A Very Chapel Falls Christmas
Feminine Genius
Feminine Genius
ISBN 9781635825664
ASIN
I have read 4 novels and 2 offerings in anthologies by Amanda Lauer so when I was offered a chance to read her new novel I jumped at the chance. I have said a few times about books like this that it is in a genre I do not typically read. But as a father of daughters in their teens and twenties I do find I am reading more of it to read what they are reading, or because I am fans of authors who write across genres. This work is the first adult fiction from the pen of Amanda and she hit it out of the ballpark, or more accurate for this story she slapped the puck out of the rink. I really enjoyed this story and had a hard time putting it down.
I read an advanced copy of this work and it did not have a description of the book or even a finalized cover. All I knew was that it was a ‘contemporary Christmas romcom’ and knowing Lauer that faith and Catholicism would be a strong undercurrent. I started this volume with no clear expectations. Once I started reading I could hardly put it down, I devoured it over two days and a few sittings. I stayed up way to late one night reading and when I work up early the next morning just got up to keep reading.
The description of this story states:
"An epic breakup finds Nik Forrest, a world-famous musician, back in his quaint hometown at the same time his ex-fiancée returns, making for a Christmas holiday with its share of surprises, calamity, laughter, and love--if the two of them can learn from the mistakes that drove them apart in the first place. When she moves back to Chapel Falls, Noelle Clark was never expecting to see Nik again, except for on the cover of magazines. Try as she might to avoid him, the two exes keep running into each other throughout the holiday season. From the Ugly Sweater Shuffle to the Christmas Cookie Crawl, Nik and Noelle begin reconnecting at the renowned Christmas festivities that put their city on the map. Now Noelle is starting to fall, again, for the charming musician. But their future is tested when Nik's storied past comes knocking. Willow, the woman who dumped him at the most prestigious award ceremony in the world, shows up at Chapel Falls with a ring on her finger and a business offer Nik can't refuse. Nik must choose between the dream he has chased for years that cost him his first chance with Noelle or the hope of a second chance with the girl of his dreams... if it's not too late for good. Can Nik prove to himself and to his true love that he has moved on from Willow, the fast life of Nashville, and moved back to Noelle, just in time to pull off a picture-perfect Christmas surprise and start their life together?"
The characters are masterfully written. You will find yourself cheering for our main characters Nik Forrest and Noelle Clark but also greatly appreciating some of the other characters such as, Rosalia, Mayor Barb Gilbert, Jim and others. And we cannot forget the two pets Koko and Cocoa. The story takes place over a few weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Nik is a famous hometown boy back in the region and doing numerous events for the community. Noelle is back in town after 10 years back home in Alaska, but this small town feels like her hearts home and at the beginning she is back in town looking for work. Oh and the two broke up 10 years ago when Nik left town to head to Nashville to pursue his career as a musician. After a few chance encounters they are both wondering about the past and what might have been, and maybe what might be. But to find out what happens you will need to read this wonderful holiday romance.
The story reminds me of some of Madeleine L’Engle’s adult fiction. It has a clear undercurrent of faith, excellent characters, a well-crafted plot and excellent pacing! This book was a wonderful fun read. My only regret is that with RomCom’s the story often ends here and I wonder what happens next, in the community, with the threatened lawsuit, and of course with Noelle and Nik. It truly is a story that leaves you wanting more!
A fantastic read I can easily recommend!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Amanda Lauer:
Anything But Groovy
Dubbie: The Double-Headed Eagle
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Heaven Intended Series:
A World Such as Heaven Intended
A Life Such as Heaven Intended
A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended
Contributed to:
The Best is Yet to Come by Lorene Hanley Duquin
Living Virtuously by Erin Harrison
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