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12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas #0.5
A Christmas Carousel Proposal
This clean romance kicks off the 2018 anthology written by Harlequin Heartwarming romance authors.
Lisa Garland has big plans for her grandparents' wedding anniversary on December 24th - the grand opening of Carousel House, featuring a fully-restored carousel in downtown Christmas Town. She doesn't expect the company restoring the carousel to go bankrupt or the only man available to help her make the deadline for her grandparents' anniversary to be her ex-fiance.
A decade ago, John Richardson walked away from Lisa for her own good. He's tried hard not to look back. But now Lisa needs a miracle and John might just be the only man who can deliver it. If only he can keep his undying love for her a secret. He's scheduled to return to duty on December 25, so all he needs to do is organize volunteers to finish the carousel and keep his heart under lock and key. But love has a way of opening doors and hearts, and John's holiday season may not go as planned.
A Christmas Carousel Proposal introduces many of the characters in the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas series, which begin the week after John proposes to Lisa. Six romances feature Lisa’s bridesmaids and six feature heroes working on the carousel. All full-length novels end on Christmas Eve.
Lisa Garland has big plans for her grandparents' wedding anniversary on December 24th - the grand opening of Carousel House, featuring a fully-restored carousel in downtown Christmas Town. She doesn't expect the company restoring the carousel to go bankrupt or the only man available to help her make the deadline for her grandparents' anniversary to be her ex-fiance.
A decade ago, John Richardson walked away from Lisa for her own good. He's tried hard not to look back. But now Lisa needs a miracle and John might just be the only man who can deliver it. If only he can keep his undying love for her a secret. He's scheduled to return to duty on December 25, so all he needs to do is organize volunteers to finish the carousel and keep his heart under lock and key. But love has a way of opening doors and hearts, and John's holiday season may not go as planned.
A Christmas Carousel Proposal introduces many of the characters in the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas series, which begin the week after John proposes to Lisa. Six romances feature Lisa’s bridesmaids and six feature heroes working on the carousel. All full-length novels end on Christmas Eve.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2018
61 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Curtis
259 books1,295 followersPrior to writing romance, award-winning, USA Today Bestseller Melinda Curtis was a junior manager for a Fortune 500 company, which meant when she flew on the private jet she was relegated to the jump seat—otherwise known as the potty. After grabbing her pen (and a parachute) she made the jump to full-time writer. Between writing sweet romance and sweet romantic comedy, Melinda finds time to bond with her husband over home remodeling projects. She recently came to grips with the fact that she’s an empty nester and a grandma, concepts easier to grasp than jet-setting on a potty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 11, 2019
I'm rarely happy to find "The End" at the 27% completion mark of a Kindle book...
If you've read the blurb, you've pretty much read the story. It's more of an outline than a premise. :(
If you've read the blurb, you've pretty much read the story. It's more of an outline than a premise. :(
June 19, 2018
“A Christmas Carousel Proposal” is a prologue novella to a connected twelve-book series that takes place in Christmas Town Maine.
Lisa Garland is tasked to bring the carousel back to its formal glory by Christmas Eve and in time for her grandparents’ anniversary.
John Richardson, Lisa’s ex-fiancé, is back in Christmas Town to help with the carousel and to see Lisa.
John and Lisa are still in love after being apart for ten years and regret the way they handled their break-up.
Though at times I found “A Christmas Carousel Proposal” sad, especially Lisa, the ending was uplifting and fulfilling and made reading the story worth it.
Lisa Garland is tasked to bring the carousel back to its formal glory by Christmas Eve and in time for her grandparents’ anniversary.
John Richardson, Lisa’s ex-fiancé, is back in Christmas Town to help with the carousel and to see Lisa.
John and Lisa are still in love after being apart for ten years and regret the way they handled their break-up.
Though at times I found “A Christmas Carousel Proposal” sad, especially Lisa, the ending was uplifting and fulfilling and made reading the story worth it.
July 23, 2018
A Christmas Carousel Proposal is the perfect prelude for the holiday season. This book is filled with love, joy and a second chance at happiness. John and Lisa made me care. I wanted them to find each other again. The carousel project showed how caring people could be. I love Christmas Town. I wish I could live here and enjoy the magic. I'm looking forward to what's coming next.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
July 2, 2018
Great introduction to a new set of books by a group of authors. It was fun reading a "Christmas in July" theme! Lisa Garland and John Richardson have a story to tell, or re-tell as the case may be, that centers around the renovation of a carousel...and long ago feelings for one another. Quick, heartwarming read that I enjoyed.
November 1, 2018
Love John and Lisa sweet 2nd chance ♡
October 23, 2018
This book is all about second chances. When Lisa was younger her mother walked out on her and her father. When Lisa was to marry John she had her doubts, not that she loved him but about the marriage so they went their separate ways. Now ten years later they have a chance to pick up where they left off. Will they take that chance.
I think you will enjoy this novella. I know I did and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the Christmas town series.
I think you will enjoy this novella. I know I did and I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the Christmas town series.
October 9, 2018
4 1/2 STARS!
A delightful holiday reunion! Kicking off this years holiday anthology from the Harlequin Heartwarming authors, this story introduces the story line that a treasured carousel in the town of Christmas Town, Maine is being brought back to life in a new location to be enjoyed by all. Lisa Garland is in charge of getting it all arranged, and it's super special to her because it's special to her grandparents and will reopen centered around an anniversary party for them on Christmas Eve. The book introduces many of the characters that will derive the heroes and heroines of the 12 full length books to follow. It piqued my interest and brought the excitement of the carousel to life in my imagination!
Lisa Garland thinks all is on track for the carousel project she's spearheading for the town council until an unexpected visitor announces that the company in charge of getting the overhaul done has declared bankruptcy and closed down! Panic ensues and the only person capable of possibly still pulling off the deadline just so happens to be the man she hasn't seen since he walked away from her and their engagement a decade ago!
John Richardson never got over his love for Lisa, but when she voiced doubts about their union, he used it in order to walk away. He was shipping off soon thereafter anyway and considered it for her own good that he was leaving her open to live her own life again. Facing their past and realizing a new future just might be the answer they've both been looking for!
A delightful holiday reunion! Kicking off this years holiday anthology from the Harlequin Heartwarming authors, this story introduces the story line that a treasured carousel in the town of Christmas Town, Maine is being brought back to life in a new location to be enjoyed by all. Lisa Garland is in charge of getting it all arranged, and it's super special to her because it's special to her grandparents and will reopen centered around an anniversary party for them on Christmas Eve. The book introduces many of the characters that will derive the heroes and heroines of the 12 full length books to follow. It piqued my interest and brought the excitement of the carousel to life in my imagination!
Lisa Garland thinks all is on track for the carousel project she's spearheading for the town council until an unexpected visitor announces that the company in charge of getting the overhaul done has declared bankruptcy and closed down! Panic ensues and the only person capable of possibly still pulling off the deadline just so happens to be the man she hasn't seen since he walked away from her and their engagement a decade ago!
John Richardson never got over his love for Lisa, but when she voiced doubts about their union, he used it in order to walk away. He was shipping off soon thereafter anyway and considered it for her own good that he was leaving her open to live her own life again. Facing their past and realizing a new future just might be the answer they've both been looking for!
October 20, 2018
About the book
Lisa Garland has big plans for her grandparents' wedding anniversary on December 24th - the grand opening of Carousel House, featuring a fully-restored carousel in downtown Christmas Town. She doesn't expect the company restoring the carousel to go bankrupt or the only man available to help her make the deadline for her grandparents' anniversary to be her ex-fiance.
A decade ago, John Richardson walked away from Lisa for her own good. He's tried hard not to look back. But now Lisa needs a miracle and John might just be the only man who can deliver it. If only he can keep his undying love for her a secret. He's scheduled to return to duty on December 25, so all he needs to do is organize volunteers to finish the carousel and keep his heart under lock and key. But love has a way of opening doors and hearts, and John's holiday season may not go as planned.
A Christmas Carousel Proposal introduces many of the characters in the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas series, which begin the week after John proposes to Lisa. Six romances feature Lisa’s bridesmaids and six feature heroes working on the carousel. All full-length novels end on Christmas Eve.
A beautiful story I loved it, the people were great loved how it turn out.
Lisa Garland has big plans for her grandparents' wedding anniversary on December 24th - the grand opening of Carousel House, featuring a fully-restored carousel in downtown Christmas Town. She doesn't expect the company restoring the carousel to go bankrupt or the only man available to help her make the deadline for her grandparents' anniversary to be her ex-fiance.
A decade ago, John Richardson walked away from Lisa for her own good. He's tried hard not to look back. But now Lisa needs a miracle and John might just be the only man who can deliver it. If only he can keep his undying love for her a secret. He's scheduled to return to duty on December 25, so all he needs to do is organize volunteers to finish the carousel and keep his heart under lock and key. But love has a way of opening doors and hearts, and John's holiday season may not go as planned.
A Christmas Carousel Proposal introduces many of the characters in the 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas series, which begin the week after John proposes to Lisa. Six romances feature Lisa’s bridesmaids and six feature heroes working on the carousel. All full-length novels end on Christmas Eve.
A beautiful story I loved it, the people were great loved how it turn out.
December 14, 2018
I read this story in one day, just a few hours actually. It was absolutely wonderful. I ended the story with wet eyes. I like this story of second chances. John and Lisa both had, had lives that caused them to have doubt in themselves and others. They behaved in ways that were the result of their experiences with loved ones. In the case of John it was the death of a parent while he was still young and for Lisa it was the fact that her Mother had up and left her when she was young girl. This caused them both to have doubts that caused them not to married when they had first planned it. However their love for one another had not died. They both had to admit not only to each other; but to themselves that they were strong enough to deal with any issues (fears) that may or may not come up. Sometimes people make decisions for other people when they shouldn't. It was a great read.
June 19, 2018
Lisa is doing everything she can to get the carousel up and running in time for her grandparents 60th anniversary. John is back in Christmas Town to help with the carousel when he also comes face to face with the only girl he has ever loved and walked away from. Can they get the Carousel going in time or will the past be just too much to move on from?
I loved this book it was a fun read. It was a quick read for sure but it was to the point and leaves you wanting more, not wanting it to end. I loved the fun characters in this book and the sweet love story not only between the main characters but between Lisa's grandparents. This book is a good clean read and you really can't go wrong with such a simple and quick read.
I loved this book it was a fun read. It was a quick read for sure but it was to the point and leaves you wanting more, not wanting it to end. I loved the fun characters in this book and the sweet love story not only between the main characters but between Lisa's grandparents. This book is a good clean read and you really can't go wrong with such a simple and quick read.
June 18, 2018
This prologue to a new series that features many authors has me hooked for more of the same in Christmas Town, Maine. Lisa Garland is surprised by her former fiance, John Richardson, suddenly appearing back in town. They haven’t seen each other in 10 years. It is her intention to have an old carousel working again by Christmas Eve for her grandparents’ 60th anniversary. I met different residents of Christmas Town and can only imagine how many characters will have their own story. This novella gets the ball rolling, and I look forward to watching others find their own love story. [I received this book for free and my opinion is my own.]
July 24, 2018
This is the first in a series of books that will be written by multiple authors in the same town setting. Come and get to know the main characters that you will be meeting in different books all through the year.
Lisa wants her grandparents to have a beautiful anniversary gift. However when things begin to go wrong with the carousel refurbishing, she needs to trust a man who broke her heart years ago.
John thinks he did a noble deed by walking away from Lisa all those years ago. Unfortunately, he is still suffering for it. He still loves her, but he's not sure he can convince her to give them both another chance.
Lisa wants her grandparents to have a beautiful anniversary gift. However when things begin to go wrong with the carousel refurbishing, she needs to trust a man who broke her heart years ago.
John thinks he did a noble deed by walking away from Lisa all those years ago. Unfortunately, he is still suffering for it. He still loves her, but he's not sure he can convince her to give them both another chance.
October 15, 2018
For such a quick read there is loads packed into the book so you fall in love with the characters, want to visit Christmas town as well as meet everyone who lives and works there! Lisa's heart broke when she questioned getting married 15 years ago and her fiance John walked out with out a word. Now he is back in town to help save the gift she want to give the town and her grandparents however both John and Lisa need to talk to each other just like they should have all those years ago and address what happened. You feel their lose, frustration and struggle with conveying how they feel or saying the right thing.
October 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this Christmas story!
All Lisa Garland wants to do by Christmas is get the town carousel restored and running, but when she finds out that the company she hired has gone bankrupt she believes that will never happen. That is until the man who broke her heart years ago tells the town that with help he can get the job done.
John Richardson wants to do everything possible to get the carousel restored for Lisa by Christmas, but it is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. Having walked away from her once he isn't going to do it again.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
All Lisa Garland wants to do by Christmas is get the town carousel restored and running, but when she finds out that the company she hired has gone bankrupt she believes that will never happen. That is until the man who broke her heart years ago tells the town that with help he can get the job done.
John Richardson wants to do everything possible to get the carousel restored for Lisa by Christmas, but it is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. Having walked away from her once he isn't going to do it again.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
November 2, 2018
I was looking forward to this story, but I was disappointed. I won’t rehash the story because other reviewers have already given us the bare bones. I thought John was cowardly to leave the way he did without even talking to Lisa. There’s nothing heroic about leaving the love of your love questioning herself and feeling guilt for the break-up for ten years when you had your own reasons for leaving. After ten years, it all seemed to be glossed over too quickly and easily. How can denying Lisa ten years of a husband she loves and a chance of a family on a maybe be a good thing? She still had the pain.
February 11, 2019
Council meeting a man starting speaking an It was her ex fiancé, ten years. He was a guest coming about the carousel, which was her pet project, The owner has died and business was closed. He would finish the project, but needed volunteers. Busiest time , for it was a Christmas Town, and volunteers already had their assignments. Giving Lisa’s name that is head of the project to meet with her. Alone to discuss, or for John he wanted closure. He was returning to duty, and wanted to keep his love for her unspoken. A project to finish and the magic of the carousel, with love and proposal made a delightful story.
February 24, 2020
A good beginning to a 12-book series about Christmas Town. Lisa wants to get the carousel repaired and running for her grandparents’ anniversary on Christmas Eve. But the company doing the restoration goes bankrupt. Her ex-fiancé John comes from the company to get the project started. But they need a lot of volunteers to help, and everyone in town is busy elsewhere. Soon, volunteers start to show up; and John and Lisa realize they still love each other. But he’s being deployed again. I love how they talk things out this time and there is a proposal. I have all the rest on my Kindle so I can read them all at once.
July 4, 2018
John doesn't talk much. He didn't say anything when Lisa said she wanted to call off their wedding. He just got up and left. Ten years later, he just shows up and says he is going to help Lisa restore the carousel for her grandparents. Lisa doesn't want to talk about the past, she just wants to give her grandparents a present. John thought it was the best thing for Lisa if he just walked away. He was being deployed and if something happened to him, he didn't want her to be a widow. Now, they may have a second chance. Will they take it?
September 28, 2018
This is a sweet, clean romance and the introduction to the Heartwarming Christmas anthology and the multiple characters in these stories.
The story of John Richardson and Lisa Garland is heartbreaking but also heartwarming. A couple that were about to marry 10 years ago, but when one of them questions the idea of marrying , the other one leaves . Not because they did not love enough but because they loved too much.
The reunion is bumpy but in the end hopeful and filled with the spirit of Christmas.
A great introduction for the stories to come.
The story of John Richardson and Lisa Garland is heartbreaking but also heartwarming. A couple that were about to marry 10 years ago, but when one of them questions the idea of marrying , the other one leaves . Not because they did not love enough but because they loved too much.
The reunion is bumpy but in the end hopeful and filled with the spirit of Christmas.
A great introduction for the stories to come.
November 6, 2018
This is the book which starts the fun of the series called 12 Days of Heartwarming Christmas. These stories connect and this should be the first story to read to best enjoy the series. I am happy to have read it. As a prologue, it is a quick read, but has lots of warmth, love and good holiday spirit.
I enjoyed it's message very much as I saw two people, who loved each other very much. And did what they felt was best at the time. The story will make you happy and ready for a wonderful Christmas season.
I received an ebook from the author. All thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed it's message very much as I saw two people, who loved each other very much. And did what they felt was best at the time. The story will make you happy and ready for a wonderful Christmas season.
I received an ebook from the author. All thoughts are my own.
December 9, 2018
This was a really cute story, Lisa and John were meant to marry 10 years ago when she got cold feet and called off the wedding. They hadn’t seen each other in that length of time as John had been deployed. Lisa decided she wanted to surprise her grandparents and restore the carousel that they had bought. The company who was working on the project went bankrupt leaving no one to fix and restore the carousel. John came to the rescue and in the process both of them realized how much they loved one another.
June 18, 2018
this is a beautifully written clean second chance romance.
Lisa Garland has big plans for her grandparents anniversary December 24, but the restoration company she hired has gone bankrupt.
John Richardson is back in town to help Lisa with the restoration. these two have history, can these two get over their past to complete the project and accept the love that these two have been denying themselves?
A must to read!
Lisa Garland has big plans for her grandparents anniversary December 24, but the restoration company she hired has gone bankrupt.
John Richardson is back in town to help Lisa with the restoration. these two have history, can these two get over their past to complete the project and accept the love that these two have been denying themselves?
A must to read!
June 22, 2018
I really liked this story. A prequel to a fun series, and it really made me want to read the rest of the series.
Lisa and John are great characters, as are the rest of the town folk. They are working on refurbishing an old carousel because Lisa wants to open it in honor of her grandparents. The one catch is that John is Lisa's ex-fiance…..
I enjoyed everything about this and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Lisa and John are great characters, as are the rest of the town folk. They are working on refurbishing an old carousel because Lisa wants to open it in honor of her grandparents. The one catch is that John is Lisa's ex-fiance…..
I enjoyed everything about this and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
September 5, 2021
This is a super short novella of second chance love. The story moves quickly because there aren't that many pages in it. Everything falls into place very fast in terms of the romance. The rest of the story (the carousel) doesn't resolve at all but sets up the rest of this series of romances.
So basically if you just want a quick, feel good read, this could be the book for you and start you onto a series of Christmas romances.
No sex, language or violence
So basically if you just want a quick, feel good read, this could be the book for you and start you onto a series of Christmas romances.
No sex, language or violence
October 1, 2018
A sweet second chance romance introducing us to Christmas Town. John returns to town to help repair an old carousel that Lisa is intent on fixing in honor of her grandparents. Can Lisa and John trust each other enough to continue their relationship from 10 years ago. A lovely town-lovely characters- can't wait to read more about this small town. Plus I love the magic of Carousels!
July 17, 2018
Lisa and John are reunited after ten years and a broken engagement. Lisa's fears from her mother leaving and John's from the death of his father interfere with them moving forward. A quick read.I voluntary reviewed a copy of this book.
August 23, 2018
3 stars
I purchased A Christmas Carousel Proposal by Melinda Curtis and this review was given freely. A short second chance at love excerpt spanning the day before Thanksgiving to the day after. Well written but ends.
I purchased A Christmas Carousel Proposal by Melinda Curtis and this review was given freely. A short second chance at love excerpt spanning the day before Thanksgiving to the day after. Well written but ends.
February 19, 2019
Lisa Garland has big plans for her grandparents' wedding anniversary on December 24th - the grand opening of Carousel House, featuring a fully-restored carousel in downtown Christmas Town. Too disjointed for me.
October 11, 2023
A Christmas Carousel Proposal is the prequel to a series of Christmas books. It left me wanting more - more action in the plot, more ummph in the characters. I think it could be a better read if it was fleshed out a bit.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2018
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This story is wonderful! If you haven’t read any of the Christmas Town stories you are missing out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews