by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott
Carolina Christmas - Book 4
Publisher: Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, but the Chambers sisters are discovering that even the happiest season has its share of surprises. Noelle, newly married to Jace and managing her own cozy art gallery, is on a mission to perfect the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting. But between stepmom duties, dreams of growing her family, and strong-willed townsfolk resisting her festive plans, Noelle’s Christmas spirit is put to the test.
Meanwhile, Angie’s working at the iconic Biltmore House, where an intriguing new curator has her second guessing both her career and her heart. And their fun-loving stepcousin Hannah is struggling with the fact that her long-term relationship has fizzled out. Will a chance meeting with a former pro hockey player who now owns the Christmas tree farm have her skating her way into a whole new life?
Once again, Christmas brings challenges and change, happiness and heartbreak, and the power of unbreakable family bonds. Join these strong, funny, and loving women as they celebrate old traditions and create a few new ones along the way.
PJ's Thoughts:
Family. Faith. Heart. Humor. Hope. Love. These are the cornerstones of The Asheville Christmas Tradition, book four in the Carolina Christmas series co-written by women's fiction authors Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this book. It's been a heart-tugging and heartwarming journey. There were tears but also smiles, sighs, and more than a little laughter along the way. It's my recommendation that the books be read in order.
Scott and Holloway seamlessly blend their writing skills in this book. I would not be able to tell you which author wrote which words. They all flow together as if written in one voice. The characters are complex, interesting, and fully developed, creating bonds among the full cast of fictional characters as well as with me, the reader. I feel like I've come to know them, flaws, quirks, and all. They have realistic - and relatable - issues. They overcome challenges any of us might face. They have complicated family relationships, not always seeing eye to eye, but that family bond is strong and unbreakable. I love the support given and received among the women in this book, the lessons imparted and learned, and not only within the family. And I love the men in their lives, the committed partners who both give and receive the love, respect, and support we all should be fortunate enough to find.
There are also romantic elements within this book that offer insight into various characters. A long-term relationship ends, an unexpected one begins, a married couple face a difficult decision, a sweet tradition offers comfort to a widow, and all three sisters - and their partners - look forward to the future with hope, joy, and love in their hearts.
I would also like to mention the setting of the books in the Carolina Christmas series: Asheville, North Carolina. Most, if not all, of you are aware of the devastation heaped upon Asheville and the rest of Western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene. Scott and Holloway bring the beauty and unique vibe of Asheville to life in these books, all written before the storm. It's an area I love and know well, having lived within two hours of Asheville for more than twenty years. Mountain people are strong, they are resilient, and they will persevere. Of that, I have no doubt. It may take a while but they will rebuild their lives and their towns. In the meantime, they need help. Scott and Holloway have pledged to help that effort by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of the Carolina Christmas series (all four books - all formats) to Samaritan's Purse, an organization doing critical work on the ground in Western North Carolina. To help them in this mission, I have purchased a set of the four Carolina Christmas books in print format.
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 10 will receive the set of books: The Asheville Christmas Cabin, The Asheville Christmas Gift, The Asheville Christmas Wedding, and The Asheville Christmas Tradition. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
Wow, that is some giveaway. I would absolutely love to win this set of books. TY so much for the chance. Patoct
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the chance to win such an amazing prize! I haven't read any books by this author, but I can see that I've been missing out!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely prize you are offering. I believe it is a wonderful offer by the authors to support a place that has been so brutalized by storms. Thank you for the review. The books I have read by these authors show me what talented story tellers they are. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteA meaningful and beautiful giveaway which warms my heart. Thanks for your wonderful feature and special books.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful Christmas book, thank you for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book and series.
ReplyDeletedenise
I would love to win this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteRose Ward
rmward92@yahoo.com
PJ, thank you for this opportunity to win. Blessings, Hala. hala@awtrey.com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book and series. I love the fact that your purchase went to such a worthy cause. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI have not read this series yet. I love Christmas stories set in small towns. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteAlways enjoy your reviews especially the 5* ones.
ReplyDeleteNever been to Asheville, hope to visit with these stories.
I will get there one day.
I would be happy to win these books! Patty B
ReplyDeleteBooks sound good would love to win. Snagglepuss
ReplyDeleteThe books sound very interesting.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the devastation from the flood. We live about an hour from Asheville on the TN side of the mountains in the area that was devastated by the flood. Even seeing it first hand, it is hard to fathom the extent of the destruction. We live not far from the river near one of only 2 small bridges that are still open and where one of the major bridges was destroyed. One of our neighbor's house is over 100 years old and has never flooded. This time, the water was up to the second floor. Roads and railroad tracks are hanging in thin air. In some areas the river went from a few hundred feet wide to a mile wide. People didn't just lose their homes, the land is gone and they have no place to rebuild. One farmer near us had 150+ acres and now has only 40 to 50 acres left. The rest is just rock riverbed. Entire neighborhoods are gone. Most families along the path of this flood in both states will have a long road to recovery. Most were not in flood zones so did not have flood insurance. They have lost everything and will have a hard time replacing it.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are Red Cross volunteers and have been working this almost daily since the 27th. Our son is a rafter and spent the first day or so here doing river rescue and the next week plus bringing supplies upriver to a NC mountain community that was cut off. There have been so many individuals and groups that have come out to help with the cleanup and with donations of supplies and money. It is sorely needed. The help is needed and much appreciated. The one saving grace is the flood did not hit at night. If it had, the loss of life would have been horrific.
Thank you for your hard work on the ground with the Red Cross (and your son's) as well as your first-hand description of the devastation. I worry that people in other areas will forget about WNC in the months to come when the need will continue to be great. I've made monetary donations to organizations I trust and purchased winter clothing for direct delivery to families in need through WCNC-TV in Charlotte. Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC has been relentless in his efforts to get the people of the affected region the help they need. My prayers - and donations - will continue to be with you all.
DeleteI really worry with winter coming. There has already been snow in the mountains. Many people in the mountains are living in tents. It is the only option until roads are repaired and building supplies can reach the remote areas. FEMA trailers are also an option for some. They have been lucky it has been such a mild Fall so far, but I'm afraid that is about to change. The people in the area are resilient and friends and family are helping out. Already people are putting in mobile homes as soon as the debris is cleared and power is available. Roads and bridges will be a big issue and will take time to be finished. Temporary gravel beds were in place in some areas within a week. They will do for now and more will be laid as the mountain communities are dug out. Thank you for supporting the recovery. It is appreciated by the communities I am sure.
DeleteHi PJ, Naomi here. I visited Biltmore Estates and went antiquing in Asheville in July. Sending good vibes as they recover. nbomotano@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet and great prize pack to give away!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway would love to win. Sounds like a great set of books.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this review and for buying the books to help with the cause, PJ.
ReplyDeleteI visited Biltmore in Ashville years ago but didn't really see much else in the area - seeing a lot in the news lately. It would be great to read a happy story set there.
ReplyDelete