Member Reviews
Fab book, I really enjoyed this book it has so many layers and was really enjoyable.
I thought the flashbacks to both Ruby’s experienced with Wendy and her life at the Christmas house and Charlottes life growing up were really really great.
I loved that the book wasn’t too predictable and that there were real moments of unexpected joy.
This is a great book and I really thought it was fabulous.
This honest review was provided in exchange for an arc provided by netgalley.
Romance at Christmas, you just can't top that. This book just brought me right to that time and I could not put it down. I loved all the characters in the book and how they evolved throughout. The story mainly focuses on Ruby's past and her granddaughter, Charlotte's, present. It was such a heartwarming story that the author really made me feel like I was a part of it and boy was I rooting for these two the entire time. I am not one to give anything away in reviews, so just trust me when I say that this book is definitely one that you don't want to pass up.
4.5 stars!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for my honest review.
This is the story of how adults can really screw up their lives and the lives of their kids--and the story of how love can heal hurts. .
It is a dual timeline story that comes together in a sweet charming way, as would be expected in a book with this cover and title. Sure, things worked out a little too well--but its a Christmas romance, right?
I'd like to thank the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B-
Richly emotional and filled with a depth of heart and spirit. I was immediately drawn into the story and riveted until the end. Wonderful characters that seemed so real. Both sad and heartwarming. More substance than the usual Christmas offerings. I recommend this beautiful book highly.
I'm a huge fan of Victoria James and this book definitely didn't disappoint. If you are looking for a feel good romance that will have you sighing happily at the end you need to pick up any of her books. I really enjoyed watching the romance develop between Charlotte and Wyatt as well as the relationship Charlotte develops with Wyatt's daughter. There's a great cast of supporting characters and I'm hoping we will get to see Charlotte's sister also find her happily ever after in a future book.
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Charlotte and Olivia are returning to their families bed and breakfast fir the holidays. Charlotte finds out their next door neighbor is Wyatt. She had a crush on him. I enjoyed the chemistry between Charlotte and Wyatt.
Love can come at any age if you trust in it. “The Christmas House” provided the break from reality that I needed. A sweet tale about forgiveness, family, friendship, and love. I enjoyed this book and will search out more by Victoria James.
Ruby might have had the magic touch in reconciling people in the past, but it certainty didn't work well with her own two granddaughters. I felt the whole book was contrived and the plot rather trite. which disappointed me as I usually like Victoria James
This was a really sweet holiday story and it has a nice wholesome love story at the center. Its main theme is family and second chances. The story is set during the Christmas season and follows the lives of Ruby Harris, her daughter Wendy, and two granddaughters Charlotte and Olivia. The story revolves around Charlotte and Wyatt, who are both recovering from their own past traumas. Charlotte and Wyatt's stories are told in alternating POV. There are also flashbacks of Ruby's telling her story. I enjoyed learning about Ruby's life through flashbacks and how she became a strong influence in her granddaughter's lives. I enjoyed being a part of the quaint little town called Silver Springs and getting to know the residents during the holiday season. The only thing I think that could have made this book even better was an added epilogue. Most major events of the story happened on Christmas Eve during the years. An epilogue would help to tie up the loose ends and give the characters a more satisfying ending. Overall this was a charming story and I enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of, The Christmas House, by Victoria James. This is a delightful Christmas story. Your never too old to fall in love again.
I received this book for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley
Let me just start out saying I love Christmas book. And this one hit it's mark. Fun characters, cozy setting and a kickin' plot.
Charlotte, Olivia and Wyatt each have their own issues. But when Charlotte goes back to stay with Grandma Ruby good memories come back of living at the Christmas house. She rediscovers Wyatt who now lives next door. Charlotte helps Wyatt with his daughter and they fall in love. Olivia shows up with her new baby and a soon to be divorce in progress, Charlotte and Ruby work their magic to help Olivia.. Suddenly their mother appears at the christmas house bringing her negativity with her. All the while Charlotte is the one to bring peace. Secrets come out and all is explained. A really cute story.
The Christmas House by Victoria James is a heartwarming story about overcoming life’s struggles. The story follows the story of two generations, a grandmother and her granddaughter, and how one’s life choices can impact and mold who the other would become.
Ruby’s story is told in pieces at the beginning of each new chapter. As a young girl she found herself pregnant out of wedlock, alone, and disowned by her family. With help from a couple of perfectly placed altruistic souls, Ruby found a job, a home, and friends who would become her family. Ruby vowed that she would be strong for her daughter and never allow herself to fall for a man again.
Charlotte, Ruby’s granddaughter, had grown up in a home with an alcoholic mother and a father who walked out when she was twelve. Being the oldest child, she had always taken on the role of creating order out of chaos. Charlotte made sure the house was clean, the lunches packed, and that her younger sister, Olivia, was looked after. The only bright spot in her life was spending time at The Christmas House with her grandmother Ruby.
Charlotte was hopeful for a peaceful holiday season spent at The Christmas House but realizes that is not meant to be when it bemoes obvious something tragic is going on in Olivia’s life, her mother arrives early, and the man living next door is her childhood crush who disappeared the same day her father did. Can Charlotte handle all of the chaos.
I loved The Christmas House. It had so much depth and layers. It was heartbreaking to follow Ruby’s story while still hoping for some kind of well deserved happily ever after. All of the characters are so well written and James did a great job world building. I also appreciated her ability to tackle the hard topic of child abuse and neglect and one’s ability to overcome.
The Christmas House by Victoria James is a great feel-good, family dynamics fiction that has definitely put me in the Christmas spirit.
This is the first book I have read by Ms. James, and I really enjoyed it!
I love the concept of families getting together for the holidays and there being a complex and complicated past that needs to be worked through. Add a dash of romance, mystery, and suspense, and one has got themselves an excellent book.
I thought the prose, pacing, and storyline were right on target, and I really enjoyed the full character cast. The ending was heartwarming and fitting.
I look forward to reading more from Ms. James.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Alcove Press for this wonderful and festive arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/7/21.