Review & Giveaway: Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs (CLOSED)

***Congratulations to Kelly Blackwell & Britney Adams, winners of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered!  

 

Title: Candlelight Christmas 

Author: Susan Wiggs  

Series: Lakeshore Chronicles, #10

Published: October 2013, Harlequin MIRA

Format: ARC e-copy, 336 pages 

Source: Netgalley via publicist 

#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.

My thoughts: I’ve been a fan of Susan Wiggs’ Lakeshore Chronicles books for a while now and was super excited to see that a new book was coming out this year – and that it had a holiday theme! I was definitely not disappointed and devoured the book in one sitting.

I was excited to see that Logan was getting his own story, once I realized who he was in relation to the series. It’s been a while since I read the last story and since it was two books prior that Logan was really featured in, it took me a while to place him – but once I did – it all came back. I think that’s what I love most about this series – no matter how much time goes by between each book, it just takes a few pages of Susan Wigg’s writing for it all to come back.

I admit that I was not a huge fan of Logan’s in the earlier books, but in this book he has grown up into a great guy – he’s trying very hard to be a good father to his son, Charlie – someone his son will look up to. He’s even willing to take risk’s – not only in business, going after a passion, but also with his heart.

From the moment Darcy is introduced, I just loved her character. I felt there was something about her that made her the type of person I could instantly be friends with. After her divorce, she put some pretty hard and fast “rules” in place and came to realize, after time, that those rules really weren’t going to make her happy.

I think the kids really steal the show in this book. Between Charlie, Andre and Angelica, it’s hard to say who I loved the most – but suffice to say, all three had me in tears at one time or another during the story. And, I loved the idea of the Christmas Pickle Ornament…I’ve never heard of it before, but definitely think it would make a great gift for my siblings and their families if I can find them this year!


Books in this series:

  1. Summer at Willow Lake             6.  Lakeshore Christmas
  2. The Winter Lodge                        7.  The Summer Hideaway
  3. Dockside                                          8.  Marrying Daisy Bellamy
  4. Snowfall at Willow Lake             9.  Return to Willow Lake
  5. Fireside                                            10.  Candlelight Christmas

GIVEAWAY DETAILS CLOSED (US/Canada only)

Thanks to the publicist I have two copies of Candlelight Christmas to give away to my readers.

 

To enter… 

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.
  • Please include email address so I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway is open to US/Canada residents only and ends December 6th.  

Good luck!

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16 Comments

  1. Marie
    November 27, 2013 / 4:48 pm

    I've been wanting to read a Christmas-themed feel-good novel this year. Sometimes I just want the written equivalent of a Hallmark Special. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, do you think one needs to have read the previous books or does this one stand well enough on its own? I haven't read her others, but this sounds fun. Mcstone84 (at) gmail (dot) com

    • Kristin
      November 27, 2013 / 9:45 pm

      No, you don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one – Susan Wiggs gives enough of the back story to fill you in when needed.

  2. Felicia the Geeky Blogger
    November 27, 2013 / 8:55 pm

    I hope one doesn't need to read the rest because this one is on my christmas read list 🙂

    • Kristin
      November 27, 2013 / 9:45 pm

      No you don't…it works as a stand-alone. SW does a good job giving back story when needed!

  3. Nise'
    November 28, 2013 / 1:42 am

    I've missed a couple of books but know that it won't matter! I love this series too. Thanks for the giveaway.
    nisethusfarATyahoo

  4. Melanie Backus
    November 28, 2013 / 6:31 am

    I am so looking forward to reading this book. I love the cover and I know the book will be wonderful.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

  5. Ardamus
    November 28, 2013 / 10:50 am

    Wow..
    Great giveaway / contest.
    I hope I can have similar giveaway like this too.
    Hope everyone enjoy it. Good luck.

    Regards,

  6. Helen L.
    November 28, 2013 / 4:51 pm

    I love Susan's books and Christmas stories are the best.
    gmapeony[at]yahoo.com

  7. Helen L.
    November 28, 2013 / 4:52 pm

    I love Susan's books and Christmas stories are the best.
    gmapeony[at]yahoo.com

  8. Helen L.
    November 28, 2013 / 4:52 pm

    I love Susan's books and Christmas stories are the best.
    gmapeony[at]yahoo.com

  9. Helen L.
    November 28, 2013 / 4:52 pm

    I love Susan's books and Christmas stories are the best.
    gmapeony[at]yahoo.com

  10. Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On It
    November 29, 2013 / 4:45 am

    I am glad that this is part of a series. I love to get to know characters and kind of grow with them. I am adding to my wish list now. Thank you for the chance to win.

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

  11. Kelly Blackwell @ Heres My Take On It
    November 29, 2013 / 4:47 am

    I have shared your giveaway on Twitter: twitter.com/kellyblackwell/status/406283108565000192

    Thank you again!

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

  12. MandiC
    November 30, 2013 / 4:01 am

    This looks like a great book to read by the fire!
    mandichildress[at]gmail.com

  13. Britney Adams
    December 4, 2013 / 3:52 pm

    I love The Lakeshore Chronicles and can't wait to read CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

  14. Britney Adams
    December 4, 2013 / 3:53 pm

    I tweeted:

    twitter.com/texaggs2000/status/408261895766802432

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com