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Jersey Boys #3
Santa's Playbook
WANTED: A MUM FOR CHRISTMAS! Handsome widower and high-school football coach Ethan Noble is trying to keep four adorably unruly kids in line. He definitely isn’t looking for love… But when his oldest insists her drama teacher, Claire Jacobs, is perfect for him, he can’t resist Claire’s bright smile and infectious laugh. Claire privately admits that Ethan is drop-dead gorgeous – but his family dynamic is seriously complicated. Claire isn’t sure she’d be a good step-mum, but there’s soon no denying that Ethan’s kids love her. It could just be that there’s a happily-ever-after on the horizon after all!
Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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57 people want to read
About the author
Karen Templeton
210 books36 followersAs the mother of five sons, now grown, Karen loves to write about real people dealing with the drama (and humor) of everyday life. Over the past fifteen years, Karen has written nearly 50 books for Harlequin/Silhouette and Red Dress Ink, and three of her Special Edition titles (A Mother's Wish (2009) Welcome Home, Cowboy (2011) and A Gift for All Seasons (2013) have won the RITA award, the romance industry's top prize for published authors. In addition, her November 2014 title, Santa's Playbook, earned the Romantic Times Gold Seal of Excellence, out of the hundreds of releases reviewed by the magazine for that month.
She is very active on Facebook, as both Karen Templeton and her full name, Karen Templeton Berger, running giveaway contests whenever she has a new release... or just feels like it. Or you can reach her via her website at www.karentempleton.com, which contains recent news as well as excerpts from both current and backlist titles.
She is very active on Facebook, as both Karen Templeton and her full name, Karen Templeton Berger, running giveaway contests whenever she has a new release... or just feels like it. Or you can reach her via her website at www.karentempleton.com, which contains recent news as well as excerpts from both current and backlist titles.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 18, 2014
Wow! I really can't say enough good about this. This is a thoroughly delightful holiday romance with a complex heroine and hero. Yes, the hero has 4 kids, but they all feel real, and help move the story along.
October 7, 2016
3.5 stars ;)
I think the end is a little too magical. For me, I missed moments of loneliness for her. That she could stay with her thoughts alone.
One more thing, something is not right with the age of the heroine when her father died. It was terribly twisted. It did not make sense.
Besides, it's a pretty good read. Although I would like more mischievous kids.
I think the end is a little too magical. For me, I missed moments of loneliness for her. That she could stay with her thoughts alone.
One more thing, something is not right with the age of the heroine when her father died. It was terribly twisted. It did not make sense.
Besides, it's a pretty good read. Although I would like more mischievous kids.
September 18, 2017
Good book about two people with so much love to share, if only they can get past their fears of being hurt. Ethan is a widower with four kids who is just trying to keep his life together. He's none too thrilled when his oldest daughter tries to fix him up with her drama teacher. Claire returned to Maple River to take care of her mother and stayed after her mother's death. She is content with her life the way it is and surprised by Juliette's attempt to hook her up with her father.
I loved the opening of the book, with Juliette and Claire bonding a little over the sales. Then Juliette does her bit, manipulating things so that Claire stays for breakfast. Ethan isn't the most welcoming of guys, as this isn't the first time Juliette has tried to set him up. I liked the direct way that they both address the situation, making it clear that neither is looking for a relationship. However, that doesn't affect the zing of attraction that each of them feels.
I loved the development of their relationship. Ethan is still grieving the loss of his wife while trying to keep his children's lives as normal as possible. He barely has time to sleep, much less think about doing anything for himself. The attraction that he feels for Claire disturbs him. First, that he feels anything for her at all makes him feel disloyal, second, Claire is so different that he doesn't understand the appeal. But he figures that he won't see her all that much so he can ignore it. Claire is also confused by the attraction. She understands the physical appeal; after all, he is a good-looking man. But he's the father of four, and she has never seen herself as the motherly type, preferring her quiet life. Fate seems to have other ideas, and Ethan and Claire find themselves thrown together under varying circumstances. I loved seeing them get to know each other. Against all expectations, they develop a pretty solid friendship. I loved their meeting as they conferred on the best way to help two of his football players and discovered that their methods were more alike than they expected. Claire also ended up stepping in to help when Ethan had to take a trip. It was sweet to see her deal with unexpected challenges and discover that she isn't as hopeless as she thought she'd be. As Christmas nears, their feelings deepen, but both try to deny them. Ethan is in no hurry to risk his heart again or to risk putting his kids through any more upheaval in their lives. Claire saw what her mom went through when Claire's father died, and has maintained an emotional distance ever since. It takes some kind but blunt talk from those who have been through it to open both Ethan's and Claire's eyes to the realization that they are letting fear keep them from something special. I loved their big moment at the end and Claire's comment that "it's not crowded, it's cozy."
The secondary characters were terrific. There was a chance to catch up with the brothers from the earlier stories, The Real Mr. Right and More Than She Expected. I also loved seeing more of their father, Colonel Noble, who had a bigger part in this book. I loved the scene with him, the baby, and Ethan, as he uses his own experience to help Ethan. Claire's landlord, Virgil, was adorable. I especially loved the heart-to-heart over Chinese food. But my favorites were Ethan's kids. Bella was too cute for words. The two boys were so spot-on for their ages that it brought back memories of my own son at that age. Juliette was amazing. A teenage girl who has taken on so much responsibility and dealt with it so well. She's not perfect, but she's real. I especially loved the way that she worried about Ethan. I really enjoyed the way that the epilogue was told from her point of view.
I loved the opening of the book, with Juliette and Claire bonding a little over the sales. Then Juliette does her bit, manipulating things so that Claire stays for breakfast. Ethan isn't the most welcoming of guys, as this isn't the first time Juliette has tried to set him up. I liked the direct way that they both address the situation, making it clear that neither is looking for a relationship. However, that doesn't affect the zing of attraction that each of them feels.
I loved the development of their relationship. Ethan is still grieving the loss of his wife while trying to keep his children's lives as normal as possible. He barely has time to sleep, much less think about doing anything for himself. The attraction that he feels for Claire disturbs him. First, that he feels anything for her at all makes him feel disloyal, second, Claire is so different that he doesn't understand the appeal. But he figures that he won't see her all that much so he can ignore it. Claire is also confused by the attraction. She understands the physical appeal; after all, he is a good-looking man. But he's the father of four, and she has never seen herself as the motherly type, preferring her quiet life. Fate seems to have other ideas, and Ethan and Claire find themselves thrown together under varying circumstances. I loved seeing them get to know each other. Against all expectations, they develop a pretty solid friendship. I loved their meeting as they conferred on the best way to help two of his football players and discovered that their methods were more alike than they expected. Claire also ended up stepping in to help when Ethan had to take a trip. It was sweet to see her deal with unexpected challenges and discover that she isn't as hopeless as she thought she'd be. As Christmas nears, their feelings deepen, but both try to deny them. Ethan is in no hurry to risk his heart again or to risk putting his kids through any more upheaval in their lives. Claire saw what her mom went through when Claire's father died, and has maintained an emotional distance ever since. It takes some kind but blunt talk from those who have been through it to open both Ethan's and Claire's eyes to the realization that they are letting fear keep them from something special. I loved their big moment at the end and Claire's comment that "it's not crowded, it's cozy."
The secondary characters were terrific. There was a chance to catch up with the brothers from the earlier stories, The Real Mr. Right and More Than She Expected. I also loved seeing more of their father, Colonel Noble, who had a bigger part in this book. I loved the scene with him, the baby, and Ethan, as he uses his own experience to help Ethan. Claire's landlord, Virgil, was adorable. I especially loved the heart-to-heart over Chinese food. But my favorites were Ethan's kids. Bella was too cute for words. The two boys were so spot-on for their ages that it brought back memories of my own son at that age. Juliette was amazing. A teenage girl who has taken on so much responsibility and dealt with it so well. She's not perfect, but she's real. I especially loved the way that she worried about Ethan. I really enjoyed the way that the epilogue was told from her point of view.
March 29, 2021
I picked up this book because I'm a sucker for Christmas-themed stories, and I thought this would be a good way to expand my reading horizons to at least have an open mind about Harlequin romances. The plot is pretty much standard, and runs on rails; the only real suspense is whether the Hallmark Channel will pick it up for one of it's umpteen Christmas movies (what do you expect from a Harlequin romance?). What let me down are two things... that this isn't really a "Christmas" story, but rather a "September - December" story. The second is that I really wish they'd stop the tired trope of the "Lonely only child." Enough already!!!!
January 1, 2015
When his teenage daughter tries to set up widower Ethan with Claire - a teacher at the school where Ethan coaches football - neither Ethan nor Claire want any part of the scheme, but over the holidays, fate has other plans.
Ethan’s a widower with four kids, who truly, truly loved his wife, while Claire is a thoroughly modern woman, pleased with her solitude and independence. I really liked how the author took time with these characters, establishing their bond and the bond with Ethan’s kids, it had an authenticity to it.
For much of the novel I found the pacing outstanding, it was the first romance I’ve read in awhile where it didn’t seem like it was in a hurry, the characters dictated how and when things happened, which I love. But then there was this moment that felt kind of like it came out of nowhere in the final third, the relationship took a leap forward to a place, that to me, it hadn’t felt anywhere near going yet, to my recollection, they hadn’t even shared a kiss prior to that.
I know there’s probably a mandate from the publisher to have the couple fully established and settled together by the end of the story so readers feel assured that they’ll live happily ever after, but I think this one might have been more satisfying for me had Ethan and Claire just experienced their first kiss at the end, or even just agreed to go on a first date. Even if that isn’t the traditional romance ending, it would have felt as honest as the rest of the story did, and the author’s totally talented, she would have pulled it off in a way that still held the promise of a shiny future.
That one issue aside, I really did enjoy this, I appreciated the diversity of ages and races in the supporting characters, the writing flowed so nicely, there was a genuine sense of warmth and family, and since in addition to adult novels, I also like YA, it was a bonus to have a little teen drama/romance in the mix.
Ethan’s a widower with four kids, who truly, truly loved his wife, while Claire is a thoroughly modern woman, pleased with her solitude and independence. I really liked how the author took time with these characters, establishing their bond and the bond with Ethan’s kids, it had an authenticity to it.
For much of the novel I found the pacing outstanding, it was the first romance I’ve read in awhile where it didn’t seem like it was in a hurry, the characters dictated how and when things happened, which I love. But then there was this moment that felt kind of like it came out of nowhere in the final third, the relationship took a leap forward to a place, that to me, it hadn’t felt anywhere near going yet, to my recollection, they hadn’t even shared a kiss prior to that.
I know there’s probably a mandate from the publisher to have the couple fully established and settled together by the end of the story so readers feel assured that they’ll live happily ever after, but I think this one might have been more satisfying for me had Ethan and Claire just experienced their first kiss at the end, or even just agreed to go on a first date. Even if that isn’t the traditional romance ending, it would have felt as honest as the rest of the story did, and the author’s totally talented, she would have pulled it off in a way that still held the promise of a shiny future.
That one issue aside, I really did enjoy this, I appreciated the diversity of ages and races in the supporting characters, the writing flowed so nicely, there was a genuine sense of warmth and family, and since in addition to adult novels, I also like YA, it was a bonus to have a little teen drama/romance in the mix.
September 30, 2014
This book is more than five stars. It's a keeper, a fresh seasonal story with a cast of characters so real and events so true you swear you know these folks, have been in their mall, eaten at the local diner, cheered at their high school football games. Templeton weaves real life and heart-tugging magic into the romance of a handsome widower, coach and noble father of four who hasn't moved past grieving and a pixie drama teacher who doesn't see herself as wife and mother material. This book is so much more than a Christmas book, a pleasure to read in the fall and to be reread as the season grows closer.
Read
January 12, 2016"Templeton returns to her atypical Jersey Boys clan with an inspiring tragedy-to-triumph tearjerker. A captivating couple and matchmaking kid rock every page. The cacophony of loud children’s voices, iconic Jersey-isms and adult desires make this an unapologetic, imperfect real slice of life" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 GOLD!Phenomenal- in a Class by Itself).
Miniseries: Jersey Boys
Miniseries: Jersey Boys
November 4, 2014
I first off have to say I received a copy from the author of this book..BUT I purchase a copy as well..
I LOVED this book it has awesome characters that you fall in love with..
And a widowed dad with 4 kids?? What else can be said about any woman willing to take a ready made family on??
Awesome addition to the Jersey Boys series if you liked the others you will love this one,
I LOVED this book it has awesome characters that you fall in love with..
And a widowed dad with 4 kids?? What else can be said about any woman willing to take a ready made family on??
Awesome addition to the Jersey Boys series if you liked the others you will love this one,
November 23, 2014
cute, quick read
January 4, 2015
A great read. Enjoyed this alot.
March 28, 2015
Lots of good writing in this story :) thanks KT!
Bought @ Christmas but didn't get to it until almost Easter! Loved the leggings!
Bought @ Christmas but didn't get to it until almost Easter! Loved the leggings!
January 15, 2015
loved the characters and the story
April 1, 2017
Great story of love and families and Christmas. It wonderfully demonstrates the fact that what we think we want may not be what we most need. Brava, Ms. Templeton!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews