Christmas at Cedarwood Lodge

At Cedarwood Lodge

by Rebecca Raisin

Includes bonus material!

This winter it’s time to fall in love at Cedarwood Lodge…

After years of dreaming, Clio Winters is finally fulfilling her childhood dream of renovating the gorgeous old Cedarwood Lodge in Evergreen and turning it into the perfect destination for celebrations, weddings and extravagant birthday parties. The huge property used to be a bustling holiday camp, now Clio wants to bring it back to its halcyon days – which will be a lot of hard work!

Returning back to the small town of her youth she’s glad to have one of her best friends still around to lean on, Micah who is just as solid as he used to be. But with her own secrets pushing her to run from her glamorous life in New York, she’ll have to tread carefully, especially when the far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good contractor, Kai, shows up on her doorstep…

Sure she’s here in Evergreen to change her life, but there is no way she’s falling in love!

Previously published as Celebrations & Confetti, Brides & Bouquets, Midnight & Mistletoe.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Holiday, Contemporary, Cozy

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

Reviews

[Lee at ReadWriteWish · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had previously read a Rebecca Raisin book (more of a novella really), Celebrations and Confetti at Cedarwood Lodge, and hadn’t really liked it. I thought, however, I’d give her another chance and requested this book from net-galley. The book had good ratings and, let’s be honest, it has a pretty cover that led me into temptation.

A few pages in and everything was sounding oddly familiar. I clicked on Celebrations and Confetti on my ereader and, sure enough, it was the same story. Celebrations and Confetti is a novella, which was a part one of three. A quick check on Goodreads confirmed two parts had been subsequently published (Brides and Bouquets at Cedarwood Lodge and Midnight and Mistletoe at Cedarwood Lodge). It seems that Winter at Cedarwood Lodge is all three parts together.

So, warning for those paying, don’t buy this if you’ve read all three parts as separate editions. (I must note that Goodreads lists it as the fourth installment of the series but it is definitely the other three re-released as one complete novel. It claims to have 'bonus material' but to purchase it for that reason alone, you'd have to be a big fan.)

Although I had said in my previous review that I was in no mad rush to find out what happened in the next part, I thought I might as well give it another chance (as I’d planned to give Raisin originally). Some people have noted in their reviews that they’d preferred reading the book in its entirety.

So I figured out where the first part ended and read on. Unfortunately, I didn’t get too far. Pretty much everything that annoyed me about Celebrations and Confetti continued to annoy me, but this time it didn’t have the brevity of a novella to hide behind. The novella’s distinct lack of plot is highlighted even further with the full length version.

Nothing really happens. Well, actually, our heroine thinks about potential new boyfriends (the Australian love interest is somehow the most boring character ever written), wonders at what happened with her mother at Cedarwood Lodge, thinks about how nice her friends are, renovates the lodge, and plans weddings. It’s the last one that is covered the most.

Yes, if you really want to read chapter after chapter devoted to wedding planning, this is the book for you.

After a while, I kept thinking about my TBR pile, and transferred Winter at Cedarwood Lodge into the DNF pile. Sorry, Rebecca.

1 out of 5

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest



Copy received through netgally in exchange for an honest review

★Book Basics★

Genre : - Cont. Romance
Series : - Stand Alone
Love triangle? - Not really
Cheating? - No
HEA? - Yes
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - No
Rating - 2 stars


★Review★

So I got this, thinking it was a book about Clio and Kai. Only it really isn't. This is a book about Renovations at Cedarwood Lodge, and a few other random couples. And a mystery that is not very interesting.

Tbh, it just felt never ending and nothing seemed to be happening between what was supposed to the the heroine and the hero. Then I discover it was originally split up into 3 separate novella, which made sense, as that is what it reads like, a book of 3 long parts.

I found the heroine rather unsympathetic. She knew her mom had issues and did not want to hear about things, yet insisted on going on about it all the time. Went on and on about how her ex had marries only a "mere twelve" months after SHE had left with no intention to return.

By the time I got to the end, I felt like Kai had barely been in the book and I just was not feeling it.

It was ok, but I am not inspired to read anything else by the author.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover for this book is very attractive. It really drew me to it. This book has previously been published as three novellas, Celebrations & Confetti, Brides & Bouquets, Midnight & Mistletoe. They are now combined as one book. Being that I hadn't read any of the previous novellas it was fabulous to read them all at once. Clio,since she was a child has had a life long dream of buying the Cedarwood Lodge that has been closed for many years and restoring it to it's former beauty and reopening it. There is a mystery going on here as none of the town's people will talk about the lodge or why it closed and the owners moved far away from it. She has plenty of help restoring the lodge including her childhood friend Micah and a hunky Australian. She knows it'll be the perfect venue for party hosting. Full of plenty of laughter,fun times,a sweet dog and romance you're sure to want to read this.
Pub Date 01 Dec 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[ItaPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter At Cedarwood Lodge such an enjoyable read.

Clio comes back home to make over the old Cedarwood Lodge and to try to reconnect with her mother. Even if her project suffered some setbacks, it was nice to see her friends and employees to rally around her to help her.

The story kept my attention from start to end, the smooth writing makes the reading pleasant even if the novel is a little longer than usual.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was previously published in three separate books - Celebrations & Confetti, Brides & Bouquets, Midnight & Mistletoe. I was really keen for this one to be released as a single volume.
It leaves you with lovely images of CedarWood Lodge coming back to life after Clio decides to renovate it and turn it into a venue for celebrations.
You fall in love with the old house and all the characters become firm friends. There is an air of mystery surrounding the house and lots of romance, too.
This book comes with bonus material which is a lovely catch up with the characters and how their lives have changed surrounded by the magic and love in the air at Cedarwood Lodge.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clio has started her dream business, Cedarwood Lodge is everything she's ever wanted. It's a place where people can come to celebrate. She loves organizing weddings, she wants to bring people the joy of good food and she likes making someone's dream party become reality. Clio doesn't do this on her own. She has the help of one of her best friends, Micah. He will manage the business with her. However, soon Clio gets more company, city girl and other best friend Amory likes Cedarwood Lodge, so she stays a lot longer than she planned. There's plenty of work that needs to be done on the lodge and gorgeous Australian builder Kai supports Clio in many ways, he does much more than just the building she's hired him to do. Will Clio's business become a success and is there a chance she might even find love?

Clio is having a great time with her created family, however, with her real family things aren't going so well. Clio and her mother are having problems and Clio doesn't know what's the cause of her mother's distance. Clio wants nothing more than to make things right, but her mother isn't willing to share any feelings and keeps her secrets. Will Clio ever find out the truth and which role does her lodge play in her mother's reluctance to bond with her daughter?

Winter at Cedarwood Lodge is a wonderful heartwarming story. Clio is kindhearted, generous and friendly. She wants to make everyone around her happy and she will do anything for the people she loves. Her personality is truly amazing. I especially enjoyed reading about Clio's relationship with her friends. Their adventures put a big smile on my face, I love a cheerful feelgood story. Rebecca Raisin knows exactly how to set a fabulous atmosphere and her stories truly sparkle, which is something I like a lot about her work.

Cedarwood Lodge is a fantastic setting. It's welcoming and cozy. It's a place with character, which combines well with the quirky personalities of the main characters of Winter at Cedarwood Lodge. I like a good winter story, it's a lovely time to read about and Rebecca Raisin skillfully uses everything that makes the season great to make her story come to life. To balance the sweetness and light there's a nice layer of depth due to Clio's family history, which brings the exact right amount of seriousness. I really loved this terrific romantic, charming, entertaining and fun book and highly recommend it.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This was a fantastic book and such a good festive read - I absolutely adored it!!
 
I loved the characters and the writing style is brilliant, just the right type for this genre of book and it made the words really flow and the story come to life off the pages
 
Definitely a book I'd recommend - no hesitation in giving this one 5 stars - loved it!!
 
This was previously published as three separate books called Celebrations & Confetti, Brides & Bouquets, Midnight & Mistletoe but it has a bonus section at the end and it has been re-edited.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written with it being full of romance, families, weddings and starting over at Christmas time. Perfect read for curling up in front of a warm fire and thinking about Christmas. Clio has been working as a wedding planner but comes to an end in a bad way and she feels she needs to get away and start again. She moves back to her home town and buys a cedarwood lodge which as a child she said she always would buy it. It's stood empty for years and she sets to working on it to get it up and running so people can have events there and stay there as well. Her mother isn't to keen on her coming back but she really wants to make it work and to build a relationship with her mother. Little dies she know her mum is hiding secrets but she doesn't want to share for now but will she be able to so that Clio can understand and help her. Can she get the lodge open in Tim with for a party that has been booked in and along the way she meets old friends from her chidlhood and can she find love and happiness and she is sure she is always planning others weddings but never her own. This is a beautiful read and highly recommend it.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Star review of Winter at Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin
Rebecca Raisin is a new author to me and I am not sure why. From what I have read Winter at Cedarwood Lodge is the result of combining three previously published novellas and I must say that I am glad that Ms.Raisin has done this.
This was a delightful book, with interesting and well written characters and a setting that made me want to visit Cedarwood Lodge as soon as I possibly could.
Not an overly long read, but one that had me invested from the first chapter.When high profile wedding planner Clio Winters decides the time is right to fulfil a lifelong dream, she moves to Evergreen to bring Cedarwood Lodge back to it’s former glory.
What she isn’t looking for is romance or to fall in love. Winter at Cedarwood Lodge is a heart warming story full of love, romance babies, weddings and so much more and was a delight to read. I love any story that is centred around my favourite holiday of the year, Christmas. Christmas is a time for family and friends to get together and I found this book delivered.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through the publisher and Netgalley

[Pam K · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may have given it a better review, but there were so many errors in the book. First being from the US, I can tell you, we don't celebrate Boxing Day. We would never eat turkey with roaster potatoes, they would be mashed. We do not use the words biscuits for cookies or jumper for a sweater. Small errors, but they could easily have been avoided. Rebecca made it sound as if driving to New Hampshire wasn't a big deal. I can tell you from first hand experience, just getting out of Manhattan can take hours. It wouldn't be an easy commute, plus many people in Manhattan don't own cars(it's too expensive).

The premise was good, it just made me think that if there were so many errors in this book, do I really want to read anymore from her? It would have been nice if she had done a bit of research before writing the book. As they say, " Write about what you know".

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book by this author and unfortunately it will be the last. I loved the premise of the book with restoring an old lodge to it's former glory and the romances that went along with it but to me the author really struggled to keep the story moving along. She threw in some mystery, emotional issues all over the place with all the characters, and romance but to me it just slogged along. I never felt really involved with any of the characters and a book that would normally take me a day to read took over a week of forcing myself to sit down to finish it in the hopes of the story improving. It didn't.

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I have read this book last year, when it was split into three separate parts. I have to admit, I struggled a bit with it last year, but reading the whole book at once has changed my opinion on it.

The story follows Clio Winters returns home after leaving in New York for years. She takes over Cedarwood Lodge together with her best friend Micah. It’s a lot of work, but with the help from the others she can do it.

Micah is a great best friend and even after not seeing each other for years, their friendship is deep and they are very close. Then we have contractor Kai, who is Australian and very attractive. There are many more lovely characters and they all add their own spark to the story. This was lovely to see.

The book is filled with romance, secrets, passion, a festive atmosphere, wonderful characters and much more. The storyline has a beautiful flow. Reading the whole book in one go, made it easier for me to connect to the characters and the story. It’s very well written and perfect for a cold December night.

4.5/5

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ Stars!

Absorbing, enchanting, and sugary sweet!

In this latest compilation, Winter at Cedarwood Lodge, Raisin sweeps us away to a wintery paradise where the snow is falling, the accommodations are rustic, the food is scrumptious, and love is in the air.

The prose is light, atmospheric, and well turned. The characters are unique, flawed, and multi-layered. And the story is a compelling tale full of tender moments, humorous hijinks, self-discovery, friendship, family, community, happiness, love, a little mystery, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer!

Overall, Winter at Cedarwood Lodge is a charming holiday treat that's perfect for a chilly afternoon curled up in front of the fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate!

Thank you to Rebecca Raisin for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com

[Karen Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous read from the lovely Rebecca Raisin. I just love how Rebecca drags you into the storyline so it's like you are there amongst the characters.
It is a beautiful festive story set in Evergreen with reference to the hints of glamour and the bustle that New York has to offer.
Her writing style is amazing and I am excited to read more from her.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have well and truly fallen in love with Cedarwood Lodge and I want to stay there for real. Oh and don't get me started on the library at the lodge, the thought of book clubs, author events & readers retreats all taking place at the lodge just sounded like my idea of heaven. Complete bliss.

I also loved the sound of Bessie's mouth watering donuts, some of them just sounded devine especially the cookies and cream one. Not sure if would do my weight any good though.

Oh and little Scotty, he is so adorable, and I just want to pick him up and give him lots of cuddles. If you want to know who Scotty is, you'll just have to read the book.

I loved the bonds that existed between certain characters and then the new bonds that formed with new characters. All of which were so believable and well written. I truly loved getting to know each and every character.

Throughout the book, you become aware that there are secrets to be discovered, and so you spend majority of the book wondering when you'll discover the those secrets and wondering what they are, well I certainly did. It certainly kept me turning the pages.

I loved how it all ended, almost didn't want it to end, as I will dearly miss the characters.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christmas you will want to curl up and fall in love with Cedarwood Lodge. This is a brilliant story! Previously published as three seperate books called Celebrations & Confetti, Brides & Bouquets, Midnight & Mistletoe with a bonus section at the end and re-edited.

I cannot fault one thing with this story, it is amazing. It is the perfect Christmas, chick-lit and romance story for Christmas 2017. Winter at Cedarwood Lodge has everything romance, secrets, parties, weddings, babies, friends, families, food and snow. What more could you possibly want or need all packed into one great story? 

Rebecca is a favourite author of mine and has never let me down and I doubt she ever will. I have awarded another brilliant 5 stars for this story and would highly recommend this story to you all to devour this Christmas. Winter at Cederwood Lodge is perfect. It contains the most heartwarming of stories, characters and the cutest little setting which will make you want to stay there youself. Very impressed. I fell in love with the whole book and every aspect. I will not forget this story in a hurry. A well written story. 

Winter at Cedarwood Lodge will be released on December the 1st. So pre-order now. You will not regret it. Enjoy. 

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin is a delightful contemporary novel about family, friends, fun, traditions and making memories. There is a wonderful light atmosphere that permeates the story, coupled with highly amusing moments. The reader is in for a few fun filled hours.
Escaping disaster and living the dream is the focus of the novel as an old lodge is renovated, restored and bought back to life. The restoration of the lodge is mirrored by the restoration of a character who has lived with one eye on the past and under the burden of guilt. As the lodge returns to life, can the same be said of the character?
Christmas is a magical time of year where old traditions come to the forefront and new memories are made.
Food is important. Characters bond over recipes as the reader's mouth waters.
Love is in the air. Who will be attracted to who? Will there be wedding bells?
Parenting is important. There are those who give birth to us but real parenting is done by those who bring us up.
The burden of guilt cripples. It is time to forgive ourselves and live free.
Old friendship bonds reform much to the delight of the reader.
Christmas At Cedarwood Lodge is such a delightful, feel-good novel, just perfect for any time of year.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Abantika(hiltonjenkin) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This novel builds up around Clio Winters and the Cedarwood lodge. After Clio’s life in New York comes crumbling down she decides to return to Evergreen, the town she grew up in. On her return she spends all her father’s inheritance in purchasing the worn out Cedarwood lodge, fulfilling one of her childhood dreams. With Micah, Isla and Kai by her side she aims at renovating Cedarwood and making it a perfect destination to host extravagant parties. But her mother seems unwelcoming and unhappy with her idea.

‘Christmas At Cedarwood Lodge’ by Rebecca Raisin, is a Christmas Romance novel with a hint of mystery in it. It wonderfully explores the themes of love, family and friendship. We see a steady plot development with some likable characters. Rebecca’s easy and fun style of writing intrigues the reader. Her descriptions are smooth and vivid. Cedarwood seems familiar and you can almost witness it in it’s full glory. Also, you are bound to severely crave Aunt Bessie’s donuts, that adds to the warm and cosy feel.

I loved how Rebecca explored the dynamics between Clio and her mother and also loved the uncertainty created around Clio’s love interest. Will she end up with Tim or will Kai return?! The suspense element has been put just the right amount in the book but though the romance is adorable it still could have been up-ed a bit.

Set in a gorgeous backdrop and an appealing atmosphere, this novel is a quick read and gets you in the Christmas-y mood!

This novel is a compilation of previously published three separate novellas that were called Celebrations & Confetti at Cedarwood Lodge, Brides & Bouquets at Cedarwood Lodge, Midnight & Mistletoe at Cedarwood Lodge.

[Readsandeats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.
For many years Clio has wanted to own and bring back to its former glory Cedarwood Lodge and now she has her chance. She is being helped by her childhood friend Micah, together with various construction workers and building contractor Kai. The only person not happy about what Clio is doing is her Mother, why?
It was good to get the back story of the lodge and what it meant to people in the town as well. I particulary liked that the lodge was going to be a haven away from the modern world with internet etc,a place for people to get back in touch with nature and possibly re connect with themsleves and others.

I loved the characters and the setting of this story. The interaction between Clio and Micah was good and I loved that Kai helped Clio to see that rest and relaxation was important. It was good that her friend from New York came to stay as well. Definitely want to read more about this Lodge and see what happens next.

[Aglaea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cozy little read. It progressed at a good pace, but for some reason I found it hard to connect with the main character Clio. There were a few times when I wished she would stop waffling, or that the plot would move on. It doesn't seem like a story either in which there are many twists enough for the character(s) to grow significantly. I did enjoy her gogo spirit of getting things done though, and the location sounded beautiful. It was an interesting mix of chicklit and contemporary romance, but all in all I still stopped caring a bit now and then, which is hardly a great thing.

[the_queen_of_books24]

DNF at page 50. Heroine is a hypocrite for trying to matchmake her best friend and being pushy about it despite him being reluctant as he’s just been broken up with, while she says to her other friend that she doesn’t have time to date. Oh, yeah. Ok. Also TWO super hot guys in a tiny town?! This is too much for me. The premise was cute and the audiobook, what I heard of it anyway, was well narrated. Just a too good to be true premise unfortunately.

[Chloe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book. I started reading the paperback, but I couldn't get into it. I thought maybe listening to it as an audiobook would help. So I bought it on Audible. It didn't help at all. I'm sure a lot of people enjoyed it, it just wasn't for me. It skipped several months at a time, almost like the author just wanted to get to the good bit and didn't want to get into detail for the start. This is what made me, unfortunately, not finish the book.

[Sharon]

I really enjoy Rebecca Raisin's easy, quick read style of writing - especially during the busy Christmas season. This book is a nice, feel good story full of wonderful characters, romance and, of course, the festive Cedarwood Lodge - with it's welcoming, old fashion, cozy atmosphere inviting us all to come visit.

[Lorenna Russell-shalev · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many layers of romance and suspense

Clio and all her friends are an endearing bunch. I fell in love with all of them as they journeyed from singledom to the land of “happy ever afters”!

[Anna (bibliophiles_bookstagram) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a classic feel-good-at-Christmastime novel in the same style as all the Hallmark movies with an iota of mystery and drama in there. Enjoyable but nothing overly deep.

[Victoria]

I just read a Hallmark Christmas movie!

[Geraldine Sadiku · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, romantic happy read that will put a smile on your face and take you away for a few hours. Loved it.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful Christmas cover. This took a while for me to get into, but I loved it. I could sympathise with Clio wanting the close relationship with her mother as that's what I crave. Will be reading more Rebecca Raisin books in the future 🎅 🎄

[Rockmaniac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sprache: Englisch

Meinung zu "Winter at Cedarwood Lodge":

Meine Meinung zu dem Cover:

Ich liebe Rebeccas originale Buch Cover. Sie wird in Cartooniger Art dargestellt (Typisch für Chick Lit Covers) und auf dem Cover sieht man das winterliche Cedarwood Lodge. Schneeflocken und Weihnachtslichter die von oben herabfallen, versetzten einen schon in winterlicher Stimmung. Dieser romantische dunkle lila-blauer Nachthimmel bedeckt quasi das ganze Cover und der Titel des Buches in Schneeweißen hübschen Schriftart, verschönert das Ganze noch einen Hauch mehr. Ich finde es total süß!

Meinung zu den Charakteren:

- Als erstes wollte ich Clios Mutter, Annabelle, erwähnen. Auch wenn sie ihre Gründe hatte kalt zu ihrer Tochter zu sein, ist es jedoch Schade, dass sich Clios Tante Bessie all diese Jahre um sie gekümmert hat. Da ist diese eine Szene: eines der ersten Szenarien als Annabelle mit ihrer Tochter gekocht hat. Clio hat über das Cedarwood Lodge geredet und ihre Mutter war total Kalt zu ihr. Diese Verhaltensweise zwischen Mutter und Tochter, hat mich irgendwie ein wenig an die Serie Gilmore Girls erinnert. In dieser TV Serie, hat der Hauptcharakter Lorelai Gilmores ebenfalls das Problem, dass ihre Mutter Emily Gilmore kalt ihr gegenüber ist.
- Isle und Micah sind wunderbare Charaktere. Ich finde es wunderschön wie sie sich gefunden haben. Beide haben es verdient glücklich zu sein.
- Kai ist mein absoluter Favorit. Seine lockere und lässige Art ist zum beneiden und er tut Clio einfach nur gut.
- Timothy habe ich eigentlich nicht so gemocht. Der Grund dafür ist, dass er kurz nach Clios Abreise ihre Erzfeindin geheiratet hat. Kaum ist Clio wieder in the town, datet er sie wieder, aber auch nur weil er geschieden war. Jugend Lieben sollten Jugend Lieben bleiben. Meiner Meinung nach sollte man immer nach vorne schauen und auf der Suche nach neuem Glück sein. Aufgewärmter Kuchen schmeckt eh nicht.
- Amory war mir Anfangs auch unsympathisch. Sie wirkte sehr eingebildet und tussihaft. Erst wo sie Cruz wieder an ihrer Seite hat und beide bei Clio arbeiten, macht sie wieder menschlich und erträglich. Cruz hat sich Amorys Reaktion auf seinen Antrag nicht verdient. Sie hatte Glück, dass er ihr hinterher gereist ist und sie unendlich liebt.
- Clio ist fantastisch. Sie hat sehr viel Courage bewiesen und etwas sehr großes und Wunderschönes erschaffen. Das hat sie sich ehrlich verdient, vor allem nachdem was in Manhattan vorgefallen war.

Meine Meinung zum Inhalt und die evtl.en Messages der Autorin:
(Achtung Spoiler)

- Micah erwähnt Anfangs, dass Clio bereits im Alter von 10 Jahren den Traum hatte, irgendwann Besitzerin des Cedarwood Lodge zu werden. So tat sie es auch. Clio verlässt sogar das wundervolle Manhattan um ihren Traum wahr werden zu lassen. Fazit: TRÄUME NICHT DEINE TRÄUME, LEBE SIE!
- Eine weitere Stelle die mir bereits Anfangs des Buches gefallen hat, war die warmherzige Geschichte von Imelda und Edgar. Der Gedanke, dass die beiden an dem Ort eine Feier veranstalten wollen wo alles für sie begann, finde ich einfach nur romantisch. Das ist genau das was mir an dem Schreibstil der Autorin gefällt und zwar die Darstellung einer perfekten und romantischen Liebe. Auch der Hauptcharakter des Buches Clio glaubt an wahre Liebe und an den einen oder keinen. Genau aus diesem Grund hat sie sich bei ihrem letzten Job als Party/Wedding Planerin in New York ihre Reputation ruiniert, nur weil sie ihrer panisch gewordenen Kundin/Braut dazu geraten hat zu rennen und aufgefordert hat nach dem Richtigen zu suchen. Ich finde diese Message der wahren Liebe, ist einer der wichtigsten Dinge die uns die Autorin vermitteln will: dass da draußen für jeden von uns, die einzig wahre Liebe existiert und auf uns wartet. Wahre Liebe! Fazit: ROMANTIK UND DIE WAHRE LIEBE EXISTIEREN! FINDE SIE...
- Clio ist oftmals wegen ihrer letzten Kundin am Boden zerstört, vor allem weil diese Person sie auch ihre Reputation in den Ruin stürzt. Clios beste Freundin Amory, macht ihr jedoch immer Mut und heitert sie mit aufpeppenden Worten wieder auf. Was Amorys Aufmunternden Worte natürlich zu bedeuten haben, ist einfach: hiermit wird dank dieser Message darauf hingewiesen, dass wenn wir zu Boden stürzen, wir uns aufrappeln sollen und das Beste daraus machen müssen. Das Leben geht weiter und wir bekommen immer eine zweite Chance im Leben. Fazit: SEI STARK, KÄMPFE WEITER UND VERWIRKLICHE DICH SELBST!
- Amory will ihrer Freundin klarmachen, dass sie eine Ablenkung von all ihrem Stress braucht und drängt sie quasi dazu, sich mit ihrem Ex Freund aus Teenie Zeiten zu treffen. Hier werden wir darauf hingewiesen, dass wir in unseren niedergeschlagenen Zeiten immer ein wenig Liebe und Zuneigung brauchen. Das ist Natürlich und Menschlich. Fazit: ALLES IM LEBEN DREHT SICH UM DIE LIEBE. EGAL AUF WELCHE ART UND WEISE SICH DIE LIEBE ZEIGT... LIEBE IST DAS WAS UNS AM LEBEN HÄLT... EGAL VON WEM, EGAL WANN. Aber manchmal trifft man sich auch aus anderen Gründen mit seinem Ex und zwar um den "Boom! In ya Face" an ihm oder ihr auszuüben! Vielleicht mag Amory auch das, an zweiter Stelle, zu bewirken und zwar, dass Clio die Möglichkeit haben wird, ihrem Ex zu zeigen was für eine wundervolle Frau aus ihr geworden ist. Fazit: RACHE KANN MANCHMAL SÜSS SEIN!
- Diese Szenen, in denen sich Clio in ihren traurigen Momenten ""Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the heart" anhört, erinnert mich immer an die Szene in Bridget Jones: Wenn Bridget jedes Mal traurig und niedergeschlagen war, hat sie sich immer den Song "All By Myself" angehört und hat immer weinend mitgesungen. Sehr amüsante Szene und bei "Winter at Cedarwood Lodge" gefällt mir das auch sehr... da musste ich natürlich lachen.

Lieblings Buchzitate:

Hier Klicken =>> http://rockmaniacsbuecherwelt.blogspo...

Zur Autorin:

Bereits bei dem Buch "Mein zauberhafter Buchladen am Ufer der Seine", war ich von ihrem Schreibstil fasziniert. Ich habe dort so viele Messages herausgelesen, die uns die Autorin bestimmt darin und damit vermitteln wollte. In diesem Buch, "Winter at Cedarwood Lodge", habe ich ebenfalls ein oder zwei Messages herausgelesen und oben aufgelistet. Diese Botschaften sind einfach nur herzerwärmend und ich finde es wunderschön, dass sie uns weiterhin Botschaften weitervermittelt und zwar in einem Stilvollen Schreibstil, den ich wirklich liebe. Man merkt sofort, dass Rebecca Raisin mit Herz schreibt. Ich als Leser bin unendlich davon begeistert und deswegen liebe ich es, ihre Bücher zu lesen. Da ich dieses Buch auf Originalsprache (English) gelesen habe, hatte ich sogar irgendwie das Gefühl, dass ihre Zeilen noch intensiver und wertvoller sind. In der Original Sprache steckt die ganze Magie und ihr Herzblut.

Danksagung:

Ich bedanke mich unendlich bei der Autorin Rebecca Raisin, dass sie es mir ermöglicht hat, dieses Rezensionsexemplar Lesen zu können. Danke von Herzen!!! Ich bedanke mich auch bei NetGalley.com dafür, dass sie das Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt haben.

Fazit:

Ich habe dieses Buch im Dezember gelesen. Genau die richtige Zeit für ein solch schöne Weihnachtsbuch. Es hat mich die ganze Weihnachtszeit begleitet und in mich sogar ein wenig in Weihnachtlichter Stimmung gebracht. Es war wirklich schön! Da ich also, wie bereits oben schon beschrieben, von Rebeccas Schreibstil und von der gesamten Geschichte fasziniert bin, gebe ich diesem Buch volle 5 Sterne.

Bewertung:
★★★★★ von ★★★★★


* All Material Written on and from the Rockmaniacs Bücher Welt site and posted on different Sites like: Amazon.de, Youtube, Goodreads, Whatchareadin.de, Vorablesen.de, Facebook, Twitter, Lovelybooks, etc., is Copyright © by the Owner "Lee-T81" (Rockmaniac)*

[Lise · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars
This story was just okay. There was a whole lot of thinking by Clio about possibly, maybe, perhaps letting Kai know she liked him and a jillion non-reasons why she couldn’t or wouldn’t. It took 3 short books slapped together to make one long, tedious book with endless details about event planning with “gold baubles” and “gold this or that” to get there.

Also, the author is clearly not from America and has zero idea about our geography (New York City is not a quick drive from New Hampshire) or everyday words we use. She used jumper instead of sweater, bench instead of counter, tin of biscuits instead of cookies, diamantes instead of rhinestones or faux diamonds; candy floss instead of cotton candy, it goes on and on. Everyone sounded English or Australian. The best friend Amory, a supposedly born and bred New Yorker no less, uses the phrases “Bloody hell” and “Bollocks” often. Clio and Amory both end sentences with “yeah” for example; “Let’s focus on what we need to do and hope Kai comes through for us. Yeah?” or “Let’s make cocoa. Yeah?” This isn’t American phrasing and is used throughout the whole book. Plus the time line goes from Autumn through New Years Eve with no mention of Thanksgiving but Boxing Day is. Again, not American.

So here’s my question to the author; why set it in America if you don’t even attempt to get the phrasing and words correct? Why not set it in England so the way the characters speak doesn’t seem so out of place? It’s jarring and detracts from the story. Clio easily could have been an event planner in London and fled to the countryside somewhere in England! Or make Clio & Amory from England but they moved to the US then their phrasing wouldn’t have sounded so terribly out of place. I love books set in England or Australia that sound authentic! Sadly this book set in America doesn’t sound authentic at all.

***SPOILER BELOW ***

And lastly the BIG CLICHÉ of a proposal ON CHRISTMAS a few years later. Gah!!! Why does anyone think that is romantic?!? Why?!? It’s not! Especially if the engagement ring is “the present.” It’s so very tacky and d-bagish when said guy doesn’t also buy a b-day, V-day or Christmas present for the would be bride. That’s a total douche bag move by any guy that does that! Same goes for proposing on Valentines’s Day (a Hallmark holiday!) a birthday, New Year’s Eve, etc. An engagement ring is just that; an ENGAGEMENT RING and NOT a birthday gift or Xmas present. I feel sorry when this happens in real life to friends and get pissed at authors touting this as romantic. It’s clichéd bullshit.


So now I’m worried about the other books I have purchased (on $ale thankfully!) from this author. Are they all like this? I hope not.