Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Review - - Noel, Alabama: An Alabama Christmas

 

Noel, Alabama
An Alabama Christmas Romance
by Susan Sands
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Release Date: October 19, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 


She’s finally come home, but will she choose to stay?


After twelve years spent building her career in Los Angeles, Bailey Boone returns home to Ministry, Alabama, weeks before Christmas with a large cast and crew. She’s desperate for a miracle to save her company’s big budget holiday film that just lost its winter wonderland location. Bailey may have bolted from Ministry before the ink on her diploma dried, but her hometown definitely knows how to throw an unforgettable southern Christmas. Except she forgot about the ghosts of Christmas past she left behind—especially her first love, Seth.

Sheriff Seth McKay never forgot the girl he let go so many years ago. They were soulmates, but he knew Bailey needed more than Ministry could offer. Now she’s back and more stunning and confident than ever. Despite the years, their connection and chemistry still burn bright. Can Seth find his own Christmas miracle and convince Bailey to write her story in Ministry...with him?

PJ's Thoughts:

Ministry sure knows how to celebrate Christmas! Susan Sands returns readers to her small Alabama town for another delicious slice of Christmas romance pie. Whenever I begin reading one of the books in this series it's not long before I forget this isn't a real town and immerse myself in the lives, and loves, of her characters.

Bailey and Seth just may be my favorite couple of this series. Their story of coming home and second chances really tugged at my heartstrings. They are both such good, likable people. I appreciated the fact that even though hearts were broken when Bailey left to pursue her dreams, there was no animosity when she returned with the movie crew. The bond between Seth and Bailey may have been stretched to its limits but it had never broken. My heart ached for Bailey as she was finally given the tools to explore her past and the connection she never knew of before. This trip home, for her, was not only about reconnecting with Seth, but also about reconnecting with her younger self, with the dreams of her youth, and forging a path for the future. And Seth. ::sigh:: Who wouldn't love a guy who is so supportive, so encouraging, so loving? He's not perfect (hey, who is) but he sure is perfect for Bailey. I loved him for wanting to build a future with her but I loved him more for wanting her to build the future that was right for her. 

The secondary cast only adds to the richness, humor, and heart of the story. I adored Bailey's dad and Seth's mom. I want to have tea and shortbread with the darling Mrs. Wiggins (I'll take the side door, thank you very much - you'll understand after you read the book). I want to hang out with Alexis (maybe some of her organizational skills and style will rub off). The thought of Seth's mom's delicious pizza has me drooling and I want a pan of that fudge for myself, please. I want to sing carols at the tree lighting, enjoy a mug of hot chocolate with the locals, catch up with all of my "friends" and celebrate the newest happily ever after in Ministry, Alabama. 

If you're looking for a sweet, heartwarming Christmas romance filled with humor, Southern charm, relatable characters, emotional depth, and happy endings, pick up a copy of Noel, Alabama. While this is part of a series and fans will enjoy glimpses of favorite characters from earlier books, readers new to Ministry will be able to jump right in with no worries of being lost or confused. 

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Have you read Susan Sands yet?

What holiday treat would you eat a whole pan of?




11 comments:

  1. I haven't had a chance to read this author but I've added Noel, Alabama to my Goodreads list. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hope you enjoy it, Mary! Susan Sands will be back on October 19 with a Q&A and giveaway.

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  2. I've read the first 2 books in this series. I need to catch up. I am with you on the fudge. I could eat the whole pan.

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    1. One of the things I like about this series is that you really can jump in anywhere.

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  3. I've read a few of her books.

    Love Christmas fudge.

    denise

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    1. Kind of hard not to like Christmas fudge, am I right? ;-)

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  4. You have introduced me to another new to me author. I love Christmas stories and your review has made this one sound absolutely lovely. Thank you for that.

    There are several things I like to eat....fudge ....mince pie and plum pudding. Yes, I know, not another soul in the universe likes the last two. What can I say??

    I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

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    1. My dad loved mince pie! We always had it both Thanksgiving and Christmas every year when I was growing up.

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  5. I haven't read anything by her, but love your review. I will check out the book. Thanks!

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  6. I did read the first 2 books in this series. Stuff interrupted but I need to get back on track. I think the 3rd book is Ben's story and I really want to read that one. I like to read a series in order, even if you don't have to. Thanks for the great review.

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