The Summary
Romance author Riley Reynolds has avoided Christmas since she lost her father as a child. Now, her agent and publicist have told her that to save her publishing deal after a less-than-popular summer release, her next book will be Christmas-themed, and to top it off, she’ll be hosting a Christmas Camp for some of her readers. When an ambush interview about her own love life sends Riley running right before the retreat, Luke, the handsome owner of the lodge where the Christmas Camp is to take place, has to cover for her. With her career on the line and an angry host to win over, Riley is feeling the pressure. As if things couldn’t get worse, Riley’s three ex-boyfriends show up at Christmas Camp determined to win Riley back and fix her love life. Christmas Ever After shares the story of how Riley survives the holiday!
The pristine frozen lake was covered with fresh snow and tucked up against the majestic mountains.
Why I Chose It
Where are my fellow Hallmarkies?! I know I’m not alone when I say that Hallmark-style movies are a great escape from the real world – especially in 2020, am I right? There is an uplifting and heart-warming quality to wholesome romantic comedies that makes me feel good. If I’m being completely honest, I find myself smiling at the TV or while reading novels like this, and when there are so many heavy, serious matters weighing on us right now, I jumped at the chance to read this festive romance for a few of those smiles.
The entire lodge was outlined in white Christmas lights, giving it a whimsical charm like something straight out of a Christmas fairy tale.
The Review
I really enjoyed Christmas Ever After. No, it isn’t a deep or thought provoking novel. Yes, it’s predictable and a bit cheesy at times, but that’s part of its charm! Even if you know the outcome from the onset, the meet cute, the inevitable misunderstanding between characters, the adorable banter and forced interactions…it’s all about seeing it come together.
I especially appreciated author Karen Schaler‘s details in this book because she includes comments and situations that are relatable and feel plausible. Sometimes these stories are just SO contrived that it’s hard to connect with them. Riley in particular has a very grounded nature about her that makes her character more genuine which, for me, made the book sweet without being over the top sugary all the time.
The stone fireplace reached up to the soaring beamed ceiling. Draped across its mantel was a gorgeous garland that was lit up with white lights and covered with pine cones, red berries, and a red-and-green plaid bows outlined in a gold trim that glittered in the light.
Recommendation
If you have a countdown started for Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas (begins October 23rd, 2020 if you’re curious) or have their movie checklist app on your phone, this is your book. If you’re looking for an easy, feel-good romance to read with a cup of cocoa, this is your book. If you want a cute story to get you in the holiday spirit, I would also recommend this book. If you want books with intricate character development and deep, thought-provoking dialogue…maybe this isn’t your cup of tea. I know some folks would consider this too fluffy for their tastes, which is fine! Those of us who are looking for some hope and believe in the magic of the holidays will enjoy this one enough for everybody!
Always Believe.
Discussion Questions for Christmas Ever After
I enjoy thinking of questions regarding the books I read, and sometimes, the books provide some as well!
- Who is your favorite character: Comet, Comet or Comet?
- Christmas Lake has a number of holiday traditions and stories. What tradition or story resonated most with you?
- What Christmas tradition would you have shared with the Christmas Campers?
- Describe each of Riley’s ex-boyfriends in one word. What word would you use to describe Luke and why? How is he different from the other gentlemen?
- Who would you give a Christmas Lake angel to? What is it that makes them your special person?
- What do you think the significance of the nutcrackers is?
Special thanks to TLC Book Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Tuesday, September 29th: A Bookish Way of Life
Wednesday, September 30th: Into the Hall of Books
Thursday, October 1st: A Chick Who Reads
Friday, October 2nd: Kahakai Kitchen
Monday, October 5th: Instagram: @readinggirlreviews
Tuesday, October 6th: Instagram: @readwithmason
Wednesday, October 7th: Stranded in Chaos
Thursday, October 8th: Books, Cooks, and Looks
Friday, October 9th: View from the Birdhouse
Monday, October 12th: Tabi Thoughts
Tuesday, October 13th: Instagram: @shejustlovesbooks
Wednesday, October 14th: Sincerely Karen Jo
Thursday, October 15th: The Sketchy Reader
Friday, October 16th: What Is That Book About
Monday, October 19th: Literary Quicksand
About Karen Schaler
Karen Schaler is a three-time Emmy Award–winning storyteller, screenwriter, author, journalist, and national TV host. Karen has written original Christmas movies for Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime, including the Netflix sensation A Christmas Prince, Hallmark’s Christmas Camp, and four books, Christmas Ever After, Finding Christmas, Christmas Camp, and Christmas Camp Wedding, earning her the nickname “Christmas Karen” in the press. Karen has also created a real-life Christmas Camp experience for grown-ups, held around the world, where she carefully curates and hosts magical holiday activities from her movies and books and the show Christmas Karen: Behind the Story. For Karen’s novel Finding Christmas she also wrote the movie. Traveling to more than sixty-five countries, Karen is the creator and host of Travel Therapy TV. All of Karen’s stories are uplifting and filled with heart and hope.
Find out more about Karen at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
1 comment
I’m not even a Hallmark fan but I really want this to be a movie. It was so fun and over the top, I have to see it as a movie! Thank you for being on this tour. Sara @ TLC Book Tours