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Hickory Grove #2
The Christmas House
Christmas comes but once a year. Unless you never take down the decorations.
When a pipe in her home freezes and bursts, antiques collector Fern Gale knows her holiday season is off to a bad start. Her house was already a mess and all she wants to do is drink hot chocolate and binge-watch Christmas movies.
The winter catastrophe pushes Fern to spruce things up at 313 Pine Tree Lane. And that's when she stumbles across something that belongs to her estranged husband.
Stedman Gale thought he moved on from Fern. After all, when her mother died, their marriage died, too. But then he gets a frantic phone call in the middle of the night that changes everything...
If the small-town magpie can reconnect with the love of her life then maybe she'll be more than the lonely woman who lives in The Christmas House.
Book Two in the Hickory Grove series is a quirky, stand-alone romantic women's fiction about a second chance that comes a little later in life. Order your copy in time for the holiday season.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2019
1247 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bromke
56 books224 followersElizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 9, 2019
There's something about Bromke's writing style, characters, and stories that resonates with my soul. I think my soul longs for a gentler, simpler time and not this crazy, busy, fast-paced world I live in. Maybe I live in the wrong place or was born in the wrong era, but I love that I can escape to Hickory Grove and find that pace I'm craving.
Fern, whom we met briefly in Book 1, is somewhat of an intimidating recluse and we discover why in this story. I loved the chats that brought two introverts together, the movie buff references, and the neighborly friendship that wakes Fern up and allows her to move on in her life. But most of all, I loved watching two soul mates connect with the magic of the season.
Hickory Grove is a beloved small town in Indiana (almost Kentucky) that oozes a Southern hospitality and charm. I was so excited for their Christmas tree lighting event and could picture it vividly. I loved getting to know previous characters even deeper, although this story can stand alone. If you love small town stories that warm the heart like a Hallmark movie, then this series is for you!
Content: mild romance (some light innuendo, kissing); very mild religion (the committee in charge of the lighting ceremony is a church-related ladies group and there was one prayer)
*I received a complimentary copy through BookSprout. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Fern, whom we met briefly in Book 1, is somewhat of an intimidating recluse and we discover why in this story. I loved the chats that brought two introverts together, the movie buff references, and the neighborly friendship that wakes Fern up and allows her to move on in her life. But most of all, I loved watching two soul mates connect with the magic of the season.
Hickory Grove is a beloved small town in Indiana (almost Kentucky) that oozes a Southern hospitality and charm. I was so excited for their Christmas tree lighting event and could picture it vividly. I loved getting to know previous characters even deeper, although this story can stand alone. If you love small town stories that warm the heart like a Hallmark movie, then this series is for you!
Content: mild romance (some light innuendo, kissing); very mild religion (the committee in charge of the lighting ceremony is a church-related ladies group and there was one prayer)
*I received a complimentary copy through BookSprout. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
October 18, 2019
Fern Gale is kind of a recluse. She rarely goes out and her house, which is referred to by the locals n as "The Christmas House" because the decorations are up year-round, looks neglected. She collects antiques and plans to open a shop one day, so far one day hasn't come, but an unexpected visit from a neighbor, and a burst pipe in the middle of the night that threatens to ruin all of her possessions suddenly sparks life into Fern, and she decides to start making some changes.
Fern had a cameo in The Schoolhouse: A Hickory Grove Novel which left me with the impression she might not be dealing with a full deck, but that's definitely not the case. We learn through chat room flashbacks why Fern moved back to Hickory Grove a few years ago, and how she met Stedman, whom she would marry.
Maggie, who we also met in The Schoolhouse, is Fern's nearest neighbor and offers to help her go through everything she's collected in the four years since her mother's death. I liked Maggie a lot more in this book than in the previous one. We find out a little bit more about Maggie. I think she's a great friend to Fern and I enjoyed their friendship.
In the midst of what I call "Fern's rebirth" she and her estranged husband Stedman start communicating again. I kind of understand why he left but don't understand why he never contacted Fern in four years. The only reason they're even speaking now is because Fern called him to ask where the water shut off valve was to stop her house from flooding from the burst pipe. I hope these two had more communication than was on the written page if they want to make their marriage work. Having suffered from depression I was aggravated with this character and that he would just leave his wife because she fell into a depression after her mother died.
I adore the cover of the book--it's a perfect Christmas house. I LOVED when Fern, Maggie and Becky redid the decorations outside and inside the house. That part really made me feel the spirit of Christmas.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout, but bought my own personal copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Fern had a cameo in The Schoolhouse: A Hickory Grove Novel which left me with the impression she might not be dealing with a full deck, but that's definitely not the case. We learn through chat room flashbacks why Fern moved back to Hickory Grove a few years ago, and how she met Stedman, whom she would marry.
Maggie, who we also met in The Schoolhouse, is Fern's nearest neighbor and offers to help her go through everything she's collected in the four years since her mother's death. I liked Maggie a lot more in this book than in the previous one. We find out a little bit more about Maggie. I think she's a great friend to Fern and I enjoyed their friendship.
In the midst of what I call "Fern's rebirth" she and her estranged husband Stedman start communicating again. I kind of understand why he left but don't understand why he never contacted Fern in four years. The only reason they're even speaking now is because Fern called him to ask where the water shut off valve was to stop her house from flooding from the burst pipe. I hope these two had more communication than was on the written page if they want to make their marriage work. Having suffered from depression I was aggravated with this character and that he would just leave his wife because she fell into a depression after her mother died.
I adore the cover of the book--it's a perfect Christmas house. I LOVED when Fern, Maggie and Becky redid the decorations outside and inside the house. That part really made me feel the spirit of Christmas.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout, but bought my own personal copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 15, 2019
Odd Story; Didn’t Work For Me
I found this to be a very strange book that I couldn't quite wrap my head around. I usually enjoy second-chance romances and romances where the couple is middle aged, as I don't think that people north of thirty are given enough romance plot lines. I was at first intrigued by the heroine and the constrained life that she chose to lead. But it actually became a bit tiresome. I also liked the tease of the texts from years ago showing the budding relationship between the couple before that relationship fractured. The story seemed to focus more on the heroine pulling herself together rather than on the romance. But the way the author had her do so wasn't really compelling reading. It felt like slice-of-life stuff rather than heightened drama like we hope for in novels. Honestly, it didn't feel like there was much of a point to the whole thing. I thought the hero abandoned the relationship initially for poor reasons; who would want to get back with someone who just leaves when the going gets tough? The story does end up where a romance is supposed to, but I didn't quite buy the ride as I didn't get a sense of the couple taking proper advantage of their second chance to learn more about each other and come to a deeper appreciation of their relationship. The couple didn’t really have a lot of screen time. So this story just didn't work for me. There are lots of Christmas novels out there; if you love the genre as I do, I suggest that you find a better one.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I found this to be a very strange book that I couldn't quite wrap my head around. I usually enjoy second-chance romances and romances where the couple is middle aged, as I don't think that people north of thirty are given enough romance plot lines. I was at first intrigued by the heroine and the constrained life that she chose to lead. But it actually became a bit tiresome. I also liked the tease of the texts from years ago showing the budding relationship between the couple before that relationship fractured. The story seemed to focus more on the heroine pulling herself together rather than on the romance. But the way the author had her do so wasn't really compelling reading. It felt like slice-of-life stuff rather than heightened drama like we hope for in novels. Honestly, it didn't feel like there was much of a point to the whole thing. I thought the hero abandoned the relationship initially for poor reasons; who would want to get back with someone who just leaves when the going gets tough? The story does end up where a romance is supposed to, but I didn't quite buy the ride as I didn't get a sense of the couple taking proper advantage of their second chance to learn more about each other and come to a deeper appreciation of their relationship. The couple didn’t really have a lot of screen time. So this story just didn't work for me. There are lots of Christmas novels out there; if you love the genre as I do, I suggest that you find a better one.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
December 10, 2022
A book I picked up at goodwill and I see why it was there. Sappy. But I had to finish it. Good fluff reading I guess.
October 16, 2019
I was a little torn with this one. It had a good story line and was well written. However, as a person who suffers from Chronic depression I felt the husband in the story was a bit callous and uncaring. I understand being upset that an anniversary was forgotten, but so much so that you leave and don't even call and check in or anything for four years. That was a bit much for me to believe he actually loved her that much. Maybe because my own husband has stood beside me through 20 years of struggles and has never once even acted like he was going to walk out. Even so I would like to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It's not like any of the second chance romance books that I've read before primarily because the main character has very little interaction with anyone else. I liked the writing style and how it flowed nicely.
August 14, 2020
I felt the book started slow but I fell in love with the characters.
February 13, 2022
A very enjoyable clean romance. Very well written with a cast of characters that I really found to be believable. The story is a little on the unrealistic side in that after four years of separation neither Stedman nor Fern have chosen to move on with their lives. To me this just doesn't seem completely believable. It's a bit depressing but I can see where after suffering the losses that Fern experienced it took time for her to find herself and develop a dream and a plan to achieve that dream. Love is rarely easy and is almost always a work in progress. Curl up and enjoy!!
I love that each book in the series can be read as a standalone or in order of the series. Each book is not dependent upon the previous books in order to enjoy them.
Christmas comes but once a year. Unless you never take down the decorations...
When a pipe in her home freezes and bursts, antiques collector Fern Gale knows her holiday season is off to a bad start. Her house was already a mess and all she wants to do is drink hot chocolate and binge-watch Christmas movies.
The winter catastrophe pushes Fern to spruce things up at 313 Pine Tree Lane. And that's when she stumbles across something that belongs to her estranged husband.
Stedman Gale thought he moved on from Fern. After all, when her mother died, their marriage died, too. But then he gets a frantic phone call in the middle of the night that changes everything...
If the small-town magpie can reconnect with the love of her life then maybe she'll be more than the lonely woman who lives in The Christmas House.
Book Two in the Hickory Grove series is a stand-alone romance about a second chance that comes a little later in life.
I love that each book in the series can be read as a standalone or in order of the series. Each book is not dependent upon the previous books in order to enjoy them.
Christmas comes but once a year. Unless you never take down the decorations...
When a pipe in her home freezes and bursts, antiques collector Fern Gale knows her holiday season is off to a bad start. Her house was already a mess and all she wants to do is drink hot chocolate and binge-watch Christmas movies.
The winter catastrophe pushes Fern to spruce things up at 313 Pine Tree Lane. And that's when she stumbles across something that belongs to her estranged husband.
Stedman Gale thought he moved on from Fern. After all, when her mother died, their marriage died, too. But then he gets a frantic phone call in the middle of the night that changes everything...
If the small-town magpie can reconnect with the love of her life then maybe she'll be more than the lonely woman who lives in The Christmas House.
Book Two in the Hickory Grove series is a stand-alone romance about a second chance that comes a little later in life.
July 8, 2020
The Christmas House is the second book written by Elizabeth Bromke in her Hickory Grove series. This book centers around the quirky character Fern Gale who we were introduced to in the previous book. Fern is known as the lady who never takes down her Christmas decorations. Fern is also a collector of antiques.
When Fern is settling in for a quiet season of Christmas movies a devastating event changes everything. When a pipe freezes and burst Fern is forced into going through her belongings to save what she can. During this process Fern uncovers an item that belongs to her estranged husband which sets events into motion. How this discovery affects Fern's life is unbelievable. There just could be a second chance for Fern and her husband but things aren't always as they seem. The characters in this short story are perfect for this story. The storyline will definitely keep the reader turning pages for the outcome.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I am enjoying this series and I have rated this story with five stars.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke on writing this quirky addition to her series.
When Fern is settling in for a quiet season of Christmas movies a devastating event changes everything. When a pipe freezes and burst Fern is forced into going through her belongings to save what she can. During this process Fern uncovers an item that belongs to her estranged husband which sets events into motion. How this discovery affects Fern's life is unbelievable. There just could be a second chance for Fern and her husband but things aren't always as they seem. The characters in this short story are perfect for this story. The storyline will definitely keep the reader turning pages for the outcome.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I am enjoying this series and I have rated this story with five stars.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bromke on writing this quirky addition to her series.
August 26, 2020
The Christmas House
A Hickory Grove Novel
By: Elizabeth Bromke
Narrated by: Cecily White
I love holiday books, and this one has a very good message. Fern and Stedman are soulmates who found each other through the love of old movies in a chatroom online. Married and estranged, the lack of communication has done them in. Ironic, right? Well, as we know, life plays tricks on us and when Fern's mother dies, Fern goes into a depression and losing Stedman is a direct result. Now years later, the two cross paths again. As Fern begins to come alive again, will she breathe life back into her relationship with Stedman? This is a touching story of love and life. It deals with relevant issues and lets us live through Fern. We also get that sense of friendship and community with the addition of the women of Hickory Grove. The Christmas House is will light up your heart.
Cecily White continues her narration of this series and brings the town to life. I am enjoying her voices and how she interprets the stories. Each is unique, yet she holds consistency of character voices from book to book.
A Hickory Grove Novel
By: Elizabeth Bromke
Narrated by: Cecily White
I love holiday books, and this one has a very good message. Fern and Stedman are soulmates who found each other through the love of old movies in a chatroom online. Married and estranged, the lack of communication has done them in. Ironic, right? Well, as we know, life plays tricks on us and when Fern's mother dies, Fern goes into a depression and losing Stedman is a direct result. Now years later, the two cross paths again. As Fern begins to come alive again, will she breathe life back into her relationship with Stedman? This is a touching story of love and life. It deals with relevant issues and lets us live through Fern. We also get that sense of friendship and community with the addition of the women of Hickory Grove. The Christmas House is will light up your heart.
Cecily White continues her narration of this series and brings the town to life. I am enjoying her voices and how she interprets the stories. Each is unique, yet she holds consistency of character voices from book to book.
October 8, 2024
If you need a cute, quick Christmas romance, then you'll like this sweet novel about second-chance love with You've Got Mail vibes.
It's not often you read a holiday rom-com about an estranged wife and husband getting back together, but that's what happens here. Our protagonist, Fern Gale, is the town recluse. She lives in a gorgeous house in a small town, but ever since her mom died four years ago (and her husband abandoned her) she has been filling it with antiques with vague notions of selling them at some point. Maybe. She's aimless and alone.
When a pipe freezes and bursts in her historic house, she calls the only person who knows where the water shut-off is buried under the new-fallen snow—her ex. They haven't spoken in four years. Now what?
This is a simple, sweet book that will make you smile and get you into the holiday spirit. The only thing I wanted to know more about is why Fern's husband left and stayed MIA for so long. I understand generally why, but I wanted there to be a bigger "last straw" that sent him packing and justified the years-long estrangement.
It's not often you read a holiday rom-com about an estranged wife and husband getting back together, but that's what happens here. Our protagonist, Fern Gale, is the town recluse. She lives in a gorgeous house in a small town, but ever since her mom died four years ago (and her husband abandoned her) she has been filling it with antiques with vague notions of selling them at some point. Maybe. She's aimless and alone.
When a pipe freezes and bursts in her historic house, she calls the only person who knows where the water shut-off is buried under the new-fallen snow—her ex. They haven't spoken in four years. Now what?
This is a simple, sweet book that will make you smile and get you into the holiday spirit. The only thing I wanted to know more about is why Fern's husband left and stayed MIA for so long. I understand generally why, but I wanted there to be a bigger "last straw" that sent him packing and justified the years-long estrangement.
January 8, 2023
A Hallmark movie on paper, this easy novel follows reclusive and depressed heroine Fern who's been flattened by the death of her mom, an event that also prompted the abrupt demise of her 1-year-old marriage. It's been several years since, and defeated Fern calls her estranged husband late one night when a pipe bursts in her ancestral home. This household disaster is a catalyst for the couple coming together after several difficult and silent years apart -- and of course, it's Christmastime. The holidays were everything to Fern's mom, and in addition to her borderline hoarding of antiques in the massive house she's inherited, she's never taken down the exterior holiday decor her mother so loved, earning her home the quirky nickname "The Christmas House" among townfolk. Will Fern pull herself together, find a path forward, and fix things with Stedman?
July 13, 2020
I fell in love with Elizabeth's novels with the first book I read. I love the characters, her writing style and stories. Her story lines are clean but exciting, once I start one of her books I don't want to put it down.
Fern is an introvert, hard to bring her out of her shell that she hides in. Fern and her estranged husband, Stedman start communicating again after four years apart. The Christmas House: A Hickory Grove Novel is part of the Hickory Grove Series. Fern and her friend, Maggie redid the Christmas decorations and brought life back to the Christmas House.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fern is an introvert, hard to bring her out of her shell that she hides in. Fern and her estranged husband, Stedman start communicating again after four years apart. The Christmas House: A Hickory Grove Novel is part of the Hickory Grove Series. Fern and her friend, Maggie redid the Christmas decorations and brought life back to the Christmas House.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
Engaging Story
Loved this story! Made my heart happy, then sad, then wondering why things happened the way that they did? Is there such a thing as finding true love? Can forgiveness find its way into a broken heart? The answer to both questions is yes, and this book was a great find.
Loved this story! Made my heart happy, then sad, then wondering why things happened the way that they did? Is there such a thing as finding true love? Can forgiveness find its way into a broken heart? The answer to both questions is yes, and this book was a great find.
May 4, 2020
The Christmas House A Hickory Grove bk 2 by Elizabeth Bromke.
I so am loving reading Elizabeth's books, all a very well written and have a true to life plot.strong characters appear from the previous books. Its clean romance and easy to follow and fall in love.i highly recommend this book. 5*
I so am loving reading Elizabeth's books, all a very well written and have a true to life plot.strong characters appear from the previous books. Its clean romance and easy to follow and fall in love.i highly recommend this book. 5*
June 25, 2020
When communication breaks down in a marriage the consequences can be massive. This book helps the reader/listener to get some prospective. It’s a sweet setting that I’m sure will have more tales from. Great narration.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
December 17, 2020
So very pleasant to read a story about love and friendship that is totally realistic
I'm way behind the week before Christmas because I couldn't put this story away! Thank you Elizabeth Bromke...I'll be reading more of your stories!
I'm way behind the week before Christmas because I couldn't put this story away! Thank you Elizabeth Bromke...I'll be reading more of your stories!
June 14, 2021
Loving this series! The characters are so likeable. I can't wait to be introduced to more town folk. This is a great, light hearted series to read in between crime dramas and psychological thrillers! <3
August 14, 2021
Who doesn't like Christmas?
I enjoyed this book, a light hearted read. Christmas House is beginning to show the strength of its characters in this series of books. I am looking forward to the next one!
I enjoyed this book, a light hearted read. Christmas House is beginning to show the strength of its characters in this series of books. I am looking forward to the next one!
September 24, 2023
I enjoy her stories once I get the confusion over with. Not really able to follow the first part of any of her books...I've had two now. Probably won't be getting any more since her style of writing isn't easy for me to follow.
August 29, 2024
This was a fantastic read! I loved the characters and felt like I was living in the town with them! Bromke is a great writer! This was a super quick read, only 164 pages! 5/5⭐️ will be reading more of her work!
May 10, 2020
Great read
September 20, 2020
Cute little Christmas read.
October 13, 2020
Great jump into holiday reading
Perfect story of love and friendship. I got the holiday feels. So impressed by the friendships this story. Can't wait to read more
Perfect story of love and friendship. I got the holiday feels. So impressed by the friendships this story. Can't wait to read more
October 19, 2020
I just could not get into this book.
December 27, 2020
Cute story! A little predictable, with a few surprises.
December 31, 2020
Cute Christmas story
Was a nice story about a regular person with issues finding love at Christmas. Was well done. I like this author,!
Was a nice story about a regular person with issues finding love at Christmas. Was well done. I like this author,!
December 31, 2020
I struggled with this book. I thought I’d enjoy it, but I couldn’t figure out why the characters even liked each other. The feelings just weren’t there for me.
January 2, 2021
Short, but good.
January 7, 2021
Christmas House
A delightful story of love and loss during a special time of year. And how letting go can bring people closer. Time heals a broken heart.
A delightful story of love and loss during a special time of year. And how letting go can bring people closer. Time heals a broken heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews