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Alabama #4
Christmas, Alabama
Photographer Rachel Prudhomme has finally settled in Ministry, Alabama. Sure, the pace is slower, and she’s had her heart blessed more times than she can count, but putting down her roots where her family is feels right, if only the town’s new doctor and now neighbor weren’t so hot and constantly igniting her dreams. How can she keep her vow to steer clear of men when he keeps sauntering across her path?
For Dr. Nicholas Sullivan to get his dream job in Atlanta, he must fill in at Ministry General, where they’re short staffed for the holidays. He never expects to fall for his beautiful next door neighbor, Rachel.
Soon, Nick and Rachael make a deal. They’ll pretend to date so Rachael can avoid the scrutiny from her family to “find a good man” and Nick can avoid the single lovelies in town who take his short stay as a challenge. Amidst the carolers, Christmas lights, and an unlikely Alabama snowstorm, Nick and Rachel can’t help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true?
For Dr. Nicholas Sullivan to get his dream job in Atlanta, he must fill in at Ministry General, where they’re short staffed for the holidays. He never expects to fall for his beautiful next door neighbor, Rachel.
Soon, Nick and Rachael make a deal. They’ll pretend to date so Rachael can avoid the scrutiny from her family to “find a good man” and Nick can avoid the single lovelies in town who take his short stay as a challenge. Amidst the carolers, Christmas lights, and an unlikely Alabama snowstorm, Nick and Rachel can’t help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true?
326 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2017
1091 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Susan Sands
18 books328 followersA self-described late bloomer, Susan Sands began writing on her fortieth birthday. Her first Southern women’s fiction title, Again, Alabama, was published a mere eight years later.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
Susan enjoys cooking, painting--when the mood strikes, playing tennis, and staring into space while contemplating her next novel.
Growing up in small-town Louisiana, Susan's passion for reading sparked her interest in writing—eventually. She now creates stories about the quirky characters and fascinating relationships that are uniquely Southern.
Susan holds a degree in elementary education, and has lived in the Roswell/Alpharetta suburb of Atlanta with her husband. Susan has three grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
November 1, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
The best you can expect as a lovely single woman is open hostility from the other single women and their mommas until you find a man and get yourself off the market.
“There aren’t a lot of unattached men around here that have all the desired qualities.” Like a decent job and most of their teeth.
You’re blushing like an old maid. Must be a pretty hot memory to bring that kind of red to your cheeks.
My Review:
I enjoyed this refreshingly sweet and entertaining story from start to finish. Each new character in this quirky small town was colorfully described in vivid detail in an amusing manner that frequently brought a smile to my face. The main players were intriguing and endearing, although Rachel was initially rather prickly and aloof. Ministry, Alabama sounds like a unique and appealing community populated with a wide assortment of odd and lively personalities. Ms. Sand’s writing was easy to follow, well-appointed, and flowed with a smooth elegance that kept me tethered to my Kindle. I plan to pick up the previous installments to further acquaint myself with this enticing and engaging group of citizens.
The best you can expect as a lovely single woman is open hostility from the other single women and their mommas until you find a man and get yourself off the market.
“There aren’t a lot of unattached men around here that have all the desired qualities.” Like a decent job and most of their teeth.
You’re blushing like an old maid. Must be a pretty hot memory to bring that kind of red to your cheeks.
My Review:
I enjoyed this refreshingly sweet and entertaining story from start to finish. Each new character in this quirky small town was colorfully described in vivid detail in an amusing manner that frequently brought a smile to my face. The main players were intriguing and endearing, although Rachel was initially rather prickly and aloof. Ministry, Alabama sounds like a unique and appealing community populated with a wide assortment of odd and lively personalities. Ms. Sand’s writing was easy to follow, well-appointed, and flowed with a smooth elegance that kept me tethered to my Kindle. I plan to pick up the previous installments to further acquaint myself with this enticing and engaging group of citizens.
October 25, 2017
Christmas celebrations in Ministry, Alabama are truly a community series of events! Little did Dr Nicholas (Nick) Sullivan realise just how much his life was about to change when he was coerced into working over Christmas. He thought the small town would be ill-equipped, insular and somewhere he couldn’t wait to escape from - he was so wrong!
Get ready for the predatory single ladies to get cooking to try to win his heart . . . . whilst his next door neighbour, photographer Rachel Prudhomme, proves to be the real attraction. They agree to pretend to date to put off the other ladies but fate has other plans for these two, plans that contrary parents, a huge snowstorm and Christmas events all play important roles in. This is a delightful community who welcome you into their midst, taking readers into the heart of the festive fun and drama in this highly entertaining romance - a special season story that is great to escape into!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Get ready for the predatory single ladies to get cooking to try to win his heart . . . . whilst his next door neighbour, photographer Rachel Prudhomme, proves to be the real attraction. They agree to pretend to date to put off the other ladies but fate has other plans for these two, plans that contrary parents, a huge snowstorm and Christmas events all play important roles in. This is a delightful community who welcome you into their midst, taking readers into the heart of the festive fun and drama in this highly entertaining romance - a special season story that is great to escape into!
I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
October 30, 2017
A delicious small town story. This is the first one I read in the series and even though this is a standalone I can tell I'm missing information about some characters. I will be reading the other books in the series--love the characters and the setting.
Full review on Badass Bloggettes: https://badassbloggettes.wordpress.co...
Full review on Badass Bloggettes: https://badassbloggettes.wordpress.co...
November 19, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
There’s just something about a small town romance that will always draw me in. The quaint, charming setting – the quirky, lovable people – and the traditions, as well as the drama that truly can only be found in a small town. For those who’ve been born and raised in the big city suburbs, small town USA might as well be located on another planet. That’s kind of how Nick Sullivan was feeling when he discovered that due to the small fact his contract with the big city hospital was almost up, well – he got the short straw to head to a small hospital in the middle of nowhere for the next six weeks or so to fill a shortage. Doctors should go where they’re needed, but Ministry, Alabama was the last place Nick would have willingly gone. And his misconceptions about what and who he’d find there were 98% wrong. His eyes were about to be opened to the joys and intricacies of small town living.
Rachel is loving her life in Ministry, Alabama. She has family here now, and it’s as far away from their past as a person can get. Here her photography business is taking off with dreams for so much more in the near future. She has a sweet apartment near the center of town, a lovely landlady who not only provides affordable living space but delicious baked goods from her oven as well. She’s happy, and due to her father’s actions, and the consequences, she hasn’t been truly happy in a long time. But her world is about to be rattled when big city meets small town… and falls in love.
Christmas, Alabama is such a fun read, a lively romance full of good hearted people, long held traditions, the craziness that is family and two people who are turning out to be exactly what the other needed. It doesn’t take Nick long to change his tune about small towns, and that’s a good thing because he was not my favorite person for a little bit there, down talkin’ small towns the way he was. Rachel and Nick have a few issues to deal with, like their families and that drama, having a limited time together,Rachel’s trust issues, and falling in love. With the help of good friends, new friends, and family they’ll discover that exactly what they need is within reach, they just have to reach out and trust in themselves.
If you’ve read the Alabama series then you’ll be meeting up with old friends and getting an update on their lives since we last met. I love when a story can bring together once again couples who I’ve rooted for to find their happy ending. It’s part of why I’m addicted to series. I’d highly recommend this Christmas visit to Ministry, Alabama for any reader who loves a good small town romance, likable characters, Christmas galore and a sweet happy ending.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
There’s just something about a small town romance that will always draw me in. The quaint, charming setting – the quirky, lovable people – and the traditions, as well as the drama that truly can only be found in a small town. For those who’ve been born and raised in the big city suburbs, small town USA might as well be located on another planet. That’s kind of how Nick Sullivan was feeling when he discovered that due to the small fact his contract with the big city hospital was almost up, well – he got the short straw to head to a small hospital in the middle of nowhere for the next six weeks or so to fill a shortage. Doctors should go where they’re needed, but Ministry, Alabama was the last place Nick would have willingly gone. And his misconceptions about what and who he’d find there were 98% wrong. His eyes were about to be opened to the joys and intricacies of small town living.
Rachel is loving her life in Ministry, Alabama. She has family here now, and it’s as far away from their past as a person can get. Here her photography business is taking off with dreams for so much more in the near future. She has a sweet apartment near the center of town, a lovely landlady who not only provides affordable living space but delicious baked goods from her oven as well. She’s happy, and due to her father’s actions, and the consequences, she hasn’t been truly happy in a long time. But her world is about to be rattled when big city meets small town… and falls in love.
Christmas, Alabama is such a fun read, a lively romance full of good hearted people, long held traditions, the craziness that is family and two people who are turning out to be exactly what the other needed. It doesn’t take Nick long to change his tune about small towns, and that’s a good thing because he was not my favorite person for a little bit there, down talkin’ small towns the way he was. Rachel and Nick have a few issues to deal with, like their families and that drama, having a limited time together,Rachel’s trust issues, and falling in love. With the help of good friends, new friends, and family they’ll discover that exactly what they need is within reach, they just have to reach out and trust in themselves.
If you’ve read the Alabama series then you’ll be meeting up with old friends and getting an update on their lives since we last met. I love when a story can bring together once again couples who I’ve rooted for to find their happy ending. It’s part of why I’m addicted to series. I’d highly recommend this Christmas visit to Ministry, Alabama for any reader who loves a good small town romance, likable characters, Christmas galore and a sweet happy ending.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
December 6, 2017
Christmas, Alabama is exactly the kind of book I like to read during the holidays. It's warm and cozy, sweet and charming, filled with colorful characters and small-town charm!! Rachel is a photographer who moved to Ministry after her sister got married and settled down here. Nick is a successful Atlanta surgeon when he winds up in Ministry temporarily. Rachel and Nick are both keeping their hearts closely guarded but can't deny the sparks between them! This is such a delightful story, and Rachel and Nick are kind, loving characters. The background of the Christmas season in a small town is so quaint and charming; Ministry is a character in this book as much as the people who live there! This is the 4th book in the author’s Alabama series, and although this book is a great stand-alone, I encourage you to read the others! So, if you're looking for a romantic place to spend the holidays, come to Ministry, Alabama!! If anyone from the Hallmark channel is reading this review....it would make a lovely Christmas movie!!
November 20, 2017
You are back in Ministry, Alabama this time with Rachel Purdhomme a photographer. She is also Sabine’s sister if you have read any of the other books in this series. Living in the same town with her sister and mother she is finally feeling like a family for the first time in years. Now Dr. Nicholas Sullivan has drawn the short straw from the Atlanta hospital he has been working and though he is going to this small town he really is not looking forward to it. After a welcoming dinner he ends up renting a room at the same place as Rachel and after a week of receiving casseroles, pies, and other assortments he and Rachel come up with a holiday dating plan that is supposed to keep them both out of trouble and single when the holidays are over. Will their plan actually work read this fun story with a little drama at times to find out. You also get to what has happened with their father. Overall a good story. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
October 11, 2017
If you are looking for a fun read with a ton of humor Southern style and a sweet romance, Christmas, Alabama is the book to get. Susan Sands writes with such a flair that you fall into the novel easily and stay there with joy.
Rachel moved with the rest of her small family (mother and sister) to Ministry, Alabama after the disaster her father wrought in his New Orleans scandal. She is establishing her photography business in the small town and loving its warmth and inclusion. Nick Sullivan has been coerced into coming to Ministry as a trauma surgeon and doctor in order to hopefully achieve his ultimate dream later. He has no intention of staying in Ministry after his six weeks are done. He finds that both Ministry and Rachel grow on him against all his former protestations. Rachel is guy-shy and is so drawn to Nick that it scares her. There is a lot to work out if their budding romance is to survive.
Rachel moved with the rest of her small family (mother and sister) to Ministry, Alabama after the disaster her father wrought in his New Orleans scandal. She is establishing her photography business in the small town and loving its warmth and inclusion. Nick Sullivan has been coerced into coming to Ministry as a trauma surgeon and doctor in order to hopefully achieve his ultimate dream later. He has no intention of staying in Ministry after his six weeks are done. He finds that both Ministry and Rachel grow on him against all his former protestations. Rachel is guy-shy and is so drawn to Nick that it scares her. There is a lot to work out if their budding romance is to survive.
November 30, 2017
Ministry, Alabama is a beautiful small town with interesting, quirky, characters. Ministry at Christmas is just amazing. Rachel Prudhomme has finally joined her mother and sister, Sabine, in Ministry and is working hard on her photography business, hoping to finally have a studio of her own. The last thing she wants or needs is a man. Nick Sullivan has his eye on a prestigious position in Atlanta and is frustrated when he is told that he needs to spend the rest of the year at Ministry's hospital. Mentally dreading the "demotion," he is more than pleasantly surprised to find a well-equipped hospital with a well-trained staff. When the mayor's very pregnant wife ends up in the ER with her sister, he finds himself invited to Thanksgiving dinner with the whole (large) Laroux clan, including Rachel, and, soon after, her neighbor. When they decide a fake romance would be good for them both, it isn't long before they are on their way to something more.
This is book 4 in the series, and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first three. I love returning to ministry with it's quirky characters and the Laroux family. It can be read as a stand alone, but it is such a fun series, you will want to keep visiting.
Christmas in Ministry is something I would love to experience. It was well-written with entertaining characters. A great read to get you into the holiday spirit!
This is book 4 in the series, and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first three. I love returning to ministry with it's quirky characters and the Laroux family. It can be read as a stand alone, but it is such a fun series, you will want to keep visiting.
Christmas in Ministry is something I would love to experience. It was well-written with entertaining characters. A great read to get you into the holiday spirit!
October 23, 2017
Such a cute read. It's a wonderfully sweet romance with lots of southern humor, very little angst, and some pretty amazing characters. It's just a nice easy read that will leave you with a smile.
Dr. Nicholas Sullivan thought being sent to Ministry, Alabama was the worst thing that could have happened. That is until he meets Rachel Prudhomme. Rachel is new to Ministry too but she has family and has gotten to know a few people in town. Too bad she's sworn off men for a while. The handsome doctor is quite the catch!
Definitely a book I recommend.
Dr. Nicholas Sullivan thought being sent to Ministry, Alabama was the worst thing that could have happened. That is until he meets Rachel Prudhomme. Rachel is new to Ministry too but she has family and has gotten to know a few people in town. Too bad she's sworn off men for a while. The handsome doctor is quite the catch!
Definitely a book I recommend.
October 16, 2021
Wonderfully written.
This book was very entertaining. The characters are real and believable. Christmas, Alabama would be a great read for anyone.
This book was very entertaining. The characters are real and believable. Christmas, Alabama would be a great read for anyone.
November 7, 2021
fun warm hearted read
Nice small town Christmas read. Susan Sands uses words to create characters with warm personalities who live in a small town and value each other.
Nice small town Christmas read. Susan Sands uses words to create characters with warm personalities who live in a small town and value each other.
November 26, 2025
Kind of cheesy and the dialogue often felt unnatural or far fetched.
October 30, 2017
There is something special to me about a story set in a small town. I believe it is because I loved my summers with my grandparents who lived in a small Kansas town. When I read about the quirky people and places in these small-town USA stories, it takes me back immediately.
Christmas Alabama
by Susan Sands does that for me. It makes me remember the fun, camaraderie, and happiness of my youth.
Christmas Alabama features Rachel Prudhomme, Ministry’s rising photographer, and Nick Sullivan, the substitute doctor. Rachel comes to Ministry after leaving her hometown of New Orleans following her father’s political scandal. She finds that the people here accept her while encouraging her photography career. After everything her father did to the family, Rachel has a hard time trusting men and an even harder time falling for one. There is no way that she is ready to get in a relationship and get her heart broken.
Nick Sullivan is from a wealthy Atlanta family. He is a planner and knows he wants the prestigious surgical job at Emory’s Trauma unit. Unfortunately, his superiors throw a little wrench in his plans when they send him to the small town hospital in Ministry. Nick goes kicking and screaming. Nick only agrees to temporary assignment after the Emory job is all but promised while they continue to look for a permanent replacement.
Rachel and Nick’s relationship develops nicely. They start out with a connection that morphs into friendship. Racheal helps Nick avoid the pressure from the single women in town (who outnumber the single men) by pretending to be his girlfriend. Before long the relationship grows, but they both know it can’t be permanent as Nick will head back to Atlanta. Racheal can’t see herself in a big city again. Can they find a compromise?
I like that Ms. Sands avoids some of the predictable paths. There are a lot of events that are representative of small towns. These are sweet and comforting. Nick is surprised to find that his initial misconceptions about small town living are wrong. Rachel sees something in Nick that restores her faith in men. The family dynamics, exes, and neighbors add laughs and heartache to the story.
Christmas Alabama is the fourth book in Ms. Sands’ Alabama series. It works as a standalone. However, many of the characters that make an appearance are featured in the previous three books. There are times when I don’t feel the connections because I don’t know the backstory. The failure to connect with the characters and wondering about the past slows the story a little at times but not much. That said, there is more than enough in this story to keep the reader engaged through the end. I recommend this novel especially if you are like me and enjoy families and friends in a small town setting.
Christmas Alabama features Rachel Prudhomme, Ministry’s rising photographer, and Nick Sullivan, the substitute doctor. Rachel comes to Ministry after leaving her hometown of New Orleans following her father’s political scandal. She finds that the people here accept her while encouraging her photography career. After everything her father did to the family, Rachel has a hard time trusting men and an even harder time falling for one. There is no way that she is ready to get in a relationship and get her heart broken.
Nick Sullivan is from a wealthy Atlanta family. He is a planner and knows he wants the prestigious surgical job at Emory’s Trauma unit. Unfortunately, his superiors throw a little wrench in his plans when they send him to the small town hospital in Ministry. Nick goes kicking and screaming. Nick only agrees to temporary assignment after the Emory job is all but promised while they continue to look for a permanent replacement.
Rachel and Nick’s relationship develops nicely. They start out with a connection that morphs into friendship. Racheal helps Nick avoid the pressure from the single women in town (who outnumber the single men) by pretending to be his girlfriend. Before long the relationship grows, but they both know it can’t be permanent as Nick will head back to Atlanta. Racheal can’t see herself in a big city again. Can they find a compromise?
I like that Ms. Sands avoids some of the predictable paths. There are a lot of events that are representative of small towns. These are sweet and comforting. Nick is surprised to find that his initial misconceptions about small town living are wrong. Rachel sees something in Nick that restores her faith in men. The family dynamics, exes, and neighbors add laughs and heartache to the story.
Christmas Alabama is the fourth book in Ms. Sands’ Alabama series. It works as a standalone. However, many of the characters that make an appearance are featured in the previous three books. There are times when I don’t feel the connections because I don’t know the backstory. The failure to connect with the characters and wondering about the past slows the story a little at times but not much. That said, there is more than enough in this story to keep the reader engaged through the end. I recommend this novel especially if you are like me and enjoy families and friends in a small town setting.
October 7, 2021
A sweet read of family and love
November 20, 2017
Christmas, Alabama is the first book by Susan Sands that I have read. I think I may have to look for some others. The story is typical for this type of romance. I found the town and the people to be entertaining.
While I enjoyed reading the story, the typo's and the complete paragraph, repeated on page 174, interfered with my enjoyment. Just wondered if anyone ever proofreads books anymore or if they just rely on spell-check to see to their usage and grammar.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Thanks to Goodreads for allowing me to meet another author.
While I enjoyed reading the story, the typo's and the complete paragraph, repeated on page 174, interfered with my enjoyment. Just wondered if anyone ever proofreads books anymore or if they just rely on spell-check to see to their usage and grammar.
All in all, an enjoyable read. Thanks to Goodreads for allowing me to meet another author.
December 11, 2017
Very sweet.
October 28, 2017
Christmas, Alabama by Susan Sands
Photographer Rachel Prudhomme has finally settled in Ministry, Alabama. Sure, the pace is slower, and she’s had her heart blessed more times than she can count, but putting down her roots where her family is feels right, if only the town’s new doctor and now neighbor weren’t so hot and constantly igniting her dreams. How can she keep her vow to steer clear of men when he keeps sauntering across her path?
For Dr. Nicholas Sullivan to get his dream job in Atlanta, he must fill in at Ministry General, where they’re short staffed for the holidays. He never expects to fall for his beautiful next door neighbor, Rachel.
Soon, Nick and Rachael make a deal. They’ll pretend to date so Rachael can avoid the scrutiny from her family to “find a good man” and Nick can avoid the single lovelies in town who take his short stay as a challenge. Amidst the carolers, Christmas lights, and an unlikely Alabama snowstorm, Nick and Rachel can’t help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true?
this is Rachel Prudhomme and Dr. Nicholas Sullivan's story.
Rachel Prudhomme absorbed more truth through the lens of her camera than words, true or not, could speak. Eyes didn’t lie. Expressions caught off guard didn’t lie.
The bride wore an exquisite white, off-the-shoulder beaded gown, and the groom, a sharply-tailored black tux. Their smiles were radiant. The wedding party smiled, and their families, despite a few obvious squabbles, smiled too.
“Ministry, Alabama? Are you kidding?” Dr. Nicholas Sullivan couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.
“Nick, it’s a favor to the new VP of operations—to me. Yours is the only contract up for renewal in the next few months. And it would merely be through the first of the year.”
Nick and Rachel can’t help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true? read this book to find out.
Christmas, Alabama by Susan Sands is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Susan's Books with Tule:
Again, Alabama
Alabama
Love, Alabama
Alabama
Forever, Alabama
Alabama
Christmas, Alabama
Alabama
Photographer Rachel Prudhomme has finally settled in Ministry, Alabama. Sure, the pace is slower, and she’s had her heart blessed more times than she can count, but putting down her roots where her family is feels right, if only the town’s new doctor and now neighbor weren’t so hot and constantly igniting her dreams. How can she keep her vow to steer clear of men when he keeps sauntering across her path?
For Dr. Nicholas Sullivan to get his dream job in Atlanta, he must fill in at Ministry General, where they’re short staffed for the holidays. He never expects to fall for his beautiful next door neighbor, Rachel.
Soon, Nick and Rachael make a deal. They’ll pretend to date so Rachael can avoid the scrutiny from her family to “find a good man” and Nick can avoid the single lovelies in town who take his short stay as a challenge. Amidst the carolers, Christmas lights, and an unlikely Alabama snowstorm, Nick and Rachel can’t help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true?
this is Rachel Prudhomme and Dr. Nicholas Sullivan's story.
Rachel Prudhomme absorbed more truth through the lens of her camera than words, true or not, could speak. Eyes didn’t lie. Expressions caught off guard didn’t lie.
The bride wore an exquisite white, off-the-shoulder beaded gown, and the groom, a sharply-tailored black tux. Their smiles were radiant. The wedding party smiled, and their families, despite a few obvious squabbles, smiled too.
“Ministry, Alabama? Are you kidding?” Dr. Nicholas Sullivan couldn’t believe what he’d just heard.
“Nick, it’s a favor to the new VP of operations—to me. Yours is the only contract up for renewal in the next few months. And it would merely be through the first of the year.”
Nick and Rachel can’t help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true? read this book to find out.
Christmas, Alabama by Susan Sands is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Susan's Books with Tule:
Again, Alabama
Alabama
Love, Alabama
Alabama
Forever, Alabama
Alabama
Christmas, Alabama
Alabama
November 16, 2017
Southern charm, holidays and lovely romance- a great book to read at Christmas time. I think I will read the whole Alabama series. I enjoyed this book that much.
November 14, 2017
Rachel Prudhomme having grown weary of her wanderer life has decided to put down roots in Ministry, Alabama. She's not looking to lose her heart though since it was broken by the man she once idolized; her father.
Dr. Nicholas Sullivan has his dream job within reach but a few weeks in a hospital in Ministry, Alabama is a pre-requisite. so he packs up and moves in, right next to Rachel. An amicable friends with benefits relationship ensues.
But as Nicholas' time in Ministry draws nearer to the end, Rachel realizes she's invested more of her feelings that she bargained for. And now she might just lose the one man that she can trust with her heart.
I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy from the Publisher via #NetGalley for voluntary review consideration
Dr. Nicholas Sullivan has his dream job within reach but a few weeks in a hospital in Ministry, Alabama is a pre-requisite. so he packs up and moves in, right next to Rachel. An amicable friends with benefits relationship ensues.
But as Nicholas' time in Ministry draws nearer to the end, Rachel realizes she's invested more of her feelings that she bargained for. And now she might just lose the one man that she can trust with her heart.
I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy from the Publisher via #NetGalley for voluntary review consideration
November 5, 2017
I love the South and small towns. This book brings back a feeling of home for me. Once I read the first page I couldn't put it down. Susan Sands captures so much in her books! Love, family, happy endings. I LOVED this book.
October 30, 2017
Christmas, Alabama (Alabama series Book 4) by Susan Sands
This is photographer Rachel Prudhomme and Dr. Nicholas "Nick" Sullivan's story.
Rachel has finally settled in Ministry to be close to her family. Nick is just filling in at Ministry General for the holidays. Rachel and Nick ended up as neighbors. Nick and Rachel pretend to date but are they pretending?
This is a wonderful sweet and sensual romance. I loved the characters! This story is a great way to escape and recharge. I love small town romances.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is photographer Rachel Prudhomme and Dr. Nicholas "Nick" Sullivan's story.
Rachel has finally settled in Ministry to be close to her family. Nick is just filling in at Ministry General for the holidays. Rachel and Nick ended up as neighbors. Nick and Rachel pretend to date but are they pretending?
This is a wonderful sweet and sensual romance. I loved the characters! This story is a great way to escape and recharge. I love small town romances.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 26, 2017
Christmas, Alabama by Susan Sands is a cute city come to country story. Rachel is a transplant but is happy to settle in Ministry, Alabama. The small-town life suits her fine especially since she has a sibling who lives there too. Neighbor, Dr. Nicholas Sullivan is there from Atlanta, but only for the short term. Different perspectives, different dreams but one major attraction for these two. What follows is a fun fake romance story that is fill with Southern charm.
Christmas, Alabama is the fourth book in the Alabama Series. This is a series that has taken time for me to warm up too. This being my favorite so far. The small-town atmosphere, the townspeople, even the quirky ones, the caring family and Christmas in the South, with some surprises at that, make this an enjoyable read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
Christmas, Alabama is the fourth book in the Alabama Series. This is a series that has taken time for me to warm up too. This being my favorite so far. The small-town atmosphere, the townspeople, even the quirky ones, the caring family and Christmas in the South, with some surprises at that, make this an enjoyable read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
October 28, 2017
Forever Alabama is a Keeper
The one unfortunate thing about buying ebooks is that you can’t put them on a shelf and be reminded how good they are just be glancing over at them. Forever Alabama is the best book I have read in a long time. I’m putting it on my cloud shelf of keepers. The characters are interesting and I so easily relate to their insecurities and strengths. Susan Sands writes with a good ear for dialogue and a heart full of love for her craft. I highly recommend this new book. It will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate a well written book. Enjoy!
The one unfortunate thing about buying ebooks is that you can’t put them on a shelf and be reminded how good they are just be glancing over at them. Forever Alabama is the best book I have read in a long time. I’m putting it on my cloud shelf of keepers. The characters are interesting and I so easily relate to their insecurities and strengths. Susan Sands writes with a good ear for dialogue and a heart full of love for her craft. I highly recommend this new book. It will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate a well written book. Enjoy!
October 28, 2017
Awesome love story
A very sweet love story with a great small town Christmas backdrop. Nothing can compare to love in a small town!! I loved Christmas,Alabama.
A very sweet love story with a great small town Christmas backdrop. Nothing can compare to love in a small town!! I loved Christmas,Alabama.
September 10, 2021
Sweet, small town romance.
December 1, 2025
I know I'm in the minority on this one. Let me just start by saying it wasn't the writing, it was actually well written other than the few times it seemed repetitive. In no way am I saying others shouldn't like this book more than I did.
Rachel, a photographer, has moved to a small town in Alabama to be with her mom and sister after spending time traveling around. Rachel, Sabine (her sister) and their mother have a troubled past with her father who is a white Collar criminal and a narcissist. How her father treated her mother and watching her sister go through a similar relationship in her first marriage has made Rachel a bit relationship shy. enter Nick, a handsome big city doctor from Atlanta. Nick just hasn't found the right girl yet and isn't sure he will. He has drawn the short straw and has been sent to the Ministry Alabama hospital to cover a position until a long term doctor can be found.
Rachel and Nick get along quite well from the start. The two concoct a fake relationship to keep the single women of Ministry from chasing the poor single doctor. As luck would have it neither Rachel or Nick have a hard time making this relationship look real.
The good points of this book:
* It is not the typical enemies to lovers, which is becoming a bit over done now.
* It is well written.
* The characters are all believable and have unique personalities.
* I didn't ever feel the need to put the book down for lack of interest.
Now to the reason I gave it a small rating:
* It was very, and I do mean VERY, predictable.
* It was set in a small town yet the atmosphere didn't radiate small town for the most part. Yes they helped each other and took care of one another like a small town does but it still lacked "small town charm".
* The repetitiveness of Rachel going on about wanting to open a studio, the repetitiveness of how her father treated her mother, the repetitiveness of how Rachel wanted more from Nick but her past keeps her from fully committing.
* Nick never stood up to his mother and his ex until the very end. It was completely unrealistic that a mother like Nick's would do a complete 180 and drop the ex like how it was written.
* There was no real character development other than Rachel deciding she wanted a real relationship.
All in all, this book was entertaining but I never got the feeling of wanting to root for Rachel and Nick to make a permanent relationship. I didn't get the warm cozy feel of a small town that makes you wish it truly existed and you wish you could live there. I never felt like rushing to pick the book back up to see what was going to happen next. For me it was just OK, I'm not mad about it but it wasn't a complete waste of my reading hours.
Rachel, a photographer, has moved to a small town in Alabama to be with her mom and sister after spending time traveling around. Rachel, Sabine (her sister) and their mother have a troubled past with her father who is a white Collar criminal and a narcissist. How her father treated her mother and watching her sister go through a similar relationship in her first marriage has made Rachel a bit relationship shy. enter Nick, a handsome big city doctor from Atlanta. Nick just hasn't found the right girl yet and isn't sure he will. He has drawn the short straw and has been sent to the Ministry Alabama hospital to cover a position until a long term doctor can be found.
Rachel and Nick get along quite well from the start. The two concoct a fake relationship to keep the single women of Ministry from chasing the poor single doctor. As luck would have it neither Rachel or Nick have a hard time making this relationship look real.
The good points of this book:
* It is not the typical enemies to lovers, which is becoming a bit over done now.
* It is well written.
* The characters are all believable and have unique personalities.
* I didn't ever feel the need to put the book down for lack of interest.
Now to the reason I gave it a small rating:
* It was very, and I do mean VERY, predictable.
* It was set in a small town yet the atmosphere didn't radiate small town for the most part. Yes they helped each other and took care of one another like a small town does but it still lacked "small town charm".
* The repetitiveness of Rachel going on about wanting to open a studio, the repetitiveness of how her father treated her mother, the repetitiveness of how Rachel wanted more from Nick but her past keeps her from fully committing.
* Nick never stood up to his mother and his ex until the very end. It was completely unrealistic that a mother like Nick's would do a complete 180 and drop the ex like how it was written.
* There was no real character development other than Rachel deciding she wanted a real relationship.
All in all, this book was entertaining but I never got the feeling of wanting to root for Rachel and Nick to make a permanent relationship. I didn't get the warm cozy feel of a small town that makes you wish it truly existed and you wish you could live there. I never felt like rushing to pick the book back up to see what was going to happen next. For me it was just OK, I'm not mad about it but it wasn't a complete waste of my reading hours.
August 21, 2024
This is my review of Susan Sands’ Christmas, Alabama, the fourth book in her 5-book Alabama series. It is relevant to understand that I have read the books of this series in chronological order. I was born and have lived in the South my entire life. I do not normally read southern literature because of my sensitivity to inappropriate stereotypes and criticisms. This problem does not exist within the writing of this author. These stories are works of fiction, but the themes, characters, and settings are realistic.
Christmas, Alabama is a superb book. It is the story of two transported souls who are trying to build their lives professionally and personally. This is the plight of many 20–30-year-olds. Rachel Prudhomme, photographic artist, has followed her sister and mother to Ministry, Alabama as these women try to rebuild their lives and family after Rachel’s father’s trial. Dr. Nicholas Sullivan has transferred to Ministry General Hospital for a short term until a permanent replacement is found. His payoff will be the new position at a larger facility that he has long coveted. Neither had considered the attraction of Ministry and her people.
Nick ends up with a short-term apartment beside Rachel’s apartment in the same historic home. A home owned by an older lady who believes that couples should have S-E-X. Needless to say, neither Rachel nor Nick were looking for love, but whoever is? Will Rachel and Nick change their plans to be together? Will long-term plans or love win? Christmas, Alabama is great through the last page! Just prior to the end, Howard Laroux is again called in to save the day. The story’s closing scene is perfect. It will melt your heart. Never have I ever read a book that I identified with more. Rachel views the world as an artist. Fifty years ago, I was an ART major. The artist’s eye has never left me. One part of the Sullivan family is extremely rigid and formal. Contrast them with the wonderful inclusiveness of the Laroux family. I’ve experienced both ways. My rating: 10 STARS!
Christmas, Alabama is a superb book. It is the story of two transported souls who are trying to build their lives professionally and personally. This is the plight of many 20–30-year-olds. Rachel Prudhomme, photographic artist, has followed her sister and mother to Ministry, Alabama as these women try to rebuild their lives and family after Rachel’s father’s trial. Dr. Nicholas Sullivan has transferred to Ministry General Hospital for a short term until a permanent replacement is found. His payoff will be the new position at a larger facility that he has long coveted. Neither had considered the attraction of Ministry and her people.
Nick ends up with a short-term apartment beside Rachel’s apartment in the same historic home. A home owned by an older lady who believes that couples should have S-E-X. Needless to say, neither Rachel nor Nick were looking for love, but whoever is? Will Rachel and Nick change their plans to be together? Will long-term plans or love win? Christmas, Alabama is great through the last page! Just prior to the end, Howard Laroux is again called in to save the day. The story’s closing scene is perfect. It will melt your heart. Never have I ever read a book that I identified with more. Rachel views the world as an artist. Fifty years ago, I was an ART major. The artist’s eye has never left me. One part of the Sullivan family is extremely rigid and formal. Contrast them with the wonderful inclusiveness of the Laroux family. I’ve experienced both ways. My rating: 10 STARS!
October 12, 2017
This is book 4 of Ms Sands series titled Alabama. Though it’s a stand alone, I suspect I would have liked it better if I had read the previous books. Characters from those stories play a prominent role in this story, so I frequently felt disconnected to the plot.
The story centers around Rachel Prudhomme and Nick Sullivan. Rachel is Ministry’s photographer who moved to the town after a scandal with her Dad in their hometown of New Orleans. Her sister is living there with her family and Rachel feels right at home. It’s a magical place ,especially during the holidays. A place she wants to plant roots . Nick is a trauma surgeon in Atlanta who has been assigned short term to work at Ministry General prior to his promotion in Atlanta. He goes there with the belief that the town is a podunk town filled with hicks. He’s in for a big surprise on the professionalism and state of the art hospital and it’s staff, the townspeople and in particular his new neighbor, Rachel. One looking for roots in the town, another considering a springboard for greater things.
The story is about family, friendships, a unified town with it’s own set of interesting characters, misconceptions, new dreams and love.
All that said, I was a bit disappointed in the book. The first 1/4 of the story moved quickly and was very entertaining and engaging. Then for me, it dragged and I found myself leafing through the pages and reading snippets until the last 1/5 of the book when it picked up. By then my interest had dwindled. Again, maybe had I read the previous stories, my impression would have been different.
I was gifted this copy by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The story centers around Rachel Prudhomme and Nick Sullivan. Rachel is Ministry’s photographer who moved to the town after a scandal with her Dad in their hometown of New Orleans. Her sister is living there with her family and Rachel feels right at home. It’s a magical place ,especially during the holidays. A place she wants to plant roots . Nick is a trauma surgeon in Atlanta who has been assigned short term to work at Ministry General prior to his promotion in Atlanta. He goes there with the belief that the town is a podunk town filled with hicks. He’s in for a big surprise on the professionalism and state of the art hospital and it’s staff, the townspeople and in particular his new neighbor, Rachel. One looking for roots in the town, another considering a springboard for greater things.
The story is about family, friendships, a unified town with it’s own set of interesting characters, misconceptions, new dreams and love.
All that said, I was a bit disappointed in the book. The first 1/4 of the story moved quickly and was very entertaining and engaging. Then for me, it dragged and I found myself leafing through the pages and reading snippets until the last 1/5 of the book when it picked up. By then my interest had dwindled. Again, maybe had I read the previous stories, my impression would have been different.
I was gifted this copy by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 14, 2018
Christmas, Alabama is the latest edition in Susan Sands' Alabama series. These stories are set in the town of Ministry AL. Rachel Prudhomme, a talented photographer, moved to town to join her sister Sabine and her mother, who have relocated from New Orleans. Sabine, a psychologist, set up practice here and then met and married the town's mayor, Ben Laroux. Rachel has also found home and solace in this small town.
Dr. Nick Sullivan was brought to Ministry against his will. Low man on the totem pole and at the end of his contract with Grady Trauma Center in Atlanta, he was cajoled into taking a short term assignment at Ministry General with the promise of moving to Emory Hospital upon his return. He expected it to be a long six weeks, especially since it spanned all of the holidays.
What Nick didn't expect was the hospitality of the small town, or the honesty of his new neighbor. He was also taken aback by the forwardness of the single women of Ministry. After a particular unsettling confrontation with one such lady, Nick proposes the idea that he and Rachel have a "fake" relationship to ward off the local ladies. As Rachel's family has been on her to find a nice man, she willing goes along with the plan. What neither of them expected was that it wouldn't be pretending.
In a delightful tale of love and family, Ms. Sands spins a wonderful tale that is a good read any time of year. Although this is a part of a series, it definitely stands alone. I very much enjoyed and do recommend this book.
October 24, 2017
I just love holiday stories with family, excitement and of course drama. All families have drama, especially during the holidays and Ms. Sands has written a tender, down to earth story that will warm your heart and make you long for a simpler time of life. (At least it did for me).
All the characters of the story, (and I mean the entire town) are so down to earth and relatable. I don’t want to give away the storyline or repeat the synopsis, so I will simply say this holiday story, about love, drama and families, is one of the best that I have read in a long time. It has moments of fun, laughter, sadness and romance. It makes you want to curl up on the couch in front of the fireplace with your family or significant other and just enjoy life.
I offer 2 thumbs up to the author for a job well done and I hope the Alabama series has more to come. If you haven’t read the Alabama series, I Highly recommend 1-clicking them, it’s a journey you do not want to miss out on.
All the characters of the story, (and I mean the entire town) are so down to earth and relatable. I don’t want to give away the storyline or repeat the synopsis, so I will simply say this holiday story, about love, drama and families, is one of the best that I have read in a long time. It has moments of fun, laughter, sadness and romance. It makes you want to curl up on the couch in front of the fireplace with your family or significant other and just enjoy life.
I offer 2 thumbs up to the author for a job well done and I hope the Alabama series has more to come. If you haven’t read the Alabama series, I Highly recommend 1-clicking them, it’s a journey you do not want to miss out on.
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