives, because of this the sisters felt like I was catching up with friends. The sisterhood in this book will make you long for that if you don't have it and will make you appreciate it even more if you do have it. This book is not necessarily about one love story but family the most important thing ever. I loved that the author kept this story a good clean read and it will put you in the mood for Christmas that's forsake. Seriously you can not go wrong with this book. I am not sure if the author plans a follow up in the future but I am ready for more from these three.

This was a really sweet Christmas romance. We have 3 sisters, who are all at a crossroads in their life. Their Aunt invites them to her inn in Colorado for Christmas. They all decide to go.
Rose isn't happy in her engagement, and isn't sure if she likes the woman she would have to be to make it work.
Dahlia has 2 kids, and a husband who ran off on her a year ago. She needs a break, and to rediscover who she is.
Magnolia has been trying to have a baby with her husband for many years. After lots of attempts with fertility treatments, he lets her know that he doesn't want to try anymore.
This coming of age Christmas story was a treat. It warmed my heart, and a dog got a new home in the process. The perfect Hallmark type Christmas book.