Hi everyone! Have you ever heard of a Christmas Camp? It’s a total immersion into the holiday season for guests enrolled in the “camp” (it’s usually a warm inviting Inn). Having written two previous books in the Christmas camp series, Karen Schaler brings us to a new holiday destination full of all the Christmas joy we’ve come to expect.
Riley Reynolds is a journalist turned romance writer. She’s had success with several books already and has quite a fan base. Unfortunately, her last romance novel was lacking the romance – likely indicative of a challenged love life. Now she is faced with a task of writing a Christmas novel: a very difficult challenge given that she has not celebrated the holiday since she was eight years due to the death of her father. As a publicity stunt, Riley has been instructed to host a Christmas Camp at the Inn run by her publicist’s friend Luke who needs the media attention in order to sell the Inn. The guests of the camp are there because they are fans of her books. Riley reluctantly agrees – she really has no choice since her publisher demands it. What she doesn’t know is that three of her longer term boyfriends will also be there, each trying to charm Riley back into their lives. Will Riley find the inspiration for her new book at Christmas Camp?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s full of Christmas goodness with all the hot chocolate, cookies, and romance one comes to expect from a holiday book. Riley’s character is well-developed and it’s wonderful to watch her grow from a woman trying to ignore the holiday due to personal loss, to someone embracing it and ready to make new memories. I loved all the Christmas activities and the fact the author highlights green initiatives and community good will in this book. As one would expect, the book is somewhat predictable but I’m perfectly fine with this. In this world full of chaos, at least I can count on the predictability of a great holiday book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hawktale Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here. Christmas Ever After publishes on September 29.
My rating: ? ? ? ?/5.
I hope you have a great day!
Mehsi
Yay, more Christmas books! I had fun reading your review, this book sounds very fun and cute. Would like to try it out for Christmas.
thathappyreader
Thanks Mehsi!
SAM
I haven't added any Christmas books to my collection since my children were well, children. The cover is beautiful and I think this year beauty will be where I focus my thoughts since how we celebrate will be different.
thathappyreader
Thanks for your comment Sam.
Anonymous
Ooh this sounds lovely!
I love a good Christmas book! ☺️
Love Lozza x
thathappyreader
Thanks for stopping by, Lozza!
Saoirse Louise [FeministOdyssey]
I love finding new books to read and this one has definitely made my list! Christmas books are so warm and festive ☺️
thathappyreader
Thanks Saoirse!
Aimsy
This sounds like a great book to read in the lead up to Christmas to get that Christmasy magic feeling. It reminds me of those cheesy festive films that are on the TV…I absolutely love these types of tv movies ? Perfect for Christmas!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
thathappyreader
Thanks Aimsy! I’m a big fan of those movies too!
Navita Bhatia
I have always loved your reviews. This one looks a great book too. You are giving me high reading goals. Will try to catch up?
thathappyreader
Thanks for your kind words Navita!
Serena Reidy
A Christmas camp sounds like such a fun idea – I love Christmas books!
Serena / http://www.ramblingsofanotherunigraduate.com
thathappyreader
Thanks Serena! I do too!
R's Rue
I love this cover. Thank you for sharing.
thathappyreader
Thank you!
Raji
Christmas reads are my favourite! This sounds wonderful, I'm going to save this for the holidays!
thathappyreader
That's great! Thanks Raji!
Britt K
It's hard to believe that we're already considering Christmas books! That being said, this one sounds like such a fun read to help get into the holiday spirit!
thathappyreader
Thanks Britt!
Kelly | Poky Little Wanderer
Love your 4 ? rating for the book! Sounds like this book a holiday recipe for happily ever after and I always love a good romance book. Thanks for sharing!
thathappyreader
Thanks Kelly!
Stephanie | The Espresso Edition
This sounds truly adorable! I recently added a TON of Christmas books to my TBR for the upcoming holiday season, and now I'll be adding this one as well. I'm so glad you shared your review!
thathappyreader
Thanks Stephanie! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Sophie
I usually hate when things are too predictable but it would feel so wrong if Christmas themed books/ movies weren't 100% predictable. I'm glad the characters are well developed, it seems like a sweet read x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
thathappyreader
Thank you Sophie! ?
Alex
A Christmas Camp sounds like the best thing ever! This sounds like a great read x
thathappyreader
I agree! Thanks Alex.
Hayley
This sounds so fun! It's not something I'd normally read but I have to admit I'm VERY tempted. Christmas vibes? A festive setting? Exes? Sounds like a great combo!
thathappyreader
Thanks Hayley!