Santa, Bring My Baby Back: A Romantic Comedy of Second Chances at the Rock'n'Rolla Hotel

Rock'n'Rolla Hotel #3

by Cheryl Harper

A bride abandoned at the altar . . . just in time for Christmas? 'Tis the season for second chances at Cheryl Harper's Elvis-themed Rock'n'Rolla Hotel. After trying and failing at acting, modeling, dog grooming, and a dozen other jobs, Grace Andersen thought for sure she'd nail marrying a rich man. But dumped in a hotel chapel and strapped for cash, Grace needs a miracle—and a job. If it were up to Charlie McMinn, Grace would be a married lady by now. Officiating weddings in gold lamé and a rock star pompadour may not have been his idea of getting into the holiday spirit, but with a gorgeous bride asking for his help, Charlie doesn't mind sticking around his mother's hotel a few more days. Especially if it means getting Grace settled … Grace isn't sure what to think of sexy, rugged Charlie, except that she can't deny the attraction between them, or how good it feels to finally fit in somewhere. Is she ready to give a certain place—and a certain someone—a real chance? Or will she abandon a true Christmas miracle?

Genres: Holiday, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 17, 2013

Reviews

[Karla]

4.5 Stars! I thought Tony was it for me in, Can't Help Falling in Love, but Charlie stole my heart!

This is the final book in the series and a deeper read than the first two. It was as much about Charlie and Grace’s relationship, as was about Charlie and Willowdean's, and ultimately it was Grace who helped Charlie find his way back to his mom. I adore Willowdean, but I was a little angry with her in this book, and I loved how Grace jumped to his defense, and even though some of his quirks annoyed her too, she could see past them. There's a lack of communication and a few misunderstandings, but nothing that makes the reader feel anxious and stressed out. With so many angst filled reads being released lately, it’s nice to lose yourself in story that's about the good in people. No insta-love and a relationship where both parties recognize their differences, and work through them so they can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Charlie and Grace were an unexpected pleasant surprise and so is the way they meet, very unconventional, but it worked... they work! He’s regimented; she flies by the seat of her pants…total opposites, yet they have a connection, there's a spark, and they seem to understand each other. She’s running from a family who likes order and he’s trying to find a place with a mother who lives for the day. There's a definite attraction, but they're not sure what to do with it, they always seem to say the wrong thing to each other, and are conflicted with their feelings. My heart ached for them; I could feel their passion and confusion. Charlie and Grace’s relationship was a work in progress, a journey of sorts, and while at times my heart ached for them, it was also fun to see them navigate through their issues and find common ground.

Charlie and Willodean have a loving, but strained relationship and the heart to heart that Charlie finally had with his mom, choked me up. He felt like he was competing with the hotel and all her ‘strays’ for her attention, an outsider looking in, and he'd been holding in his resentment for a long time. Willodean regrets some of Charlie’s childhood, dragging him along to her job when she had no one to watch him, but he saw it differently. Parents always want the best for their children, but they don't miss what they don’t have, and at the heart of it, kids just want to be with their parents. Willowdean had trouble recognizing that, and after losing his dad, all Charlie ever wanted was to take care of his mom and just 'be' with her. He wanted to come first, and Willodean thought wealth and material things would better his life, an all too common issue between parents and their children. I thought the author did a great job with this part of the story, especially conveying Charlie's feelings, more hurt than anger, and it made me sad for him...for them.

While the ending was good, and it tied up a lot of loose ends for many of the characters, I wanted more...I felt there needed to be more. You know where Charlie and Grace are headed, but I fully expected to find my way to an epilogue, and much to my disappointment, there wasn't one. It's not always necessary, but considering the difficult journey that the reader traveled with this endearing couple, an epilogue would have made the read more complete. It would have made it a 5 star read!

I'm very sad to see this series end. Cheryl Harper showed versatility with each book in this series. Three installments connected at the core, but each one different its own right. They all have the same basic ingredients, but the author mixed it up enough to make each read distinctive! She's a solid writer, there is an easy flow to her books and they are filled with charming characters, fun storylines, familiarity, and just the right amount of sexual sensuality! I hope that maybe Cheryl Harper will consider bringing the readers up to speed of what's doing at the Rock'n'Rolla by way of some novellas in the future, I'm not ready to let go of these characters. That being said...I had a great time and it was fun while it lasted!

* A copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance

[Victoria Rainey]

Grace Anderson has flitted from job to job. She has not found the job that will make her settle in one place. Grace was going marry a rich man she did not love but he dumped her in the hotel chapel. Grace seems to do what she does best, make the best out of a bad situation and try to land on her feet. Grace strikes me as a person trying to find what makes her happy in life.

Charlie McMinn is the son of the owner of the hotel. While he has feelings for Grace, he is slow to acknowledge them. What he is honest about is inability to stay away from her. I loved that he enjoys spending time with her and he can see the person she in underneath the bad choices she has made in her life. Charlie is a smart and sexy man who wants the best from all those around him. He regrets not spending enough time with his mother but at the same time wants to be a priority in hers above the hotel.

The chemistry between Charlie and Grace is scorching hot. I loved that they could not keep their hands off each other. I also loved that Charlie spent the time to get to know Grace better rather than writing her off.

I found this story well written. I loved the main and secondary characters. They were realistic. I hope there are more stories about some of the other characters in this hotel. Overall, this is a wonderful book that I had a hard time putting down.

[Farrah]

A very sweet holiday read, Santa, Bring My Baby Back was a lovely romance. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book.

I really liked both of the lead characters. Grace was the type of person to do her own thing and do what made her happy. She was fun and likable and I thought she was great. Charlie, I have to admit, didn't make the best first impression. At first, he came off as uptight and somewhat judgmental. But, over the course of the book, he loosened up and became rather sweet. By the end of the book, I really liked him.

The romance was super sweet. It was the type of romance that makes you smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside, which is perfect for a holiday read. I thought they were lovely together.

I loved the cast of secondary characters. They were wonderful and made things fun and lively.

The plot was good. My one problem with the book was that there were parts where the pace lagged and I skimmed until the pace picked back up. It did affect my enjoyment, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I still really enjoyed the story. And the ending was perfect.

Santa, Bring My Baby Back was a lovely contemporary romance. I really enjoyed reading this sweet holiday book. Lovers of romance, if you want a holiday read to make you smile, then you might want to check this book out.

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Shelley]

In the words of Michael Scott, why are you the way that you are?

I hate so much about the things that you choose to be.

No god, please no!

Michael Scott's hatred for Toby pales in comparison to my hatred for this book. I have no idea how it ended up in my house, but it had a Bloodhound on the cover and I thought what the hell, I'll give it a go. I made it a chapter and a half in and chucked it violently into the recycling bin.

[Janis]

Romantic comedy full of likable characters. Fairly entertaining.

[Bernie]

Santa, Being My Baby Back review

Santa, Being My Baby Back is a romantic comedy from the Rock 'n Rolla Hotel series written by author Cheryl Harper.

[The Book Tart]

originally posted on The Book Tart at http://thebooktart.com/book-review/qu...

I’m an Elvis fan. Not quite as obsessed as Willodean is, the owner of the Rock’n'Rolla hotel in Cheryl Harper’s series, but I enjoy the King. :) And even more than that, I enjoyed Santa, Bring My Baby Back. It’s a fun, funny, emotional, nod your head and sigh, kind of read that I loved and laughed my way through.


Grace is abandoned on her wedding day in the perfect dress at the Rock’n'Rolla hotel chapel. She was left to pick up the pieces of her life… and pick up the tab of the wedding that wasn’t. Charlie was helping his mom, Willodean, by officiating a few wedding ceremonies as Elvis. Grace and Charlie’s first meeting is priceless. Gold lamé on him and white satin on her. I could totally picture it. ;)

I admired Grace from the start. She’s been knocked down but she’ll get up again (yes, I’m singing. Gahhh! I should be singing Elvis.) Anyways, Grace needs a job because her wedding fell apart and Willodean gives her a chance. I loved her can do attitude and the way she could see both sides of a situation. She could see both sides of Charlie too and liked his serious side as well as his emotional side.

I couldn’t help but like Charlie. He was trying so hard to help his mom and protect his heart that I just wanted to kiss him and shake him. Grace wasn’t what he thought he wanted in his life but when he saw her he thought of magic…

Here are just a few of the parts that made me laugh or sigh…



♥ She snorted and Charlie liked her better, if that was possible. A princess was one thing. A beautiful woman with an unladylike snort, that was real. “You said a mouthful there, Elvis.”



♥ For some reason, she had the urge to wrap her hand around his arm and maybe rest her head on his shoulder. Not exactly what she expected from a man with rock-star good looks and enough gunk in his hair to preserve his style in a tornado.



♥ “… It’s all Elvis. You remember that. I think it’s like working with neutrals. You just buy Elvis and it all goes together.”



♥ “…but when I’m with her it’s like everything settles.” He scrubbed both hands down his face. “It’s hard to explain.”



Santa, Bring My Baby Back is a fun book and I love Cheryl Harper’s writing style. I was grinning like a loon through much of Grace and Charlie’s road to romance. There are so many lines in this story that resonated with me. There’s a solid chord of family and second chances that grounded this story. That’s why I read romance, the belief that the power of love can and does make a difference. I recommend you give yourself a present and curl up with Santa, Bring My Baby Back. You can’t help but be caught up in the fun and family of the Rock’n'Rolla hotel that you’ll want to stay there for real!



The Queen of Tarts

♦ eARC provided for review for my honest opinion.

[Gaele]

I had read another Elvis-themed story set at the Rock’n’Rolla Hotel in Memphis – great fun with clever characters, dialogue and the omnipresent feel of Elvis. This story brings more people in from the cold: with the new additions at the hotel including a wedding chapel, conference rooms and the owner’s son pitching in to help and attempt to micromanage finances, this installment is just as fun and engaging.

Meet Grace, recently in her home state for an Elvis-themed wedding bash at the hotel. Unfortunately, her groom had other plans, and she is stranded without money, work or prospects. But this is the Rock’n’Rolla hotel with the infamous Willodean at the helm and things are just prone to interference for the right sort of person. And Grace, in Willodean’s eyes is just that right sort.

Charlie is a bit of a stick in the mud. Desperately craving his mother’s attention and time, yet wholly unsuited to her more ‘seat of the pants’ style and approach to the people she encounters, he is dealing with anger, guilt and jealousy over those his mother is openly affectionate and meddlesome with. Believing that Grace is little more than a gold-digger and out for only herself: he can’t explain the connection that sparks between them.

With several conflicts, lots of flirtation and the realization that Willodean’s feelings regarding matchmaking are usually spot on, Charlie has several moments that require him removing his foot from his mouth, and learning to loosen up. The family atmosphere at the hotel is so utterly omnipresent and real, with little tiffs, resentments and even arguments that have long festered under the surface.

I’m not a fan of Elvis, but the growth, emotion and good humor shown throughout the two stories I have read from this author make me want to experience Memphis with a stop at the hotel! All of the characters in this story experience some great changes in their lives: making peace, learning to let go, and most importantly Charlie’s ability to learn compromise and find his place at the hotel with Grace as a new love interest.

This was a fun and clever story with a bow-bedecked hound dog, nothing but Elvis on the karaoke machine, and some clever moments of admirable use of hair products. You’ll have to read the story to understand that…and read this you should.

I received an eArc copy via edelweiss for purpose of honest review for Tasty Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Jodean]

Grace Andersen finds herself left at the alter, with not so much as a note or word from her groom to be. Charlie McMinn is the Elvis officiant that ends up telling her the bad news. From their first encounter it clear that they are an odd couple for sure. Charlie is the eccentric hotel owner's son and has spent his entire life by schedule and numbers. While Grace as spent most of her life flitting from one job to another, one state to the next, trying to find where she was fits in and is meant to be.

The differences between Charlie and Grace also was what brought them together. I'm a huge believer that couples that do well together are those that balance each other. Grace and Charlie balance each other. Where one is a planner, one is a doer, where one is out going the other is reserved, but at the hear they both yearn to find a place they belong and fit in. Both of them grew up in different worlds, but still had a lot of the same issues at heart, trying to find who they are and what really makes them happen. Everyone has a journey to go through and theirs brought them together.

What I so wished the story also had was more going on it with. It was nice to see two people in their 30's finding romance, as so many books today are about hot, young, 20ish peeps. But the book didn't have a lot going on it. I was into Chapter 3 and a full 24 hours had not taken place. The pacing of the book left the reader feeling the slow pace, with each page being turned. Also the ending really felt abrupt for the two main characters. All the secondary characters got more resolution to their stories than the two main characters did.

All in all the author was a good writer. I would definitely check out other of her books. I would still recommend the book, even with the slower pace, and lack of movement, the characters did draw me in and root for them. My heart did yearn for the boy inside of Charlie and I did shed several tears as he grappled with his baggage and regrets of the past.

** I did receive a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.

[Leslie]

Rating: B

Cheryl Harper gives readers a sweet, quirky romance between a schedule loving hero and a no plans required heroine. It's set against the backdrop of an Elvis themed resort hotel. And while there are a number of Elvis sightings, the focus is on the developing romance of Grace and Charlie.

Charlie McMinn is happiest at his home in the woods, working his magic on increasing his and his mother's investments. It's his mother Willodean, who draws him out of him seclusion and has him working at the resort. Charlie doesn't like his time at the resort but he loves him mom and that's why he's willing to dress as Elvis. Charlie's really a sweetheart under all that grumpiness and I enjoyed see through that grumpiness to the hero underneath.

It turns out being left at the alter is the best thing to happen to Grace Andersen in a long time. She finds herself more or less stuck at the Rock'n'Rolla Hotel. Grace does seem to land on her feet and this time is not different except for Charlie. He makes all the difference between just another job and a new life. Grace slides into her new role and new life at the hotel. She also makes her way into Charlie's life and it was interesting to see how much these two seemingly different people have so much in common.

The hotel and resort has it's variety of eclectic residents. They all add some spice to the story but my favorite is Willodean. She is the voice of wisdom, reason and experience. She is the driving force of the hotel and the people who live and work there.

Although Santa, Bring My Baby Back is considered a holiday romance, it's a fun read for any time of the year.

[Sonja]

On my bookcrossing shelf...
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...

I won this copy of "Santa, Bring My Baby Back" in a goodreads giveaway... and Cheryl Harper wrote a nice note in the front of the book... Before the giveaway, I was not aware of this series set in my hometown...

I loved reading this cute little Christmas romance taking place at the Rock'n'Rolla Hotel in Memphis TN. I was born and raised in Memphis and still live about 15 minutes from Graceland (just across the state line in Mississippi). I was interested to see what the author thought about the whole Elvis phenomena... I mean Graceland is the #1 visited home in the USA.... Still after all these years, fans make pilgrimages to Graceland for two major celebrations... Elvis' birthday in January and the anniversary of his death in August. It's amazing to see and talk to fans from all over the world.

I enjoyed the story of Grace and Charlie, but my favorite character is Charlie's Mom, Willodean McMinn Holloway Luttrell Jackson. With a name like that, you know from the get-go this lady has led an interesting life. And the fact that she owns this wonderful Elvis themed hotel just adds more spice.

I kept comparing the Rock'n'Rolla Hotel with our real Heartbreak Hotel, located across the street from Graceland, and I found the Heartbreak Hotel lacking... I don't believe the Heartbreak has the heart of Willodean's Rock'n'Rolla Hotel and after all I think this whole series revolves around Willodean and her love of Elvis.

I'm looking forward to reading other books in this series.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews)]

Reviewed by Kim
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews

Cheryl Harper is a new author to me. I was a little worried to read the book, since it is the third book in the series, but I had no trouble jumping into it.

Santa, Bring My Baby Back was a nice read. Charlie McMinn and Grace Andersen feel an unbelievable attraction to the other immediately. Grace makes Charlie uncomfortable and he just wants to get rid of her. However, after just getting dumped by her fiance on her wedding day, Grace has nowhere to go. In steps Willowdean, Charlie’s mother. Willowdean has a thing for strays, so to speak and offers Grace a job.

Charlie and Grace are two people you can root for. Watching them feel their way around each other and then ultimately truly fall in love, is a wonderful journey that’s fun and emotional.

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

[Shelly]

Hmmmm

For the 3rd book in the series, I couldn't put it down! Now I'm wondering when the next book comes out because I want more of the Elvis hotel and the miss match family .... and don't forget the romance and the little lessons....

[Michele]

See my full review:

http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-san...

[Ann Lorz]

A fun holiday book. You'll like Grace and at times be a little mad at Charlie's once track mind but as a whole he's a good character.

[Brenda Crider]

This book was a quick, great read! Grace and Charlie's love story was sweet and fun! I am looking forward to reading the other two books in the series!