This Christmas

Christmas in New York #1

by Jeannie Moon

Single mother Sabrina Gervais has built a happy life with her daughter Charlotte in their eastern Long Island hometown of Holly Point. Having Charlie meant putting some of her own dreams on hold, but Sabrina is content to surround herself with family and friends, safe from the realities of the outside world. She had enough of that when the man she loved broke her heart.

Jake Killen’s career in professional hockey has brought him many rewards on and off the ice, but returning to New York brings back a flood of memories. When he sees Sabrina again, he discovers that he didn’t just walk away from her ten years ago, but also from their unborn child.
Struggling with anger, guilt, and chemistry that’s off the chart, Sabrina and Jake wonder if they can find love again and, this Christmas, make all their wishes come true.

Christmas in New York
Book 1: This Christmas by Jeannie Moon
Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen
Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett
Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Novella

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2014

About the author

Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Jeannie Moon has always loved stories. The author of nineteen contemporary romances, Jeannie is married to her high school sweetheart, has three grown kids and two grandchildren, and has lived on Long Island, NY, her whole life. A retired teacher and librarian, Jeannie is also an editor and author coach with a growing freelance practice.

If she's more than ten miles away from salt water for any longer than a week, she gets twitchy.

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good Christmas second chance romance. Ten years ago Jake broke Sabrina’s eighteen year old heart when he dumped her and married his ex-fiancee who was pregnant with his child. What he didn’t know was that Sabrina was pregnant, also. (Guess they skipped sex ed. the day they taught about protection)
This is where Sabrina made her cruel mistake; she chose not to tell Jake about the baby. Although I can sympathize with her reasoning (he was married and she didn’t want to trap him) he and his daughter lost a lot of years together.
So anyway, it was a cute little Christmas romance.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "I wished for you," ... "Every year at Christmas." Stars!

Jeannie Moon offers the reader an absolutely lovely start to the Christmas in New York series of novellas.

Sometimes a storyline, its characters and the authors writing style, just click with the reader, and I absolutely adored Sabrina and her daughter Charlie. The return of Jake Killen to her life after a decade, offers them both a few surprises, and although the storyline doesn't really offer up anything new, I still enjoyed every minute of this novella!

"I won't let you fall."



I loved Jake, the guy has a heart of gold, and though he has missed out on ten years of his daughters life through no fault of his own, he goes out of his way to make sure that he doesn't miss anymore. His attempts to prove to Bree that he wants to be a full-time father, and have a full-time family with her are sweet, sexy and heart felt.

"I don't want to lose anymore time."

Looking forward to reading the rest of the novellas in this series!

Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen
Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett
Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christmas is a beautiful written Christmas story. First time for me to read Jeannie Moon and I will be reading more of her books in the future.

After 10 years when Jake returns to New York he discovers Charlie the 9 year old daughter he never knew he had with Sabrina. Getting over the hurt and anger can Sabrina and Jake have a future together or just be there for Charlie. Charlie is the cutest kid and I love the instant father/daughter bond they have so sweet. This is a heart warming story an ideal read at Christmas time.

This is 1 of 4 stories in the Christmas in New York series featuring Cassandra/Cassie, Sabrina/Bree, Jade and Elena. Below is the reading order but each book is stand alone as I read All I Want for Christmas first.

This Christmas - Sabrina
All I Want For Christmas - Cassandra
A Light in the Window - Jade
Goodness and Light - Elena

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve recently discovered Jeannie Moon, and now I find myself drawn to her books like I am to a homemade chocolate cake. And I can’t seem to get enough or walk away from either…

Admittedly, the secret baby trope is a guilty pleasure of mine (because in real life, there’s very little excuse for not telling a man he’s fathered a child). But we don’t read fiction because it’s just like real life, do we?!?!

Sabrina and Jake had a brief relationship one summer when she was just 19 and he was 25. But Jake broke both of their hearts when he felt duty-bound to leave her. Several months later Jake is married and Sabrina discovers she’s pregnant. Ten years later, Jake finds out he has a daughter.

What I loved most about this book is how both Jake and Sabrina behaved. They were grown up, mature people. Jake is understandably angry, but once he talks with Sabrina he realizes he doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on with that anger. Sabrina is initially defensive, but once she talks with Jake she is apologetic and does her best to facilitate a relationship between Jake and their daughter.

And speaking of the daughter...I believe Jeannie Moon is one of the best authors when it comes to portraying children. She makes them fun and precocious, but also completely realistic. Nothing takes me out of a book faster than when a child acts in a way that isn’t age appropriate. The way this author characterizes children is a benefit to the books and not a detriment.

One of the reasons why I like secret baby/second chance stories is because of the grand gesture the hero usually makes to show the heroine his love. Talk is cheap, action is everything. And I want to see the grand gesture! The one in this book was borderline cheesy, but at least it was there.

So yeah, I really liked this book. Even though it was short on pages, it was long on emotion and packed an emotional punch. I can’t wait to read more by Jeannie Moon.

[Melody Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update: I didn't care as much about this story as I did the first time. I got tired of the heroine's inability to be strong. I wanted to hurt very badly the hero who left her to marry another woman who claimed she was pregnant so he left our h to marry other woman. Two years later he finds out the truth and he is not the bio father. He divorces her but never goes back to get the love of his life. Ten years they were apart and I despised him for that but really liked him for how he loved the little girl.

This is a semi-lovely second chance romance. Sabrina Gervais is a single mother. She's built a happy life with her daughter. Ten years ago the love of Sabrina's life walked away...however he had no idea he left a little gift behind.

Jake Killen is a professional hockey player. He's had it all. When he returns to New York memories flood him. Upon seeing Sabrina again he is shocked to find out that Sabrina wasn't the only one he left behind.

I absolutely recommend this book.

[Jamie *Gypsy Smut-a-teer* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh, this was my favorite holiday book I've read so far. I looooved Jake, and Charlie too. I loved the storyline. The only thing I wish was in this case I wish it was longer. At least maybe an epilogue to tell what happened a little later on. Really hope maybe they at least show up more in the other books in the series to give glimpses into future progresses.

[Colibri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet predictable story about 2nd chances.

[~Steph K~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding love for the first time, and then having your heart broken
at such a young age, is difficult for anyone.  But add being pregnant on
to that, Sabrina was left to handle things the best way she saw fit.  And
that was by not telling Jake he was a father.

Unexpectedly though, ten years later, Jake shows up in her life again - and now Sabrina has some explaining to do.
 Not only to Jake, but to her daughter, who wasn't aware of who her father
was.

This was a
sweet, second chance love story between two people, who find the feelings they
once had all those years ago, are still there and can't be denied.  But, forgiveness must come first.  It's also
the story of a father and daughter meeting and getting to know each other, and
love each other so easily.  How Jake interacts with Charlie will totally
melt you heart.

Sometimes Christmas
wishes do come true!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book that I have read by Jeannie Moon and I loved this second chance Christmas story that was written so beautifully. It was tender and sweet as well as heartbreaking at times to realize what Jake and Sabrina missed out on by Jake leaving 10 years ago.
When Jake returns to New York he not only faces the woman he loved and left but he discovers that he has a 9 year old daughter Charlie that he never knew he had with Sabrina.
Jake forms an instant bond with his daughter whose Christmas wish is to meet her father but can Sabrina and Jake push the hurt and anger aside to have a future together or will he Jake have to settle for being there for his daughter Charlie.
Charlie is so delightful and watching Jake and Charlie getting to know each other is so sweet. They are able to relate and love each other so easily.
A perfect holiday read and if you snap it up now, it is FREE on amazon. Highly recommend.

.

[Ebony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the most part. The plot was interesting (I love me a good 'didn't-know-a-child-existed' storyline) and the hero Jake was a dream but I had issues with the heroine Sabrina. I thought she came across as quite young, in her behavior, thoughts, emotions etc.. even though she was meant to be 27 years of age. It was mentioned in the book that she was very young, shy and inexperienced when she and Jake fell in love 10 years before. But I felt like she hadn't matured much since then. She was very emotional, sea soring from happiness to uncertainty at break neck speed. She also cried at the drop of a hat, which became annoying after a while. It's Sabrina who I felt let the book down. Jake and their daughter Charlie were the main stars of the novella for me.

*I received a free copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review*.

[shms · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for 2nd chances especially if the H has gone off and married someone other than the heroine the first time round, but not a fan of the secret child thing.

This is a Christmas story therefore old hurts like the H going off to marry OW, and the h keeping their kid a secret are dealt with at breakneck speed so all is happy by Xmas. So if you can overlook that, its an ok read.

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rating. Holly Point Book #1

A nice Christmas story. Romance is a nice break for a change, especially at Christmas. This is the story of Bree & Jake. Bree was an 18 yr old head over heels for Jake and got pregnant but didn't have a chance to tell him. She convinced best friends to keep the paternity a secret. A former woman in his life claimed she was pregnant with his child, and he moved out of state to be with her. He loved Bree, but felt he needed to take responsibility, which turns out that he wasn't responsible for. It wasn't his child. He did form a relationship with this child and is still on good terms with the boy and his mother, but his ice-hockey profession brings him back home after 10 years where he sees Bree, realizes he still loves her, & realizes her daughter is his and is angry that he has been denied knowledge of this. The daughter has been longing to know her father, and this is where I find it a bit odd. It is never disclosed what the girl has been told about her father, why he wasn't there for her for the last 10 years. Perhaps I missed it, but i don't think so.

It is pretty predictable, and the reader roots for the family to come together. Bree got on my nerves at times, reiterating everything, and so did Jake, in not explaining earlier why he waited so long to come back. If you want an escape read on a rainy weekend, this will do, or if you're stuck at an airport it will pass the time enjoyably. I liked it.

[*Ebony I* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young love conquers

Stories where a parent does not give the other parent an option to be a parent always leave me unsettled. Bree was head over heels for Jake and she thought he felt the same too. Until his ex fiancee shows up saying she is pregnant, he makes the tough decision to be with his ex to raise his child. Bree is heart broken and when she finds out her life will forever be changed after Jake is married for 2 months, she decided them never to tell him. Bree wanted Jake to choose her and her young mind did not fathom the repercussions of her actions. Fast forward 10 yrs later life as they know it is colliding and crumbling. It is worth the read.

[C Jia Ming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was something that finally made me emotional and tear up like crazy. It's really been a while since I come across a book like this. Bree and Jake's story was amazing and to think that this daughter Charlie was what made them come together again :) And of course their love.

[Naomi]

When you find your loves young dream...and it walks away in the arms of another woman, leaves you heartbroken and yes pregnant...but he then re-enters back in your life ...you have got some explaining to do...namely...a little girl you never told him about..

[Baca Buku · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a novella, this was a pretty solid book. It had fully developed characters and an interesting storyline. Good writing too.

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christmas is the first Novella in the Christmas in New York series, that centers on four life-long friends, who are daughters of life-long friends. This Christmas is Sabrina "Bree's" story, and opens with her heartbroken, and surrounded by her friends as she finds out she is pregnant and the course of her life will forever be altered.
Ten years later, Bree has made a good life for her daughter, Charlotte. After giving up plans to be a surgeon, she is a successful physical therapist and doting mother. Still living with her parents in the family home, she has raised Charlie with minimal regrets for not notifying her father -- Until Jake comes back into town.
Jake tried to do the right thing, giving up Bree, the love of his life, and marrying his former Fiancee when she said she was pregnant. He thought if he made a clean break, Bree would move on and get over him. Ten years later he is single and back in New York and stunned to find Bree had a daughter, his daughter, and didn't tell him.
Jake is angry, but can't really place the all the blame on Bree for missing the first years of his daughter's life. Now wants to move forward and make up for lost time by being as involved as he can be. The biggest question is whether he and Bree will share just their daughter or their lives, going forward.
I really enjoyed this story and felt it was a wonderful stand alone, as well as opening to the series. Bree is a strong character who made a decision that was tough but was able to give herself and her daughter a good life,even if it wasn't the one she planned to have. Charlie was a well-rounded little girl who finally got her Christmas wish when Jake returned. The emotions both went through tugged on my heart. Jake was all-in when he found out, but what took him so long to come back to Bree, the love of his life? I wanted to knock sense into him for that one.
Jeannie Moon wrote a novella that was well-developed with characters that were very real. I loved getting to know these three, as well as Bree's family, and her friends. I could just see the town and the rest of the setting.
A wonderful Christmas story of second chances and a Christmas "miracle" (for Charlie).

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christmas
Jeannie Moon
5 stars

Okay . someone tell me why this is rated so low! I loved this book. Seriously!

Sabrina Gervais has built her life around her daughter Charlie. Living in Holly Point with her parents after finding out she was pregnant at 17 threw her career for a loop but she never regretted a moment. Her only regret or heart break was the man who walked away from her. He doesnt know about Charlie. Their lives are fine .. but now he is back. She knows he knows her secret and she believes Charlie does too. Her daughter isnt dumb. She saw the man who looked just like her.

Jake Killen’s hockey career has brought him fame and fortune. Yet he has never been happy. He walked away from the only girl he has ever loved. He didnt want to but circumstances made him do what was right. Seeing Sabrina again has his heart beating out of his chest with anger and emotion. Why .. because the date in his head and the child standing in front of him is something he needs explained to him.

These characters are great! I loved Jake and I love Sabrina and her crew. I havent looked yet but Im certain the remaining books are centered on her gal pals. I adored Charlie and I also loved Sabrina’s parents. Jake and Ryan being best friends and their banter was also great.

I melted with the love between Charlie and her father. I also swooned over Sabrina and the things she held close to her heart remembering Jake. She never truly let him go. This was such a beautiful Christmas read .. add the amazing characters and the love of a father and his child. YES PLEASE!
Im heading to pick up the others. Cassandra has to have a awesome story as we are given bits and pieces of something being up with her. Jade and Elena also have a story and I plan on digging into all of them before the Christmas bells ring!

The cover is perfect. Subtle and in red and white ... perfect! The lighthouse has meaning so make sure you take a peek when you are done at the cover before putting this one back on the shelf.

Review to post to Ramblings From Beneath The Sheets. Go check out the blog! I found this one listed on the site and clicked it up immediately!

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: This Christmas By: Jeannie Moon Publisher: Tule Publishing
Series: Christmas in New York Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: 5
Review:
"This Christmas" by Jeannie Moon

Book Description:

"Single mother Sabrina Gervais has built a happy life with her daughter Charlotte in their eastern Long Island hometown of Holly Point. Having Charlie meant putting some of her own dreams on hold, but Sabrina is content to surround herself with family and friends, safe from the realities of the outside world. She had enough of that when the man she loved broke her heart.

Jake Killen’s career in professional hockey has brought him many rewards on and off the ice, but returning to New York brings back a flood of memories. When he sees Sabrina again, he discovers that he didn’t just run away from her ten years ago, but also from their unborn child.

Struggling with anger, guilt, and chemistry that’s off the chart, Sabrina and Jake wonder if they can find love again and, this Christmas, make all their wishes come true."

What I liked about the read....

This was a beautiful told romantic novella that is the first in this series. A love affair that had been broken up and from it a child was conceived. This situation had been kept a secret until ten years later after Jake comes back into play and he learns of the daughter, Charlie. Will these two Bree and Jake be able to reunite after all this passing time? Even though Bree still loved Jake will she be able to trust him and accept him back into her life? This will definitely be one of those stories of second chances. This author really gives the reader a very good sweet story of this second chance at love along with a beautiful description and setting of the snow, likable characters in this Christmas story. "This Christmas" is one of second chances in learning to forgive, rekindling of lost loves and then building a relationship with a daughter. I thought this was well written by this author and would definitely recommend it to you.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 



The purpose of Thrifty Thursday is to read a book  which was free (at some point).
Kindle freebie on November 14, 2017  (currently $2.99 at Amazon as of writing this post)

 

I always pick my Thrifty Thursday books on a variety of criteria. I look to find something in the genre I am wanting and the overall ratings. Sometimes, I try to find one to fit a reading challenge. This time of year, I am working to read a holiday or winter theme.

 



I picked this read for Christmas in July for COYER.  I have many, many holiday freebies which I will read over this fall and add to a continuing Thrifty Thursday holiday edition.

This Christmas is the start of a series set in New York. It's longer than a novella, but still only about half a book.   It's a second chance romance, so the couple already knows each other.  It makes it easier to have them become a couple more quickly.

It's got some fun themes of hockey and Christmas celebrations.  Sabrina is a bit too good to be true and very emotional.  Jake also seems a bit too good to be true, in spite of his past choices.  Charlie is awfully mature for 9 years old.  So while I liked the characters, they didn't seem totally realistic. I enjoyed this as a light read.

This Christmas is a part of two series. One is a holiday series and each book is written by a different author. The other series is  also a holiday themed romance set in the small town in New York with Sabrina's friend.

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

This Christmas by Jeannie Moon is one of four new novella's from Tule Publishing's Christmas in New York series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but from what I understand, "This Christmas" provides the prologue to the series and "Goodness and Light" provides the epilogue. Since discovering Tule Publishing, I have been extremely excited about their books and their authors are some of the best that I have had the privilege to read.

This story is about Sabrina Gervais, a physical therapist and single mom to Charlie, her nine-year-old daughter. When Sabrina was nineteen, she fell in love with professional hockey player Jake Killen, and as a result of their love, Charlie was brought into this world. Jake never knew about Charlie, because Sabrina chose not to tell him after he broke her heart. Charlie is loved and well taken care for by Sabrina and Sabrina's parents. Predictably, Jake returns to New York and learns that he has a daughter. Of course he is angry, but his love for Sabrina and now Charlie, causes him to do whatever is necessary for them to become a family.

As in all of the books that I have read by Ms. Moon, the prologue is one of the best parts, because it is both exciting and captivating, which sets the tone for the rest of the story. As a result, I was instantly drawn into the lives of the characters that reside or spend some time in the small town of Holly Point, New York. I immediately connected with both Sabrina and Jake and was constantly cheering for them to rekindle the love they once shared. Overall, this is a fast-paced enjoyable read that will put you in the holiday spirit.

Complimentary copy provided by publisher via NetGalley.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Jeannie Moon and it was a beautifully written Christmas story and I will be reading more of her books.

This Christmas was a beautifully told romance and a wonderful start to the Christmas in New York series.

Sabrina was nineteen when she fell in love with Jake Killen, professional hockey player, and as a result of their relationship their daughter was conceived. Jake never knew about Charlie, his daughter, because Sabrina chose not to tell him after he broke her heart.

Jake has loved Sabrina since he met her 10 years ago, but he lost her when he leaves her to return to his ex-fiancée who tells him she's pregnant with his child. Now Jake is back in New York to play hockey again, but he is now divorced after learning the child he thought was his wasn't. Jake is angry when he finds out about Charlie being his daughter and that Sabrina didn’t tell him he was a father.

This Christmas is about second chances at love and about learning how to deal with lost love, forgiveness, and rekindling the love that never died between them. We also get to see Charlie build a relationship with Jake, her dad that she has always dreamed about meeting, and all Charlie wants is for her parents to be together again.

**ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review**

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christmas is the first novel in the Christmas in New York series - Four romantic festive novellas focussing around four lifelong friends. I've read the series a little back to front - I read the last novella first, but in fairness, whilst it contained an epilogue and this a prologue, they could be read as you wish.

A lovely story of second chance love, single mum Sabrina is doing a fabulous job of bringing up her nine year old daughter Charlie. But she has never gotten over her first and only love, her older brother's best friend Jake. The man who broke her heart and unbeknownst to him left her with a part of him forever and when Jake returns to Holly Point he gets the surprise of his life.



Sweet and romantic, I loved Bree and Jake together and their interaction with Charlie was lovely. You can't not want this family to find their HEA and Jeannie Moon has brought us a wonderful opener to the series.



Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Антоанета · Rating 4 out of 5]

Това е една кратка любовна история, но написана толкова красиво, че омайва още с първите страници. Разказва за двама влюбени - Сабрина и Джейк, които преди десет години е трябвало да се разделят, защото друга жена е казала на Джейк, че е бременна от него и той е решил да се ожени за нея, за да постъпи правилно. Малко след това Сабрина също разбира, че е бременна, но решава да отгледа сама дъщеря си и да не каже на никого кой е бащата. И така десет години по-късно те отново се срещат и се оказва, че любовта им никога не си е тръгвала, трябвало е само един поглед, едно докосване, за да пламне отново. Няма какво толкова да се разсъждава по книгата, защото наистина е много кратка, но пък е наситена с толкова много емоции, че успя да ме разчувства и просълзи. Ако ви се чете нещо наистина романтично и свързано с чудесата на Коледа може да й отделите час-два от времето си.

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book several times before, but thought I'd give it another reread since it was rereleased "and updated".

While I still loved the story (I am a total sucker for the two tropes in this book), I find myself continually disappointed by this author's rereleased books - she gives them a fresh cover (not something I particularly care about), and does some "updating"...but doesn't bother to go through the book and fix a plethora of typos that have existed since it was first published. At least this time I borrowed the book with Kindle Unlimited instead of paying money to buy a book I already own that doesn't really have any detectable "updates" and still has a bunch of errors (which I've done several times, unfortunately).

[Delene Yochum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday I sat down to start this book and never stopped until I had finished! I'm a huge fan of the Second Chance at Love trope and Jeannie delivers on all points with this book. She tugs at your heart as you learn the story of Jake and Bree. You want to keep reading, hoping that yes these two can work through the obstacles in front of them. There's never a doubt that they still love each other, you feel that from the start. Then there is sweet Charlie aka Charlotte. Most of all you are rooting for Charlie! I love holiday romances and this was a great way to start The New York Holiday series!

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story and one for the top of the holiday read list. Jake and Sabrina had a true and intense young love but when an old girlfriend claims to be pregnant, Jake leaves Sabrina thinking he is doing the right thing. But when the right thing turns out to be the biggest mistake of your life you do whatever is necessary to fix things. This is a beautiful tale of lost and rediscovered love. I highly recommend this book!

[Bonnie Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance on love story, with very real and likeable characters.
It has some charm surrounding that lighthouse you see on the cover and also a grandmothers Christmas wish box.
Heart warming novella that wraps up nicely and doesn't leave you dangling. Romance readers this one really grabs you in the prologue which is very YA!

[Alysse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the Christmas in New York series. I really loved all the characters in this one and felt it had a lot more interaction between the characters in the other books in this book. The other books I kinda just felt more focused on the main character.

[Rali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story for Christmas and 2nd chances.