Between The Pages - Lights, Camera, Christmas Town

Lights, Camera, Christmas Town

Anna J. Stewart, Beth Carpenter, Cari Lynn Webb, Cheryl Harper, Leanne Bristow, Liz Flaherty, Melinda Curtis, and Tanya Agler 

October 2023 

What could make the holidays in Christmas Town even more magical? The arrival of a TV movie’s cast and crew to recreate one of their most beloved couple’s happily ever after! 

The snow is falling, the chestnuts are roasting, and Posey’s peppermint pies can’t keep up with demand! But there’s also mischief afoot as filming begins. Someone keeps sneaking Elmer the Elf into scenes, the town is buzzing with romantic gossip, and the Knotty Elves once again turn their creative endeavors from knitting to helping others find true love. 

Between The Pages 

Eight stories by eight different authors, yet the reading is smooth and connected. The plot is surrounded by a movie filmed in Christmas Town. New and old characters are spotlighted, each interesting and well-developed. The Knotty Elves are key to each story. The stories have a mixture of humor, drama, and lots of romance. This collection of stories is perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit. 

Rating 

5 Stars

Between The Pages - Christmas at Solace Lake

Christmas at Solace Lake 

Jana Richards 

October 2023 

It’s Christmas time at Solace Lake Lodge, but a series of thefts threatens everyone’s holiday spirit.

An emergency brings Drew Barnes to Solace Lake Lodge, an inn deep in the Minnesota woods owned by his aunt and uncle. He’s sure desperation is the only reason they’d allow him to fill in as their bookkeeper. No one in his family has believed in him since his mistake got him fired from his previous job. Soon after he arrives, Drew is disheartened to discover a series of thefts and financial irregularities. The last thing he wants is to be put in the middle of another crime. 

Sous chef Celeste Bishop has made a good life for herself and her nine-year-old daughter in the three years she’s worked, and lived, at Solace Lake Lodge. After being unfairly fired, this was the only job she could get, and she’s grateful her gamble on the lodge paid off. The only sticking point is the isolation since she never learned to drive. How can she show her daughter independence when she’s always relying on others? 

Drew sees Celeste’s frustration and offers to teach her to drive. A powerful attraction ignites between them, and soon deeper, stronger emotions blossom. Drew is all in, but Celeste resists her feelings. She’s nine years older than Drew. An interracial relationship didn’t work for her parents. And loving Drew feels like a betrayal of her deceased husband.

As Christmas approaches, the thefts escalate. Can Drew stop the thief and redeem himself in his family’s eyes—and his own? And can he convince Celeste they deserve the gift of a happily ever after this Christmas?

Between The Pages 

This is the fourth book in the Love at Solace Lake series, but you don’t have to read the previous books to read this one. This story stands well on its own with a budding romance between Drew and Celeste, who are strong leading characters. The rest of the cast is enjoyable, especially Celeste’s daughter, Hope who is so sweet, I would have liked to see her in more scenes. The author wrote a compelling story filled with heavy emotions of family drama, loss, and insecurities. Also written well was the discrimination of race and disability. Added to the romance is a little mystery of someone stealing and hacking into the lodge’s computer. The mystery was a fun bonus and propelled the read to a satisfying ending. The beautiful cover and story will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.

Rating 

4.5 stars

Between The Pages - Wyoming Christmas Reunion

Wyoming Christmas Reunion 

Melinda Curtis 

November 2022 

A love that never died… 

Could be rekindled this Christmas 

Helen Blackwell never stopped loving horse trainer Nash…even when she divorced him. When the stoic cowboy bets the ranch on her winning a cutting horse competition—and she’s terrified to ride—she wonders if there’s any hope for them. Renewing the love between them may take more than a moment under the mistletoe. But working together could heal past hurts and give their five-year-old son his Christmas wish! 

Between The Pages 

The fifth and final book in the Blackwells of Eagle Springs wrapped up the series perfectly with a Christmas bow. While this book is a stand-alone story, I would recommend reading them in order to fully connect with this family. Nash and Helen were destined to be together, and their love shows on every page. The scenes of Nash helping Helen overcome her fear of horse riding were endearing. The whole series is all about family and this book really enhances their bond and they even take in a straggler. One of many highlights in this story was Denny’s voice being more prominent, which allowed the reader to get to know her better. This story flowed seamlessly with the books before it. Each book is independent, but the five authors make it feel like they are one writer. They take readers into their world, introduce them to the characters, and welcome them into the Blackwell family. Well done. 

Rating 

5 Stars