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A Christmas Kind of Perfect
Conrad Hamilton thought his life would be easy. A great job running his own construction business. Living in his hometown in Door County, Wisconsin with Lila Clark by his side. He'd planned to marry her as soon as she returned from her Chicago internship, but it never happened. Lila never expected to become a successful writer nor did she plan to spend years in New York. But she did. Can the magic of Christmas turn two hearts back to one another again, or is it too late to capture that special kind of perfect?
- GenresChristmas
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Christine Schimpf
8 books24 followersBorn and raised in a small town in southeastern Wisconsin, Christine graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Magna cum Laude. She is an award winning essayist which led her to copy editing and writing. After self-publishing two books, she now writes inspirational romance for Prism/Pelican Book Group.
Christine is a member of the national and local chapters of the Romance Writers of America.
She lives on five acres in the country with her husband and golden retriever. A love for the outdoors has her enjoying golf, tennis, kayaking and simply sitting in a lawn chair listening to nature.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 17, 2017
A Christmas Kind of Perfect by Christine Schimpf is a contemporary romance read that should have warmed my heart and had me rooting for a happily ever after from the very beginning of the story however that didn’t become the case with this one. There’s a detail left out of the description that just rubbed me the wrong way during the entire book that kept me from enjoying the entire thing.
Starting this one we meet Lila and Conrad five years after their relationship ended by just drifting apart as they began their careers. Lila has been in New York making herself a success as an author and Conrad stayed in their hometown. Now bringing this pair back together sounds lovely to me, that is until Lila arrives and everyone tells her that Conrad is on the verge of proposing to someone else.
Now during this book there are slight little digs at this poor unsuspecting lady who probably thought Conrad was her one and only to just keep reminding me that she exists. She’s not a big player in the book but how can I not get it out of the back of my mind that this great guy for Lila is going to break another’s heart? So what if she’s not a great cook and more career minded? I’m sure Conrad knows how to feed himself if he’s been dating her long enough to consider marriage.
Anyway, this is a clean read so one’s version of cheating may not apply but seeing and falling in love again with an ex without breaking up with the current girlfriend was enough emotional cheating to me that I couldn’t be all cheery inside of Conrad and Lila’s growing relationship. In the end this one had a ton of potential if only both characters were completely single upon their reconnecting but as is it’s just not for me leaving me to rate this one at 2.5 stars.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Starting this one we meet Lila and Conrad five years after their relationship ended by just drifting apart as they began their careers. Lila has been in New York making herself a success as an author and Conrad stayed in their hometown. Now bringing this pair back together sounds lovely to me, that is until Lila arrives and everyone tells her that Conrad is on the verge of proposing to someone else.
Now during this book there are slight little digs at this poor unsuspecting lady who probably thought Conrad was her one and only to just keep reminding me that she exists. She’s not a big player in the book but how can I not get it out of the back of my mind that this great guy for Lila is going to break another’s heart? So what if she’s not a great cook and more career minded? I’m sure Conrad knows how to feed himself if he’s been dating her long enough to consider marriage.
Anyway, this is a clean read so one’s version of cheating may not apply but seeing and falling in love again with an ex without breaking up with the current girlfriend was enough emotional cheating to me that I couldn’t be all cheery inside of Conrad and Lila’s growing relationship. In the end this one had a ton of potential if only both characters were completely single upon their reconnecting but as is it’s just not for me leaving me to rate this one at 2.5 stars.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 14, 2020
I happened to be in our local gift shop this past weekend and purchased Christine Schimpf's "A Perfect Kind of Christmas." Most romance books follow a predictable format, but Schimpf's was slightly different in that the two main characters, Lila and Conrad, did not hate each other from the beginning (although there was tension between them) but had a relationship in their youth. I also liked how Lila was a rather level-headed heroine and not one prone to ridiculous, cheesy behavior. Lila was an accomplished author of a novel series (living in New York, contracted by an agent/editor) and wasn't ready to give up her own career aspirations for someone else's ideal life in Wisconsin. Schimpf also added a few chapters from Conrad's perspective, which seemed unusual for a typical romance novel. I actually wished she had used more than just a handful. It was interesting to view the story from the man's perspective instead of only from the woman's - she could have pushed this further.
Schimpf has a BA in English, so her writing clearly reflects her experience with the written word. The novel is well-written and had some strong elements: characters were relatable and seemed genuine, a main plot and several subplots, great descriptions, creates a strong sense of place (especially of you've been to Door County, WI), and believable tension between characters. It turned out to be a fun book to read.
Schimpf has a BA in English, so her writing clearly reflects her experience with the written word. The novel is well-written and had some strong elements: characters were relatable and seemed genuine, a main plot and several subplots, great descriptions, creates a strong sense of place (especially of you've been to Door County, WI), and believable tension between characters. It turned out to be a fun book to read.
January 24, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a wonderful Christmas romance with a real feel good factor.
This is a wonderful Christmas romance with a real feel good factor.
December 21, 2017
Awwwwe what a fun Christmas romance. I can’t help but enjoy romances that are brought together by snow, trees, and food.
This story follows two characters that had dated for eons, but they broke up because she wanted to go to go to New York and be a writer, but he wanted a quiet life in their hometown with babies and a white picket fence. Years go by and she comes back to town to help her old friend. Drama happens, Christmas spirit is tested, and of course it ends with a HEA. No spoiler there ;D.
Ooooo they were idiots the both of them. I wanted to smack them. Lila…you can be a writer at home…there is no real need to have to move to New York. Conrad….if you really loved Lila you could’ve gone with her. FOOLS! Stubborn, stubborn fools. All this drama and regret and loneliness could’ve been avoided if they just sat down and talked about all the options. BUT then there wouldn’t be a story of course.
I am glad that Lila and Conrad took FOREVER to realize that they need to be together. They are convinced they can just be friends. Conrad is convinced that he is destined to marry some work-aholic who I am unsure how they lasted SO long…they are complete opposites and want different things. I feel like he was just settling and hoping that things would get better. Super sad indeed.
Honestly, I want Suzanne to get her own HEA. Sure she was a cold-hearted B the majority of the book, but it turns out she did have a nice side and she does care for Conrad…in her own way. She deserves to be happy. Strange that the author changed the direction of this character! Normally the current lover of one of the main people are demonized and made for you to hate so you don’t feel bad when the main person gives them the boot. This wasn’t the case near the end. At the beginning you feel like you dislike Suzanne, but then she surprises you and you really warm-up to her especially after something she says to Conrad.
There were some parts I felt were just fillers that were not needed so it slowed the story down. Sure this is not abnormal, but it just felt like fillers and added in last minute. Some parts did not flow as well. Also, there were sometimes the dialogue seemed forced and not natural. No one talks like that. No one.
Besides for the fillers and occasional unnatural dialogue, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the lovebirds finally getting over their bullheadedness and just working together for their love. A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE indeed. If you like a light, fluffy romance filled with Christmas joy I recommend this one. I’ll give this…3 stars.
This story follows two characters that had dated for eons, but they broke up because she wanted to go to go to New York and be a writer, but he wanted a quiet life in their hometown with babies and a white picket fence. Years go by and she comes back to town to help her old friend. Drama happens, Christmas spirit is tested, and of course it ends with a HEA. No spoiler there ;D.
Ooooo they were idiots the both of them. I wanted to smack them. Lila…you can be a writer at home…there is no real need to have to move to New York. Conrad….if you really loved Lila you could’ve gone with her. FOOLS! Stubborn, stubborn fools. All this drama and regret and loneliness could’ve been avoided if they just sat down and talked about all the options. BUT then there wouldn’t be a story of course.
I am glad that Lila and Conrad took FOREVER to realize that they need to be together. They are convinced they can just be friends. Conrad is convinced that he is destined to marry some work-aholic who I am unsure how they lasted SO long…they are complete opposites and want different things. I feel like he was just settling and hoping that things would get better. Super sad indeed.
Honestly, I want Suzanne to get her own HEA. Sure she was a cold-hearted B the majority of the book, but it turns out she did have a nice side and she does care for Conrad…in her own way. She deserves to be happy. Strange that the author changed the direction of this character! Normally the current lover of one of the main people are demonized and made for you to hate so you don’t feel bad when the main person gives them the boot. This wasn’t the case near the end. At the beginning you feel like you dislike Suzanne, but then she surprises you and you really warm-up to her especially after something she says to Conrad.
There were some parts I felt were just fillers that were not needed so it slowed the story down. Sure this is not abnormal, but it just felt like fillers and added in last minute. Some parts did not flow as well. Also, there were sometimes the dialogue seemed forced and not natural. No one talks like that. No one.
Besides for the fillers and occasional unnatural dialogue, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the lovebirds finally getting over their bullheadedness and just working together for their love. A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE indeed. If you like a light, fluffy romance filled with Christmas joy I recommend this one. I’ll give this…3 stars.
December 15, 2017
A Christmas Kind Of Perfect is a whole heart in story (Lila doing a book signing for her best friend Melanie - even though she is so book singning out. - she is so exhausted, but she wanted to do this for her - plus she wanted to go home_, facing some ghosts (Lila has an old boyfriend at home - one that she wanted to avoid for the rest of her life - and was even hesitating to do the book signing for sut a second - did she run into him? well you have to read the book. if they did - did it work out? or did she meet someone else?) friendship (she was also close - but not as close as Melanie - to her Agent Andrea - she...... you have to read the book to find out what she did and it is good.) deadlines, (she is suppose to get 5 chapters done before the end of her time at home... does she? ) Faith - is her Faith strengthened while she is home? Does she find her true self when she goes to where she once came from? Will she go back to where she came from to go home again or had she truly found herself again or is there a compromise or can there be? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
December 14, 2017
If ever a story embodied the miracle of God's grace, Conrad and Lila's certainly does. Throughout the story, I was driven to keep reading just to see how the blessings of relying on God's plan with absolute faith and certainty can bring about wonders. I was left with a lightness in my heart for the couple's HEA after all the obstacles they overcame...including forgiveness toward each other and in themselves.
The story will definitely leave you with warmth in your heart and the belief of God's plan...as quoted in the story, just a different version:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
This is my favorite verse, and one I depend on daily. It came into play very heavily in the story, bringing with it a lesson we all can learn from.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
The story will definitely leave you with warmth in your heart and the belief of God's plan...as quoted in the story, just a different version:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
This is my favorite verse, and one I depend on daily. It came into play very heavily in the story, bringing with it a lesson we all can learn from.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
December 1, 2017
Christine Schimpf finds a perfect balance of likable characters and heart-felt romance in A Christmas Kind of Perfect. I loved Lila right away. She’s the gal I want as my best friend. And hunky, true-blue Conrad is everyone’s idea of the ideal husband material. They are perfect for each other and yet they can’t seem to see how their futures can work with the demands of their careers. A Christmas Kind of Perfect provides the right amount of tension for a holiday read. It was the tonic I needed during a really stressful time. People who love a tame but deeply emotional romance will love this book! Solid 4.5 I received an advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review...and then I bought my own copy 'cuz I wanted one!
December 10, 2018
I enjoyed the setting of this second chance romance with some nice Christmas details. The premise was good, if not highly original, but it lost something in the execution. It could use another pass by an editor to correct errors and to help certain elements flow more smoothly.
Lila seems to change her assessment of Conrad's intentions with every scene, and the reader is left with a lot of waffling back and forth on both Lila and Conrad's parts. I struggled to root for their reunion because of that and their growing physical affection (just kissing) while Conrad was still dating another woman. It was never clear why Lila seemingly had to live in New York since little about being an author requires being in a specific location.
Lila seems to change her assessment of Conrad's intentions with every scene, and the reader is left with a lot of waffling back and forth on both Lila and Conrad's parts. I struggled to root for their reunion because of that and their growing physical affection (just kissing) while Conrad was still dating another woman. It was never clear why Lila seemingly had to live in New York since little about being an author requires being in a specific location.
February 3, 2018
Now that my beautiful children have started living on their own and chasing their dreams I find myself having to deal with an empty nest. This fantastic read certainly helped me stay entertain for quite a while. It isn't that often that you find yourself with a book quite like this one. You find yourself hoping, over and over again, that the magic of Christmas will turn two hearts back together. Overall if you find yourself on the fence with this book, let me be the one to push you over the fence into to the wonderful world the Christine Schimpf has managed to capture.
March 1, 2018
This is a super Holiday second chance romance.Lila and Conrad have been apart for five years they let their careers get in the way and called it a day Lila has become a successful author who is now back in their hometown and Conrad is still there and regrets not going after her but is just about to settle down with someone else.This was a really sweet read and just perfect for snuggling up with on a cold afternoon
December 3, 2017
This is my first book by Christine Schimpf.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily received an ARC from NetGalley.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily received an ARC from NetGalley.
January 22, 2018
Something about reunion stories always grabs me. This one involves a couple who went off track, only to reconnect and discover they’re only who they are meant to be if they’re together. A sweet snowstorm scene near the end warmed me.
December 29, 2018
Was a fast read. Could be a Hallmark movie.
December 1, 2017
This book is perfect for cuddling up to read with a hot mug of tea to escape the Christmas hustle and bustle or to relax with on a snowy afternoon. It is a sweet romance with really likable characters. Ms Schimpf has a gift for writing details so descriptive that you feel like you are in the book with the characters. A beautiful story of second chances and redemption. Give yourself a Christmas present and read this book.
January 4, 2018
I loved A Christmas Kind of Perfect. Christine Schimpf has woven an endearing and romantic Christmas story that is sure to warm your insides whether you have a hot mug of cocoa next to you or not. For not being an author I'd heard of, I was impressed with Schimpf's writing and her ability to fully describe the scene so you felt you were truly there. I loved the characters and got to know each of them personally, plus the setting of Door County, WI was enchanting. Loved this novel and will be watching for others from her! If you're looking for an engaging Christmas Christian romance novel that's clean enough for teens, but enjoyable for mature readers, then this is an excellent choice!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews