What do you think?
Rate this book
Lakeshore Chronicles #10
Candlelight Christmas
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SUSAN WIGGS INVITES YOU TO AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS IN THE CATSKILLS
A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.
One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake— Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she's the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.
Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods, and toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime.
A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.
One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake— Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she's the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.
Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods, and toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Susan Wiggs
168 books6,929 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
December 14, 2014
Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs was published last year and was on my list but I never did get to it. So I put it on hold until this year. Why oh why did I do that? This is one of those books that you don’t expect, that packs a quiet little punch right into your heart when you least expect it. And, yes, my eyes did water a couple of times. Do you like stories that contain lots of snow, the sweetest children there ever were, and two main characters, both lonely and hurt, finding each other and finding that spark of hope that maybe there might be a happily ever after for them? If so, this book is for you.
Logan O’Donnell is divorced. He and his ex just couldn’t make their marriage work but out of it they got an amazing son, Charlie, who is now ten years old. Logan’s ex-wife has remarried and has moved far away so Charlie spends summers and holidays with his Dad in Colorado. It was during the summer that Logan and Charlie spent at summer camp that Charlie met his now best friend, Andre and that Logan first met Darcy Fitzgerald, who had come along with Logan’s sister for the end of camp program.
Logan did his best to make his marriage work and the divorce was amicable. It’s saying good-bye to his son at the end of his visits that kills him. It literally rips his heart out every time. Logan did what was expected of him and built a solid insurance business to support his son. But he hasn’t been happy for a long time. He feels like he is just going through the motions. He wants a challenge. He needs a change. Even though his marriage didn’t work out, he longs for the life he lost.
“The biggest lesson he’d learned from being a dad was that he was a family man through and though. It felt like a special kind of hell sometimes, going it alone, because he wanted to commit himself fully to someone. He wanted a family. More kids, for sure-brothers and sisters for Charlie.”
For Darcy, it was different. Her ex-husband deceived her and hurt her. He had two children from a previous marriage and Darcy loved them. So when the marriage ended, she not only lost a husband, but an entire family. She is determined never to do that again. She has vowed to guard her heart, never allowing herself to get attached to a man with children again. So when she first met Logan, she did her best to keep those walls up. But Logan had a way of wearing them down.
Ok, first, this is not an insta-love type of story. The relationship between these two was a slow build, from their brief summer meeting, to Thanksgiving, to Christmas. And that isn’t the only thing going on. Logan decides to risk everything and change his career. He buys a mountain ski resort both to restore it to its former glory and to build something to pass on to his son. And Logan, oh Logan. This man! What can you say about a man who loves his son so much, who takes in two other children whose mother is in trouble, to help her out. Who learns to cook for his son by watching Jaime Oliver videos. Who bakes sugar cookies shaped like The Walking Dead with the children.
And the kids in this book are the sweetest kids you will ever meet. They are at that age where they are struggling with whether to believe in Santa Claus or not. And at their young ages, they all have had way too much to deal with.
Darcy struggles with her fears of getting her heart broken again. But who could resist the dearest little boy and his sigh worthy father?
“It felt wonderful, liberating, to finally leave the past behind and step into this unexpected new place-Logan’s world.”
This book will most definitely put you in the Christmas Spirit. I won’t soon forget little Charlie and his friend, Andre. The scenery alone from the snowy mountain to the Christmas parade in the little town was breathtaking. I most definitely recommend this book and hope that if you read it, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
“This is not a rebound,” he said.
“What makes you so sure of that?”
“Because I’m not letting you go.”
September 12, 2013
Candlelight Christmas
by Susan Wiggs
**Warning** There may be spoilers for previous books in the Lakeshore Chronicles Series!!
Six years ago my love affair with series romance began when I picked up The Winter Lodge (Lakeshore Chronicles, #2) at a Truck Stop somewhere. In fact, when I think about it? It's what really got me back into reading. (So in a long, round about way? I owe this blog to Susan Wiggs!)
Now, with Logan O'Donnells story? The Lakeshore Chronicles is one series that will stay with me forever. Susan Wiggs does something fantastic with this series - she has pulled it through the generations. The three most recent books are dealing with the second Generation of the Bellamy Family, these characters were just young teens when we first met them. Now ten years have passed, and Logan is the most recent of these kids to get his love story.
Because we got to watch Logan make mistakes through this series, first with Daisy's teenage pregnancy, then as we watched him strive to be a husband and father to Charlie throughout his first marriage, ultimately ending in heartbreak. But finally, it's his turn.
I started out this series annoyed with Party-Boy Logan. I can't really tell you why, it was just in my gut that Daisy deserved something more out of life. But fortunately, time has changed things and Logan has grown into a man. And his story is everything he deserves!
I cannot commend Susan Wiggs enough for this absolutely fantastic story. This series is one of my absolute favorites, and everytime I catch word that a new book is coming out I get anxious! The town of Avalon, Camp Kioga and the Bellamy family (and extended family) are a huge part of why I love books, and I am so glad to see what she has done with this series. Watching these kids grow up has been such a treat!
If you have not yet read the Lakeshore Chronicles books, I suggest you start at the beginning! Romance readers are in for a special treat with this series! And if you're not new to the series? Candlelight Christmas is going to be everything you have come to expect from Susan Wiggs!
by Susan Wiggs
**Warning** There may be spoilers for previous books in the Lakeshore Chronicles Series!!
Six years ago my love affair with series romance began when I picked up The Winter Lodge (Lakeshore Chronicles, #2) at a Truck Stop somewhere. In fact, when I think about it? It's what really got me back into reading. (So in a long, round about way? I owe this blog to Susan Wiggs!)
Now, with Logan O'Donnells story? The Lakeshore Chronicles is one series that will stay with me forever. Susan Wiggs does something fantastic with this series - she has pulled it through the generations. The three most recent books are dealing with the second Generation of the Bellamy Family, these characters were just young teens when we first met them. Now ten years have passed, and Logan is the most recent of these kids to get his love story.
Because we got to watch Logan make mistakes through this series, first with Daisy's teenage pregnancy, then as we watched him strive to be a husband and father to Charlie throughout his first marriage, ultimately ending in heartbreak. But finally, it's his turn.
I started out this series annoyed with Party-Boy Logan. I can't really tell you why, it was just in my gut that Daisy deserved something more out of life. But fortunately, time has changed things and Logan has grown into a man. And his story is everything he deserves!
I cannot commend Susan Wiggs enough for this absolutely fantastic story. This series is one of my absolute favorites, and everytime I catch word that a new book is coming out I get anxious! The town of Avalon, Camp Kioga and the Bellamy family (and extended family) are a huge part of why I love books, and I am so glad to see what she has done with this series. Watching these kids grow up has been such a treat!
If you have not yet read the Lakeshore Chronicles books, I suggest you start at the beginning! Romance readers are in for a special treat with this series! And if you're not new to the series? Candlelight Christmas is going to be everything you have come to expect from Susan Wiggs!
Read
November 15, 2018For some reason I'm having a super hard time reading this. I've been trying for a couple of days now and just can't get into it. I'm going to put it on hold for now and maybe come back at another date and see if I can read it. This just might not be for me.
December 29, 2020
“And how is it your sisters were named after exotic foreign countries while you were named after an airport?” Setting: Catskills, NY. Susan Wiggs’ Candlelight Christmas ( The Lakeshore Chronicles #10) truly makes one feel the Christmas spirit while allowing the reader to be a part of a family or I should say families’ Christmas. Logan, the airport name, is a single father who shares time with his son, Charlie, with his ex who has married an Air Force pilot, and they all are moving to Japan to an Air Force base there. Logan is beside himself as Charlie will be half way round the world from him. Logan’s family is a family of means, and they have homes in Florida, Montauk, NY which is on the northern tip of Long Island, and in a small town, Avalon, which is on Willow Lake in the Catskill Mountains right next to Saddle Mountain, a popular skiing/snowboarding resort. Logan’s sisters, China and India, arrive in Avalon for the holidays with India bringing a friend, Darcy Fitzgerald. Darcy is “sharp-witted, independent” with a capital I having gone through a miserable divorce. Darcy wants no part of any relationship. Logan is realizing that he wishes to remarry and become a family man again. Logan does met Darcy, but he is aware that Darcy is not the woman for him, and though Darcy thinks Logan is attractive, she forbids herself from even thinking ‘relationship.’ with anyone. But Christmas and its magical season will see about that....The locales - sunny Florida and the snowy Catskills - and this gifted writer’s narrative produce a yummy Christmas story. Highly recommended.
5 stars.
5 stars.
July 26, 2016
I don't give 5 stars very often.Mostly for stories that touch me somehow. This one, although a sweet, romantic love story with a predictable ending, touched me. I cannot tell you why. But I am going to keep it on my list to read every Christmas. It is a story of love, romantic and familial. A story of disappointment and expectations, and most of all...of a Christmas Miracle.
November 28, 2015
Nice, light read for the holiday time of year. As usual, the love story is a bit rushed and cheesy. But I liked the small-town, mountain B&B setting and the emphasis on family. Nothing earth-shattering - just a quick, sit in front of the fire with a glass of wine read.
April 7, 2020
3 stars for Candlelight Christmas, the tenth book in the Lakeshore Chronicles series. While I have throughly been enjoying this series, this story in particular seemed a quicker and lighter read than some of the others. This one focuses on Logan O'Donnell, who appeared in earlier books in the series. This sees Logan about five years after his last appearance. His son Charlie is now ten, and Logan is trying hard to get his life on course. Enter Darcy Fitzgerald. A romance ensues ( rather predictable), a problem, and of course a solution. Quick read, and perfect for what I needed. Looking forward to wrapping up the series with the final book.
December 19, 2013
Candlelight Christmas is the tenth book in Susan Wiggs’s Lakeshore Chronicles, and the third book that focuses on characters who were teenagers in the earlier books. I’ve been a fan of the series since the first book and a Susan Wiggs fan far longer, so, in the interest of full disclosure, I admit that I was predisposed to like this book before I read the first word. I expected a book that would expand the world of familiar characters, introduce some new ones whom I would find engaging, and offer a story rich in family dynamics and romance. Candlelight Christmas met all my expectations.
Fans of the series who watched Logan grow from a wild teenager rebelling against his controlling father into a young man determined to accept the responsibilities of fatherhood and who felt sorry for him (even if you belonged to team Julian) when his marriage to Daisy fell apart will be especially pleased to see Logan come into his own as the hero who finds his own HEA. Wiggs provides enough details of Logan’s past for readers who have not read the earlier books to understand the stages Logan has moved through to get where he is and to root for his happiness.
Darcy is also a likeable character, and from the beginning, it’s easy to see that she is perfect for Logan. Not only do they both understand what it means for the stable world they thought they had created to crumble, but they also share a love for sports that have an element of risk. Even more important, Darcy is the catalyst who reminds Logan of who he really is and gives him the courage to choose something he is passionate about for his life’s work, risks and all. And Logan provides the motivation Darcy needs to take emotional risks and claim the life she was meant to have.
But this book is not only a romance; it is also a book about families. One of the things I liked most is that this book humanizes Logan’s parents, especially his father who has been something of a bad dad in earlier books. In this one, readers see his mother and father as flawed human beings who make mistakes, as all parents do, but who love their son and their grandson. Logan interacts with his parents and his sisters and their husbands and children. The O’Donnells share history, traditions, jokes, and an unwavering love for one another. Readers see them as a family.
Wiggs also shows how divorce affects families, redefining who is and is not family. Darcy’s divorce created complications with her own family because they were so entangled with her ex’s family. She grieved the loss of her step-children long after she had recovered from her husband’s betrayal. Logan feels like an outsider when he takes Charlie to the Bellamy’s inn, a place where Logan had once been warmly welcomed as part of the family. Wiggs also shows the pain of parent and child separation and the tension between former spouses even in the case of divorce and remarriage where everyone involved loves the child and shares a commitment to his best interest. And all is not smooth sailing when Charlie realizes his dad and Darcy are interested in one another.
All of this is not to suggest that this tenth Lakeshore Chronicle fails as a Christmas book. It has all the holiday trappings and enough warm, fuzzy moments and thematic threads concerning love and giving to satisfy even rabid Christmas celebrants like me. For example, there is a poignant subplot involving two children for whom Logan assumes temporary responsibility. And for the true romantics, there is a wonderful scene where Darcy and Logan sneak out in a snowstorm to hang lights on an outside tree so that Santa will have a runway for landing. I also liked seeing the family Thanksgiving gathering included.
In short, Candlelight Christmas succeeds as a holiday story and as a small-town contemporary romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Avalon, New York, and I recommend this book, and the series, to readers who like small-town settings with a complex tangle of extended family and friends.
Wiggs has never given a definitive answer as to how many books readers can expect in this series. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for at least one more. I want to see Max Bellamy happily settled. And Charlie, whom series regulars adored as an infant, is already ten. Maybe Wiggs will move on to third generation stories. After all, she did post that sketch on her blog that shows a woman reading Wheelchairs on Willow Lake: Lakeshore Chronicle #89. ;)
See full review at:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2013/10...
Fans of the series who watched Logan grow from a wild teenager rebelling against his controlling father into a young man determined to accept the responsibilities of fatherhood and who felt sorry for him (even if you belonged to team Julian) when his marriage to Daisy fell apart will be especially pleased to see Logan come into his own as the hero who finds his own HEA. Wiggs provides enough details of Logan’s past for readers who have not read the earlier books to understand the stages Logan has moved through to get where he is and to root for his happiness.
Darcy is also a likeable character, and from the beginning, it’s easy to see that she is perfect for Logan. Not only do they both understand what it means for the stable world they thought they had created to crumble, but they also share a love for sports that have an element of risk. Even more important, Darcy is the catalyst who reminds Logan of who he really is and gives him the courage to choose something he is passionate about for his life’s work, risks and all. And Logan provides the motivation Darcy needs to take emotional risks and claim the life she was meant to have.
But this book is not only a romance; it is also a book about families. One of the things I liked most is that this book humanizes Logan’s parents, especially his father who has been something of a bad dad in earlier books. In this one, readers see his mother and father as flawed human beings who make mistakes, as all parents do, but who love their son and their grandson. Logan interacts with his parents and his sisters and their husbands and children. The O’Donnells share history, traditions, jokes, and an unwavering love for one another. Readers see them as a family.
Wiggs also shows how divorce affects families, redefining who is and is not family. Darcy’s divorce created complications with her own family because they were so entangled with her ex’s family. She grieved the loss of her step-children long after she had recovered from her husband’s betrayal. Logan feels like an outsider when he takes Charlie to the Bellamy’s inn, a place where Logan had once been warmly welcomed as part of the family. Wiggs also shows the pain of parent and child separation and the tension between former spouses even in the case of divorce and remarriage where everyone involved loves the child and shares a commitment to his best interest. And all is not smooth sailing when Charlie realizes his dad and Darcy are interested in one another.
All of this is not to suggest that this tenth Lakeshore Chronicle fails as a Christmas book. It has all the holiday trappings and enough warm, fuzzy moments and thematic threads concerning love and giving to satisfy even rabid Christmas celebrants like me. For example, there is a poignant subplot involving two children for whom Logan assumes temporary responsibility. And for the true romantics, there is a wonderful scene where Darcy and Logan sneak out in a snowstorm to hang lights on an outside tree so that Santa will have a runway for landing. I also liked seeing the family Thanksgiving gathering included.
In short, Candlelight Christmas succeeds as a holiday story and as a small-town contemporary romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Avalon, New York, and I recommend this book, and the series, to readers who like small-town settings with a complex tangle of extended family and friends.
Wiggs has never given a definitive answer as to how many books readers can expect in this series. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for at least one more. I want to see Max Bellamy happily settled. And Charlie, whom series regulars adored as an infant, is already ten. Maybe Wiggs will move on to third generation stories. After all, she did post that sketch on her blog that shows a woman reading Wheelchairs on Willow Lake: Lakeshore Chronicle #89. ;)
See full review at:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2013/10...
December 8, 2019
The perfect cheesy holiday love story! I haven’t read any other books from this series, but now I might have to!
October 11, 2014
Reviewed by Crystal
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This book will probably get you into the Christmas spirit so I will warn you before you start reading it.
Darcy Fitzgerald has been through a rough year. She found out that the man she loved was sleeping with his ex-wife. So five years of marriage had went down the drain. She loved his two kids even if they were spoiled rotten teenagers. They didn’t really show her much love until the marriage was over. She has made a promise to herself to not get involved with anyone else that has kids and she doesn’t want any of her own. She has decided to watch her heart because it hurts too much when it gets broken. She doesn’t live that way through everything else in her life. She loves outdoor sports and she loves the feeling it gives her when she is doing something that could cost her to get hurt. She never tells her family about her ex cheating on her because the two families spend all holidays together every year. Especially since her sister is married to her ex’s brother.
Logan O’Donnell has been through a divorce and he only hates that he doesn’t get to spend a lot of time with his son Charlie. It is even worse when he finds out that his ex is moving to Japan. There will be even more separating himself from his son. He knows that his sister is trying to set him up and he doesn’t like the women that his family does until Darcy. Darcy is nothing at all what he thought she would be. He tries to fight his feelings but he gives in and wants more than Darcy does.
This was a great and wonderful holiday read. I can see how it would be hard to trust anyone when you are a person who puts their whole heart and soul into something. That is the kind of person Darcy is. She loves children and to protect herself she vows to not get that close to children again. I know how hard divorce can be on someone and I liked seeing the side of a dad dealing with separation from his son. That is something that you never get to see much of. It is also hard on the children and always puts them on the spot when they have to choose between parents. The author did a great job showing us the emotions and it brought me closer to the story. You get to see how families come together and no matter what happens they are always there for you.
This book had a great storyline and was evenly paced. It made you want to believe in the miracle of Christmas and that your dreams can come true. It just made you hope that there is that special someone out there for you. I just wished that all families where like the one in this book.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This book will probably get you into the Christmas spirit so I will warn you before you start reading it.
Darcy Fitzgerald has been through a rough year. She found out that the man she loved was sleeping with his ex-wife. So five years of marriage had went down the drain. She loved his two kids even if they were spoiled rotten teenagers. They didn’t really show her much love until the marriage was over. She has made a promise to herself to not get involved with anyone else that has kids and she doesn’t want any of her own. She has decided to watch her heart because it hurts too much when it gets broken. She doesn’t live that way through everything else in her life. She loves outdoor sports and she loves the feeling it gives her when she is doing something that could cost her to get hurt. She never tells her family about her ex cheating on her because the two families spend all holidays together every year. Especially since her sister is married to her ex’s brother.
Logan O’Donnell has been through a divorce and he only hates that he doesn’t get to spend a lot of time with his son Charlie. It is even worse when he finds out that his ex is moving to Japan. There will be even more separating himself from his son. He knows that his sister is trying to set him up and he doesn’t like the women that his family does until Darcy. Darcy is nothing at all what he thought she would be. He tries to fight his feelings but he gives in and wants more than Darcy does.
This was a great and wonderful holiday read. I can see how it would be hard to trust anyone when you are a person who puts their whole heart and soul into something. That is the kind of person Darcy is. She loves children and to protect herself she vows to not get that close to children again. I know how hard divorce can be on someone and I liked seeing the side of a dad dealing with separation from his son. That is something that you never get to see much of. It is also hard on the children and always puts them on the spot when they have to choose between parents. The author did a great job showing us the emotions and it brought me closer to the story. You get to see how families come together and no matter what happens they are always there for you.
This book had a great storyline and was evenly paced. It made you want to believe in the miracle of Christmas and that your dreams can come true. It just made you hope that there is that special someone out there for you. I just wished that all families where like the one in this book.
June 25, 2014
Another great book in the Lakeshore Chronicles.
Single Dad Logan O'Donnell wants to make the holidays perfect for his son Charlie. Logan loves spending time with his son but it is difficult when his ex-wife lives in another state and it is more upsetting to him when he learns his son will be moving to Japan. I found this story of Logan to be very sweet and touching. I liked Logan from the other Lakeshore books but this gave a whole new dimension to him which was nice to see. I really liked finally getting to see him interact with his son and with his other family members. It was nice to also see him finally meet the right woman for him. The romance with Darcy was predictable but still touching. This was a fast read. I read the book in less than 24 hours as it was hard to put down. Another great book by Wiggs.
Single Dad Logan O'Donnell wants to make the holidays perfect for his son Charlie. Logan loves spending time with his son but it is difficult when his ex-wife lives in another state and it is more upsetting to him when he learns his son will be moving to Japan. I found this story of Logan to be very sweet and touching. I liked Logan from the other Lakeshore books but this gave a whole new dimension to him which was nice to see. I really liked finally getting to see him interact with his son and with his other family members. It was nice to also see him finally meet the right woman for him. The romance with Darcy was predictable but still touching. This was a fast read. I read the book in less than 24 hours as it was hard to put down. Another great book by Wiggs.
September 9, 2016
This read like a cheap movie starring Melissa Joan Hart on LMN or Hallmark Channel. It was EXTREMELY repetitive (probably could have been a novella if they edited out all the stuff they told us a thousand times) and although the story had potential (two divorcees burned by love are set up by his sister) it was mired down with side stories and had virtually no heat. On the plus side, there was a LOT of Christmas in this one, so if you just want something along the holiday theme, this might be a good option. It was also a very fast read - I think 2 or 3 sittings did it for me... and although it's part of a series, it reads as a stand alone pretty well. 2 - maybe 2 1/2 stars; overall, a great reminder to me of why I usually read historicals when it comes to romance
December 12, 2015
I picked up Susan Wigg's A Candlelight Christmas because I thought it would be fun to listen to a holiday story this time of year. I like immersing myself in Christmas. OK, I'm also a sucker for Hallmark Christmas movies and I read a few reviews of A Candlelight Christmas in which this book was compared to a Hallmark story. I was sold. Unfortunately, I can tell you in no uncertain terms that this is no Hallmark. It's the right type of story, but the writing, the scene descriptions, and even the relationship development are far more raw than Hallmark; Lifetime maybe, but not Hallmark. That disappointed me. I was hoping for a gentle sweet story; this was a bit edgy for my taste. But hey, I'm new to this genre.
November 21, 2013
I absolutely adore Susan Wiggs. I have loved all her books except this one. This was so redundant. How Logan loved his son and couldn’t see him, blah blah, blah. It took everything I had to finish it. Darcy was an unbelievable character. This is so not up to her standard. I like this series but a book about something else would be welcomed.
December 17, 2013
So awful it's awesome. Perfectly reflected in this line...
"...Darcy Fitzgerald looked like a roast turkey leg to him. And he was one hungry pilgrim."
"...Darcy Fitzgerald looked like a roast turkey leg to him. And he was one hungry pilgrim."
July 14, 2016
it was ok...a little disappointed.
November 23, 2018
Getting into the Christmas spirit? This book is it. Good, clean fun with family members and two souls meeting together. Simple story, snow-capped mountains, Christmas trees and Christmas carols.
October 5, 2018
Beautiful Christmas romance! Nice recipes included that you may enjoy. Fans of this series will love this addtion. It's heartwarming with lovable characters.
December 31, 2019
predictable but a fun story!
February 5, 2020
The best of the series so far.
December 20, 2019
This is a book about life changes and children, falling in love and doing what you think is right for you, as well as your son. It is a perfect Christmas cozy.
January 1, 2016
RATING: I would give this one a 4.5. The score would have been a 5 as this book had wonderful characters and a great storyline. But I could not give it a 5 due to occasional use of foul language and some intimacy scenes that could definitely have been left out.
SUMMARY: A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.
One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake—Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she's the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.
Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods and the toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime
REVIEW: This is book 6 in the Lakeshore Chronicle series. It can be read as a stand-alone. This is my first book by author Susan Wiggs, and I definitely like her writing style.
The many characters in the book are all unique and believable. I especially liked the children. Charlie and Andre were delightful as best buds and active 8 year olds. Ready for secrets and mischief, they had fun but were sorry when they pushed the limits. Logan's nieces and nephews all added to the Christmas delight and spirit that was felt throughout the book. Logan and Darcy both fought the effects that their past marriages had left and were unsure whether they were ready to move into new relationships. I loved how Logan's first concern was always what was best for his son. Darcy had the strength to be herself .
I liked the inclusion of some of Logan's recipes that were special to he and his family.
The plot was very good. . I loved that the Christmas story was included along with the role of their church family . The spirit of Christmas was felt throughout the story in the family traditions, the scene with the Nativity set, Darcy's encouragement of the children when they weren't sure about Santa, the move by Logan to help out Andre's mom in her time of need, as well as the whole family's participation in the Thanksgiving dinner for the needy. The romance between Logan and Darcy would have been nice if the author had not included one scene in specific that to me broke with the rest of the spirit of her Christmas thread throughout the book. I honestly wondered if this was done to keep in on the "secular" book list rather than be labeled as Christian fiction.
Overall, an enjoyable Christmas read but I would recommend skipping a few pages and jumping over the occasional curse word at the beginning.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "..if you never get your hopes up, you'll never be disappointed. ....But if you're always protecting yourself, you miss out on the good things as well as the bad. "
"A person can get crippled if he doesn't figure things out on his own. "
"The moment he had stepped up to take the blame, he had felt this terrific sensation whooshing through him like an oceans wave or like the wind through the trees. It felt goo.d. Really good.....He knew why it felt good to throw himself under the bus and he knew the name of the whooshing feeling. It was the Christmas spirit. It was the thing all the songs and stories were about-- putting somebody's happiness ahead of your own. "
"A nugget. Like a nugget of wisdom. Something to remember as you go through life...The important thing is to make it right and move on.
SUMMARY: A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season.
One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake—Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she's the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas.
Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods and the toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime
REVIEW: This is book 6 in the Lakeshore Chronicle series. It can be read as a stand-alone. This is my first book by author Susan Wiggs, and I definitely like her writing style.
The many characters in the book are all unique and believable. I especially liked the children. Charlie and Andre were delightful as best buds and active 8 year olds. Ready for secrets and mischief, they had fun but were sorry when they pushed the limits. Logan's nieces and nephews all added to the Christmas delight and spirit that was felt throughout the book. Logan and Darcy both fought the effects that their past marriages had left and were unsure whether they were ready to move into new relationships. I loved how Logan's first concern was always what was best for his son. Darcy had the strength to be herself .
I liked the inclusion of some of Logan's recipes that were special to he and his family.
The plot was very good. . I loved that the Christmas story was included along with the role of their church family . The spirit of Christmas was felt throughout the story in the family traditions, the scene with the Nativity set, Darcy's encouragement of the children when they weren't sure about Santa, the move by Logan to help out Andre's mom in her time of need, as well as the whole family's participation in the Thanksgiving dinner for the needy. The romance between Logan and Darcy would have been nice if the author had not included one scene in specific that to me broke with the rest of the spirit of her Christmas thread throughout the book. I honestly wondered if this was done to keep in on the "secular" book list rather than be labeled as Christian fiction.
Overall, an enjoyable Christmas read but I would recommend skipping a few pages and jumping over the occasional curse word at the beginning.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "..if you never get your hopes up, you'll never be disappointed. ....But if you're always protecting yourself, you miss out on the good things as well as the bad. "
"A person can get crippled if he doesn't figure things out on his own. "
"The moment he had stepped up to take the blame, he had felt this terrific sensation whooshing through him like an oceans wave or like the wind through the trees. It felt goo.d. Really good.....He knew why it felt good to throw himself under the bus and he knew the name of the whooshing feeling. It was the Christmas spirit. It was the thing all the songs and stories were about-- putting somebody's happiness ahead of your own. "
"A nugget. Like a nugget of wisdom. Something to remember as you go through life...The important thing is to make it right and move on.
July 26, 2016
Okay I admit it. I am a sucker for a Christmas book, but not just any, they have to be written by a really good author. This book was written by Susan Wiggs and you don’t get much better then that when reading women’s fiction.
A lot of this author’s books take place on Willow Lake in New York State and this book is no exception. I have read all of them and have loved all of them. I don’t think Ms. Wiggs could write a bad book.
This book features Logan and his son Charlie. Logan has been featured in several books in this series prior to this one. He is now divorced from Daisy and Daisy has remarried and moved away. So now Charlie is only with him for holidays and summers. The summer spent at Camp Kioga is about to end. Logan’s sister comes up to the camp and brings her best friend, Darcy, along for the trip. Darcy has been divorced for one year and is still grieving the loss of her step-children in her life. When she meets Logan, she is pretty much smitten as is Logan. Logan wants more children and Darcy can’t face that again. So nothing comes of the first visit. Things change slowly during several different meetings.
I have always liked the character of Logan and wanted him to have his happily ever after. Darcy, although new to the series, ended up being a really great character too, with her own pretty full life except for the missing man and children that she doesn’t think she wants in her life. Ms. Wiggs definitely knows how to write interesting characters, flaws and all. In this book, her characters are not that flawed but just really nice people that find they need each other.This being a Christmas story pretty much guarantees that the characters are good people and of course it was a wonderful romance.
This is not only a Christmas book but also should be considered her latest entry into her Lake Shore Chronicles. So if you read this series, this is the next one you really should read, although it could stand alone. We get to see a lot of the characters from previous books in this series and that’s always a good thing in these books.I am sure it will be another bestseller as is this authors usual.
As usual, Ms. Wiggs drew me and kept me reading pretty much non-stop!
I received this from Net Galley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
A lot of this author’s books take place on Willow Lake in New York State and this book is no exception. I have read all of them and have loved all of them. I don’t think Ms. Wiggs could write a bad book.
This book features Logan and his son Charlie. Logan has been featured in several books in this series prior to this one. He is now divorced from Daisy and Daisy has remarried and moved away. So now Charlie is only with him for holidays and summers. The summer spent at Camp Kioga is about to end. Logan’s sister comes up to the camp and brings her best friend, Darcy, along for the trip. Darcy has been divorced for one year and is still grieving the loss of her step-children in her life. When she meets Logan, she is pretty much smitten as is Logan. Logan wants more children and Darcy can’t face that again. So nothing comes of the first visit. Things change slowly during several different meetings.
I have always liked the character of Logan and wanted him to have his happily ever after. Darcy, although new to the series, ended up being a really great character too, with her own pretty full life except for the missing man and children that she doesn’t think she wants in her life. Ms. Wiggs definitely knows how to write interesting characters, flaws and all. In this book, her characters are not that flawed but just really nice people that find they need each other.This being a Christmas story pretty much guarantees that the characters are good people and of course it was a wonderful romance.
This is not only a Christmas book but also should be considered her latest entry into her Lake Shore Chronicles. So if you read this series, this is the next one you really should read, although it could stand alone. We get to see a lot of the characters from previous books in this series and that’s always a good thing in these books.I am sure it will be another bestseller as is this authors usual.
As usual, Ms. Wiggs drew me and kept me reading pretty much non-stop!
I received this from Net Galley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
October 29, 2013
Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs
Loved hearing of the legend of the Christmas pickle and the recipe!
India's friend Darcy met Logan who was at the camp with Charlie. They start talking and Logan realizes Darcy does not like kids. They get interrupted and never make it back together for a drink later that night.
India and Darcy do talk on the way home and she kinda liked Logan but just wants to remain single.
Logan had moved to Avalon to be near his son Charlie but after the divorce and she married another and moved he's bored with selling insurance in town and only seeing Charlie a few times a year.
Logan agrees to take both of the kids if Mrs. Martin needs him to.
Logan wants to take over the ski lodge, he just needs backers.
This book also follows Darcy's story and she's in the city working but her ex will be going to the family Thanksgiving dinner and she's decided to head to FL to be with India's family in the nice warm sun.
Love the family feast and more what they do after, so caring, such good memories of teaching my grandson the hokey pokey.
One morning Logan and Darcy are able to share the sight of dolphins and much more.
Her job is setting up sports shoots for equipment she's promoting, names snowboarding and he invites her and the crew to his new job: Saddle Mountain. Because of her he had taken the risk of buying it..
The Christmas holiday plans might change....Darcy misunderstands why Mrs. Martin is at the resort...and Logan can't understand why Darcy wouldn't want kids...
They do learn more about one another...maybe all the Christmas cheer, decorations, food will bring them closer...
Loved all the recipes and can't wait to try a few! Love that the book concentrates also on the kids problems, not just the adults. Priceless pickle prize at the end!
I received this book from Net Galley via Harlequin MIRA in exchange for my honest review.
Loved hearing of the legend of the Christmas pickle and the recipe!
India's friend Darcy met Logan who was at the camp with Charlie. They start talking and Logan realizes Darcy does not like kids. They get interrupted and never make it back together for a drink later that night.
India and Darcy do talk on the way home and she kinda liked Logan but just wants to remain single.
Logan had moved to Avalon to be near his son Charlie but after the divorce and she married another and moved he's bored with selling insurance in town and only seeing Charlie a few times a year.
Logan agrees to take both of the kids if Mrs. Martin needs him to.
Logan wants to take over the ski lodge, he just needs backers.
This book also follows Darcy's story and she's in the city working but her ex will be going to the family Thanksgiving dinner and she's decided to head to FL to be with India's family in the nice warm sun.
Love the family feast and more what they do after, so caring, such good memories of teaching my grandson the hokey pokey.
One morning Logan and Darcy are able to share the sight of dolphins and much more.
Her job is setting up sports shoots for equipment she's promoting, names snowboarding and he invites her and the crew to his new job: Saddle Mountain. Because of her he had taken the risk of buying it..
The Christmas holiday plans might change....Darcy misunderstands why Mrs. Martin is at the resort...and Logan can't understand why Darcy wouldn't want kids...
They do learn more about one another...maybe all the Christmas cheer, decorations, food will bring them closer...
Loved all the recipes and can't wait to try a few! Love that the book concentrates also on the kids problems, not just the adults. Priceless pickle prize at the end!
I received this book from Net Galley via Harlequin MIRA in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2013
New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs is a consummate writer who consistently delivers high-end Christian fiction, evoking deep emotion in readers with believable stories peopled by fascinating and memorable characters. What prompted the author for her choice of picture-perfect setting for the story which seeks to address the more complex issues of life: parenting and divorce, is beyond me but its beauty and grandeur of the locales tempers the grimness in certain parts of the story.
Logan O’Donnell is a single father who deeply cares for his son Charlie who is separated from him. As Christmas nears he is determined to give him an unforgettable one, and moves to Avalon, a beautiful town on the shores of Willow Lake where Charlie was living, and invited the whole O’Donnell family members.
One of the guests was a divorcee named Darcy Fitzgerald who is still reeling from her own painful divorce from Huntley Collins. As her sister was married to Huntley’s brother, she was not willing to spend the holidays with her family. To escape from them and shake off her discomfiture she had agreed to be in Avalon when invited by a friend.
When Darcy meets her best friend’s brother Logan, she is determined not to let anything happen. Logan is also equally determined. But over a period of time and after several more meetings, it becomes apparent that they may not be strong enough to resist each other. Apart from themselves, they also have many obstacles: Huntley Collins, Darcy’s family, Charlie, and Logan’s own father.
Will the magic of Christmas touch their lives and the lives of those people around them? Will Santa Claus bring them the gifts children look forward to every Christmas morning?
Candlelight Christmas in The Lakeshore Chronicles series is powerful story of loss, separation and brokenness. It is also a compelling story of love, hope and redemption. The story is refreshingly different and the characters make the book a worthwhile read.
Logan O’Donnell is a single father who deeply cares for his son Charlie who is separated from him. As Christmas nears he is determined to give him an unforgettable one, and moves to Avalon, a beautiful town on the shores of Willow Lake where Charlie was living, and invited the whole O’Donnell family members.
One of the guests was a divorcee named Darcy Fitzgerald who is still reeling from her own painful divorce from Huntley Collins. As her sister was married to Huntley’s brother, she was not willing to spend the holidays with her family. To escape from them and shake off her discomfiture she had agreed to be in Avalon when invited by a friend.
When Darcy meets her best friend’s brother Logan, she is determined not to let anything happen. Logan is also equally determined. But over a period of time and after several more meetings, it becomes apparent that they may not be strong enough to resist each other. Apart from themselves, they also have many obstacles: Huntley Collins, Darcy’s family, Charlie, and Logan’s own father.
Will the magic of Christmas touch their lives and the lives of those people around them? Will Santa Claus bring them the gifts children look forward to every Christmas morning?
Candlelight Christmas in The Lakeshore Chronicles series is powerful story of loss, separation and brokenness. It is also a compelling story of love, hope and redemption. The story is refreshingly different and the characters make the book a worthwhile read.
September 26, 2014
Logan O'Donnell is a single dad to son, Charlie. Charlie's mother, Daisy and her husband live in Oklahoma where Charlie sends most of the year. He is with his dad for the summer and for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Darcy Fitzgerald's husband cheated on her and now she is scared of falling in love and does not want children. Her heart was broken when her step-kids weren't nice to her after her marriage to their father failed.
Logan's sister, India is best friends with Darcy and is convinced her brother and her best friend would be perfect for each other. Even though neither is looking for a relationship. Darcy is still hurting and scared after her divorce and Logan has yet to meet the right woman.
There is a secondary story involving Charlie's best friend from summer camp, Andre and his little sister and their mother. She gets into some serious trouble and Logan volunteers to take care of her kids while she is "away" (she goes to jail for helping her ex by delivering a package -- he is not a nice guy).
The two boys decide they are not going to tell anyone what they want for Christmas because they are on the verge of not believing in Santa. If they get what they want (Andre writes a letter to Santa and Charlie tells the Avalon Santa -- who just happens to be one of his dad's friends) what he wants -- but not what he REALLY wants which is a puppy.
One of the fun things about this book was the Christmas Pickle. The tradition is to out a glass pickle somewhere on the tree and whoever is the first to find it get a special gift.
This is a well-written, fast read. The Lakeshore Chronicles are among my very favorite series. I enjoy going back there; revising old friends even though most of them are just mentioned in passing. If you enjoy long running series I can not recommend this series highly enough.
Darcy Fitzgerald's husband cheated on her and now she is scared of falling in love and does not want children. Her heart was broken when her step-kids weren't nice to her after her marriage to their father failed.
Logan's sister, India is best friends with Darcy and is convinced her brother and her best friend would be perfect for each other. Even though neither is looking for a relationship. Darcy is still hurting and scared after her divorce and Logan has yet to meet the right woman.
There is a secondary story involving Charlie's best friend from summer camp, Andre and his little sister and their mother. She gets into some serious trouble and Logan volunteers to take care of her kids while she is "away" (she goes to jail for helping her ex by delivering a package -- he is not a nice guy).
The two boys decide they are not going to tell anyone what they want for Christmas because they are on the verge of not believing in Santa. If they get what they want (Andre writes a letter to Santa and Charlie tells the Avalon Santa -- who just happens to be one of his dad's friends) what he wants -- but not what he REALLY wants which is a puppy.
One of the fun things about this book was the Christmas Pickle. The tradition is to out a glass pickle somewhere on the tree and whoever is the first to find it get a special gift.
This is a well-written, fast read. The Lakeshore Chronicles are among my very favorite series. I enjoy going back there; revising old friends even though most of them are just mentioned in passing. If you enjoy long running series I can not recommend this series highly enough.
November 21, 2013
My Review:
Flat-out, this was simply a fun, light, entertaining holiday read...perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas carols, fires in the fireplace, and sharing a cup of hot cocoa with a little one while sharing secrets about Santa. For me, that's what I am looking for with my holiday reads so this book worked really well for me.
This is a sweet little story about two people who really need a second shot at love.
For Logan, he got a girl pregnant when he was a teenager. They never really had a chance without love to make that marriage work. He wants another chance at love, but has never met anyone that's touched his heart, including his first wife.
For Darcy, she thought she found love and jumped into her marriage and his children with both feet, which completely shattered her when she lost all of that when her husband went back to his first wife. She never wants to make those kind of connections again, especially to children. So when she meets Logan, and his son Charlie, she's definitely scared of her connection.
This book was so fun. It spanned a couple of Christmas's and went from Thanksgiving on the beach to Christmas on the snowboard slopes. The best scenes were those at the ski lodge...so magical and so perfect....really, absolutely perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas. This book was simply the perfect mix of everything...two kids that desperately need to believe in Santa, beautiful wintery ambiance, great romantic moments, some athletic feats by the heroine (I loved that she was an athlete and a jock), family stress and pressure, a few naughty moments, and a few holiday traditions thrown in.
Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and if you are looking for something to simply put you in the holiday mood, this is a good one.
Flat-out, this was simply a fun, light, entertaining holiday read...perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas carols, fires in the fireplace, and sharing a cup of hot cocoa with a little one while sharing secrets about Santa. For me, that's what I am looking for with my holiday reads so this book worked really well for me.
This is a sweet little story about two people who really need a second shot at love.
For Logan, he got a girl pregnant when he was a teenager. They never really had a chance without love to make that marriage work. He wants another chance at love, but has never met anyone that's touched his heart, including his first wife.
For Darcy, she thought she found love and jumped into her marriage and his children with both feet, which completely shattered her when she lost all of that when her husband went back to his first wife. She never wants to make those kind of connections again, especially to children. So when she meets Logan, and his son Charlie, she's definitely scared of her connection.
This book was so fun. It spanned a couple of Christmas's and went from Thanksgiving on the beach to Christmas on the snowboard slopes. The best scenes were those at the ski lodge...so magical and so perfect....really, absolutely perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas. This book was simply the perfect mix of everything...two kids that desperately need to believe in Santa, beautiful wintery ambiance, great romantic moments, some athletic feats by the heroine (I loved that she was an athlete and a jock), family stress and pressure, a few naughty moments, and a few holiday traditions thrown in.
Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and if you are looking for something to simply put you in the holiday mood, this is a good one.
August 23, 2015
What a picturesque return to Willow Lake. Wiggs has once again painted a beautiful backdrop for her heartfelt novel. She portrays emotions in a realistic manner while tackling some tough topics. At the same time, she tells a beautiful story of love and risking it all.
I loved seeing Logan finally become himself. The transition from surviving to living was fantastic. The alignment of his priorities with the way that he wants to live his life, rather than the way his family thinks he should leads such insight into who he truly is. Countered by the difficulty that he’s having being a long distance father, this created a complete picture of the loveable individual that Logan’s become. Darcy’s charismatic exterior clashes with her cautiousness in an intriguing manner. I loved the complexity and liveliness of her. I definitely got a kick out of how Darcy was named. It was priceless. Getting to know the O’Donnell clan better was also a treat. We’ve met some of them in passing throughout the series, but this up close and personal look at them left me with a smile on my face.
This is the type of novel that is perfect for the holidays, yet loveable all year round. Wiggs has created an intimate Christmas full of love & family.
I loved seeing Logan finally become himself. The transition from surviving to living was fantastic. The alignment of his priorities with the way that he wants to live his life, rather than the way his family thinks he should leads such insight into who he truly is. Countered by the difficulty that he’s having being a long distance father, this created a complete picture of the loveable individual that Logan’s become. Darcy’s charismatic exterior clashes with her cautiousness in an intriguing manner. I loved the complexity and liveliness of her. I definitely got a kick out of how Darcy was named. It was priceless. Getting to know the O’Donnell clan better was also a treat. We’ve met some of them in passing throughout the series, but this up close and personal look at them left me with a smile on my face.
This is the type of novel that is perfect for the holidays, yet loveable all year round. Wiggs has created an intimate Christmas full of love & family.
June 1, 2014
One of the Lakeshore Chronicles, I see that the author has finally helped Logan to become a nice guy after all. His behavior as a teen with Daisy wasn't that nice, though he showed redeeming features through his commitment to their son, Charlie, but in this story, he comes into his own.
Meeting him through his sister is Darcy Fitzgerald, desperate to avoid a holiday with her family because her ex-, who cheated on her, still attends those gatherings. When she goes to Florida for Thanksgiving, Logan discovers she's a better athlete than he, has a more interesting job, and she challenges him in ways other women have not. But he has a child, and she's been badly burned by her ex- and his children. She vows never to get involved with another single father. A vow that is made to be broken by very cute 10-yr-old Charlie, who shares, with his father, a kind of cuteness that worms its way into Darcy's heart.
What will happen at Christmas if Thanksgiving could be so right? Both of these adults have issues with their extended families, and getting this couple together also means getting the families together. What better place than on the shores of Willow Lake? The story ends with the same sparkle as the sun on the ice and snow.
Meeting him through his sister is Darcy Fitzgerald, desperate to avoid a holiday with her family because her ex-, who cheated on her, still attends those gatherings. When she goes to Florida for Thanksgiving, Logan discovers she's a better athlete than he, has a more interesting job, and she challenges him in ways other women have not. But he has a child, and she's been badly burned by her ex- and his children. She vows never to get involved with another single father. A vow that is made to be broken by very cute 10-yr-old Charlie, who shares, with his father, a kind of cuteness that worms its way into Darcy's heart.
What will happen at Christmas if Thanksgiving could be so right? Both of these adults have issues with their extended families, and getting this couple together also means getting the families together. What better place than on the shores of Willow Lake? The story ends with the same sparkle as the sun on the ice and snow.
November 4, 2013
A very engaging read to set the stage for the Christmas Holidays in the picturesque setting of Catskill Mountains (which I love). I have read most of Susan’s Lakeshore Chronicles series, so always excited to catch up with familiar characters. If you read her earlier books you will recall Logan- when he and Daisy were together and their son Charlie.
Logan gets his shot at happiness again as a much more mature father. Darcy is a newcomer to Willow Lake (friend of his older sister). These two have a lot in common and find their way in this beautiful town to connect with family and friends with some romance to set the mood for the holidays. Glad to see Logan buying the resort and out of the boring insurance business. I would encourage you to read the entire series.
Logan gets his shot at happiness again as a much more mature father. Darcy is a newcomer to Willow Lake (friend of his older sister). These two have a lot in common and find their way in this beautiful town to connect with family and friends with some romance to set the mood for the holidays. Glad to see Logan buying the resort and out of the boring insurance business. I would encourage you to read the entire series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews