The Christmas Promise

by Janice Carter

The Christmas season…

Is perfect for new beginnings

After a tragedy seventeen years ago, author Ella Jacobs never wanted to come back to Lighthouse Cove. Not to the whispered rumors, the judgment or even to Ben Winters, the boy she loved. Now she’s returned in time for Christmas—and some much-needed closure. But old flames burn bright. Can Ella find her way back to Ben…or will the secrets of their past extinguish their love for good?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published January 12, 2021

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being gone from the small town of Lighthouse Cove for almost two decades is really a long time to stay away.
A terrible tragedy has kept Ella away for all this time. She really would rather not think about it.
She now must return for a book tour she is doing .
It's a fact if you return to town after a long absence and you are trying to avoid someone, well of course you'll run into them and that's exactly what happens to Ella. Ben is still here and feelings from long ago flare up again.
Clean romance you can count on.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have those moments from our adolescence that we wish never happened, the kind of memories we try not to think about but they linger around the edges of our minds anyway. Maybe it was unkind words that we said to someone we cared about – or unkind words said to us from someone we considered a friend. Maybe it was being bullied – or being the bully. Maybe it was experimenting with activities that could bring harm to ourselves or someone else. Maybe, like in the case of Grace & Ella & Ben, it’s a long-ago prank that still haunts you. The Christmas Promise takes a look at how one night 17 years ago changed so many lives in one small town, upending friendships, trust, young love, and even causing the tragic loss of one young friend.

Fast forward to today and Grace & Ben Winters (siblings) and Ella Jacobs all find themselves back in Lighthouse Cove. I think the author also did a great job of portraying a small town that can hold grudges for many years. The peek inside a harbor town in winter, through Ben’s eyes (who grew up there full-time) and Ella’s eyes (who only stayed there in the summer) was intriguing to me as well.

Apparently the events in The Christmas Promise follow His Saving Grace which is Grace’s return (and Ben’s too, i think) but this can absolutely be read as a stand alone too. I didn’t feel lost – just aware that other things happened before I joined them. I liked all three of these main characters, and I was rooting for Ben & Ella to rekindle their romance – even if I did want to shake both of them at certain decisions they made throughout the story lol. Their great kisses made up for any times I was frustrated with them, though.

Bottom Line: The Christmas Promise by Janice Carter is well-written with a writing style that pulls you immediately into the story & the characters. Ella and Ben are layered and relatable & their shared past makes certain of a bumpy ride to the happily ever after they were cheated out of in the past seventeen years. I enjoyed getting to know the town & these characters, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Abigail Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 round to 3 as it is more personal preference and dislike of this book.

I personally did not find this to be a romance for me, however, if you enjoy clean fiction that leans toward being somewhat edgy with many mentions of drinking and getting a drink you may enjoy it. I do not recommend it to Christian readers (it isn't Christian fiction so this isn't a biggy AND I knew this going into reading the book.) and clean fiction readers will likely enjoy it so long as you know there are drinking mentions.

As this isn't a Christian book I'm not giving a full content review and suggest you read The Christmas Promise by Janice Carter at your own risk.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Prism for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Christmas Promise
By: Janice Carter

REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Christmas Promise is a redemptive type of story, but it's not all sunshine and unicorns. Ella is a sympathetic character. She has spent so many years carrying guilt and blame that didn't solely belong to her. Ben is an okay guy, but I felt angry about his implied naivete because, seriously? Second chances are great, but I just don't know what to say about this one. Forgiveness is a long process and only for the well deserving. The story is good and compelling with characters to care about and all. Despite my issues, I would recommend this book for romance readers.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A follow-up of an earlier tale in which Ella and her best friend were implicated in the drowning of a classmate. Now, 17 years later, she encounters Ben Winters again and wonders if he will ever understand--fully--how Ella was hurt by the accusations that she had something to do with Brandon's drowning.

It's one thing for others to admit their complicity, but why has Ben not done so? And, in spite of a blizzard that keeps Ella at the Cove, can these two star-crossed grown-ups now find both love and trust in each other in the face of so much angst?

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ella Jacobs returns to Lighthouse Cove after seventeen years after a tragedy ran her and her family away.

Janice Carter paints a well-rounded picture of this small coastal Maine town—the good, the charming, and the challenging. But Ella’s story has more than one side to it, including those belonging to her former best friend Gracie and the boy she pinned all her future hopes to when she was seventeen.

The Christmas Promise is a story of the weight of guilt and the healing of almost two decades of remorse and blame. And the setting of Lighthouse Cove at Christmas makes it all the warmer.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main character in this story, Ella, had a very difficult path to walk in returning to Lighthouse Cove. My heart hurt for her as she thought back to a night, seventeen years earlier, that ended in the death of one the community’s teenagers. Ella was blamed for the events leading up to his death, even though she was simply one more victim in this prank gone wrong.

I thought Ella handled everything very well. She carried a lot of anger over being falsely accused and felt as if everyone had deserted her. I liked seeing her heart open up and change as she received some apologies and also as she was finally able to share what had happened to her all of those years earlier.

I liked Ben and even though it seemed to take him awhile to realize how some of the townspeople were treating Ella as she visited there, his eyes were eventually opened to what she had been putting up with. I thought that Ben and Ella were a sweet couple and I really enjoyed reading their story.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a more lighthearted fun holiday story which is what I can typically expect from Harlequin Heartwarming stories. I read from beginning to end hoping the story line would get better. Overall it was OK but not something I would want to read again.

The entire book was spent rehashing an accident that happened almost 20 years ago and how Ella felt wronged by the town and that she expected apologies from her old friends Ben and Grace when she went eventually went back to visit. As we read further into the story we find out more of what happened during that tragic night many years ago. I just wish that the story and characters revolved around other things and not just about a tragedy that took place so long ago.

It’s unfortunate that although it was an awful thing that happened, it seemed that several people were not able to find closure, forgiveness, or peace to move on with their life. Which is not a very good way to live in my opinion.

The last couple chapters were better and more in the Christmas spirit. If you have read other books by this author, you may enjoy this story.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[EuroHackie]

This book promised me two of my favorite tropes: childhood friends-to-lovers, and second chance romance, with a Christmas setting to boot. Unfortunately, I made it 125 pages in and threw in the towel. The heroine, Ella, is so bitter and petty about an incident that occurred seventeen years ago - literally over half her lifetime - that I just can't with her. She's out for revenge on a summer boyfriend whom she believed did her wrong and sorry, but that's not my jam at all, especially during the holiday season.

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great second chance romance and a past prank that needed correcting. Janice did a excellent job writing this story and drawing a person into the story. I love Ella Jacobs for she was feisty and willing to try. Ben Winters is a quiet guy. This is a fascinating story to read. It gives you insight into a complex issue and two people falling for each other. Janice gives you Grace's view, Ben's and Ella's over a prank. We also get to see Ben and Ella have a second chance at love. It takes time but their relationship grows throughout the book. Its a fascinating book to read and it gives you food for thought. Janice does a excellent job with pulling this book together. Its a interesting book to read. I look forward to the next book in this series. J

[Darlene Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. An emotional second chance journey. I anxiously awaited a return to Lighthouse Cove, especially to read more about Ella and Ben. Ella took the brunt of the blame for the accident that happened seventeen years ago, which made for an emotional read. Ben is such a likable character and he deserves a happy-ever-after. A surprising bonus was the reveal of the person leaving flowers near the lighthouse. The writing is smooth and the plot is enjoyable. It was fun to revisit this quaint town and to see how the characters have grown as well as the town. Walking through Lighthouse Cove with the snow on the ground and the magical season of Christmas is a walk/read worth taking. Reviewed for Still Moments Magazine.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the author, Janice Carter, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested and all words are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by the author and it didn’t disappoint.

The sweet cover was a great draw for me – I love Christmas stories so I can’t really say no. They’re even better when they’re clean reads

But, this is a different type of romance. It is heartbreaking, complex, and interesting with themes of second chances and redemption. It has a slight darker tone. According to the author this is the second (2nd) book in the Lighthouse Cove series, and is Grace’s story.

There are also some trigger warnings that are at the heart and center of the story. Slight spoiler –> the events that involve Ben, Grace, and Ella are the result of a drowning/potential suicide some 17 years earlier. This gives it a bit edgier tone than others I’ve read.

Carter’s engaging and descriptive writing had my attention and this was definitely a page-turner though there are a few Canadian terms used (reno for renovation and “brekkie” for breakfast). Carter also crafts realistic characters – both the main and supportive ones.

I alternated between liking Ben and Grace and not liking them. I wasn’t too sure about Ella at times. Though it was quite understandable why she was the way she was. And, it could’ve easily been avoided by the three of them talking a bit more than they did.

As some books of the Heartwarming line, this can easily play out like a Hallmark movie.

I loved the idea of Grace owning a bookstore which is why she invites Ella back to the Cove – to have Ella participate in a talk as well as a book signing.

Ella goes back for an apology from both Grace and Ben regarding an accident 17 years earlier over the Labor Day weekend. The accident, which led to Ben’s cousin’s death, stemmed from a prank that Grace participated in.

Both Ella and Ben are divorced, and it is clear that despite the time lapse, Ben still cares for Ella. Though she is quite different than the Ella he remembers. It is clear he isn’t giving up on their relationship.

At this point, she is very off-putting, and I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like her.

Grace is the first to apologize – and it is revealed that the townspeople thought Ella was responsible.

Carter does a great job of showing the difference between the townspeople and those like Ella (and her family) – the vacationers. There is, despite friendship, a stigma of “outsider”. This is also affecting Ella’s relationship with the town.

Ella decides to stay in town for a bit longer. But, this leads to rekindling the old feelings with Ben – ice skating, hot chocolate, revisiting past perspectives, and a kiss.

But, a question during the book signing comes back in the form of an op-ed article regarding the connection of Ella’s book and the accident.

The reporter isn’t the only one with some ill feelings – even Ben and Grace’s parents still see Ella as culpable despite Grace’s own confessions to them.

By the halfway point, Ella confronts Ben and gets what she wants – no surprise that the apology didn’t bring any relief or at best vindication.

It was at this point, I totally disliked Ella as Ben had feelings for her, was sorry and she just blew him off. She was mad at both Ben and Grace for not making it right with the townspeople.

But, Ella soon has regrets and is looking at a lonely Christmas due to her own family dynamics.

Grace invites Ella back to the Cove, and despite her misgivings, Ella comes back.

At a council meeting, she is snubbed, and still sees those “attitudes” continuing from that summer. Yet, she still writes a favorable article for growth in the town.

There is also a good mystery in the side-story with Ben’s company. I had suspected one co-worker, and it turns out it was an off page character. Still, Ben sees the effects of being falsely accused, and somewhat understands the burden Ella has carried.

This is apparent when Ella has a run in with Brandon’s sister and another woman.

It is at Grace’s engagement dinner, that Suzanna apologies to Ella. But, Ella also confronts everyone. It is needed. Yet, there is another confession that is about to come forward. That confession almost destroys what Ella wants.

But, broken doesn’t equal unable to mend.

One of the messages that Ella learns, and stems from the book – apologies are not enough and distrust is very contagious. She also states how the false accusations can destroy not just the person – but their family. She also learns that holding grudges can affect your entire life, and the events may never have influenced the present. And, it leads to loneliness.

Carter did a wonderful and realistic presentation of a tragedy and its fallout for everyone involved. Each person had their own share of guilt for it.

The author also had another side mystery – a woman leaving “tributes” for Brandon at the site of his death. I had suspected one person, but who it ended up being was different, though not shocking. And, it really was an interesting surprise. It did make sense in a way.

Fans of the author, genre, and those who’ve read the previous book will enjoy this story. I definitely want the first book to see how this all began, and would love to see where Carter is going next with this series.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Prism Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Christmas Promise by Janice Carter is a book about finding trust in a place where one never truly had it.
Can Ella, Ben, and Grace trust each other after the incident seventeen years ago?
Ella Jacobs
Ella Jacobs is an author and a journalist who comes back to Lighthouse Cove to get some apologies from two people that have wronged her. There is a lot to think about when they talk about what happened seventeen years ago. For Ella, the time has only kept the townspeople who once welcomed her with open arms to shun her when they see her. It takes a lot out of someone to keep from lashing out, and she did it quite well. I like Ella, but she still lets what happened to dictate her life that I don't like very much. Sure, everyone has something that they can't let go of in their past, but eventually, you need to.
Ben Winters
Ben Winters is working underneath his father back in Lighthouse Cove. He has put the past behind him and is trying to move forward despite what he knows of his own involvement in his little cousin's suicide. Ben has been working on the way to redeem himself in not only his family's eye but in the town's eye as well. He keeps his involvement buried so that he doesn't have to talk about it. I like Ben and how he wants to be with Ella. He also realizes that he needs to have closure by telling someone what he did that frightful night.
Grace Winters
Grace Winters is ultimately the cause of what happened that horrible night. Granted, she wasn't solely the only one, but she had a hand in it. Grace, for the rest of her life, has to deal with that guilt. I like that Grace is trying to make amends with what happened back then by asking Ella to Lighthouse Cove again so that she could apologize and promote Ella's book. Grace is a great character, and I like how she basically set forth trying to get her brother and best friend back together again.
Four Stars
The Christmas Promise by Janice Carter is a book about learning what truly happened that night, trusting each other, and maybe finding something more? Ms. Carter does an excellent job of writing this novel, and I loved reading it. I am giving this book four stars and recommending it to anyone that loves a good sweet holiday romance. I'm giving it four stars because I get what happened years ago can be harmful to some relationships, but I guess I would have had to think more about accepting both Grace and Ben's apologies, especially when they came so late. However, I also see the positive of letting go, forgiving, and moving on.



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Christmas Promise by Janice Carter.

Until the next time,



Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 1/21/2020.

The Christmas Promise is a slow burn, second chance romance. Ella and Ben shared a magical summer romance seventeen years ago, when both were teens--she was part of the seaside town's "summer people" and he was a golden-boy townie--until a tragedy cut their summer short and ripped them apart. Secrets--Ella's, Ben's, and others'--ensured they were kept apart for almost two decades. Though Ella's family had been spending their summers at Lighthouse Cove for years, at the start of this book, she's returning to the town for the first time since that disastrous Labor Day weekend so many years ago. And at first, her welcome back goes just as badly as she'd feared...or does it?

Lighthouse Cove is going through its own struggles when Ella arrives in town, and Ben and his family are right in the middle of it all. His family's construction company is attempting to complete a new housing project, and the town's old-timers aren't sure they want or need so many newcomers in their sometimes-sleepy small town. That conflict, along with trouble with the family business and with his father's reluctance to loosen his reins on the company keep Ben distracted for much of the book, not really allowing him the time and space to fix things with Ella. Ella's long-held hurt over the years-ago incident, the whispers she endures in town, and her own secret (which she holds on to even longer than Ben does his--goodness!) keep her from moving forward for much of the book as well. At times their story felt like it took two steps backward for every half step forward, which was frustrating at times.

Once things come together for Ella and Ben, though--their secrets finally are revealed and true healing and conversations take place--the ending of this novel is sweet and full of hope. Add in the fact that it all takes place during a small town Christmas with a town tree lighting, skating at an outdoor rink, a family engagement party, and a major snowstorm all acting as backdrop, and The Christmas Promise leaves the reader with all the warm fuzzy feelings you could want from a holiday romance.

Rating: 4 stars / B-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

An emotional, affecting and poignant tale of second chances, forgiveness and new beginnings, Janice Carter’s The Christmas Promise is a beautifully written tale guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings.

After a horrible tragedy seventeen years ago that had changed Ella Jacobs’ life forever, she had vowed never to set foot back in Lighthouse Cove ever again. Ella has spent nearly two decades trying her hardest to put the tragic events of the past behind her, but she has always felt haunted by old ghosts and persistent demons that have persecuted her wherever she went. Regardless of how far she tried to run, Ella has never quite managed to shake off the memories of the past and now it seems she is going to have no other choice but to face the music head on when she returns to Lighthouse Cove just in time for Christmas and comes face to face with the boy she once loved: Ben Winters.

Ella and Ben had been tragically torn apart by that horrific night seventeen years ago. Accusations and judgment had destroyed any hope the two of them might have had of a future together, but now that Ella has come back to town, will they manage to find a way to draw a line under the past and forge forward into the future? Or has too much water flown under the bridge for the two of them to even contemplate the thought of spending the rest of their lives together? Although Ella and Ben have tried to move on with their lives, their love for one another has never wavered even after seventeen years. Are they willing to give this unexpected chance at happiness a second try? Or will their past continue to hold them hostage and cost them the love of a lifetime?

Janice Carter writes with great pathos and sensitivity and in The Christmas Promise has written a contemporary romance that sparkles with warmth, heartfelt drama and intensity. Ella and Ben are beautifully drawn and readers will find their love story compelling, uplifting and so moving and powerful they will find themselves reaching for their tissues on many an occasion.

A wonderful contemporary romance that drew me in from the very first page, Janice Carter knocks it out of the park with her latest novel, The Christmas Promise.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Promise deals with a heavier theme than some other Heartwarming stories, and shows how mistakes, assumptions, and lack of forgiveness can change people's lives.

Ella Jacobs is coming back to Lighthouse Cove to promote her book. The Cove was a place where she and her family went for summers and it used to be her favorite place in the whole world. Her best friend Grace lived there along with Ben, Grace's brother and Ella's boyfriend. Ella and Ben were making plans for the future when the summer of tragedy turned their lives upside down, including a lot of other people's as well. Ella was blamed and she and her family never returned. Seventeen years later, all involved have learned that you can't outrun the past, you just keep carrying the baggage throughout your life.

I really felt for Ella as she is the one that lost the most, through no fault of her own. The rejection she experienced and the blame that was laid on her young shoulders did her some damage that she never could shake. I also wonder if it affected her family life as well. Misplaced blame can be very damaging to a person's soul.

There is a lot that needs to be worked through, and "I am sorry and please forgive me" may not be enough. This was a story of forgiveness, letting go, and starting over. It is also a story of reconciliation and a chance to dream again.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[TLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming second chance Christmas romance that was beautifully written. It follows His Saving Grace and although I read it as a standalone, I feel like it would have been better if I would have read the previous book. The characters were genuine, and their emotions touched my heart.
Ella Jacobs returns to the small coastal town of Lighthouse Cove seventeen years after one youthful prank led to the loss of a teenager’s life, years of guilt, and lost friendships. She never wanted to return but when Grace Winters, her childhood friend, asked her to come Ella thought she could get her some closure by returning. Ben Winters had loved Ella and would always wonder what their life could have been if the truth had come out at the time of the tragedy. Instead, all the secrets led to Ella being blamed by the town residents.
This was a very emotional book and my heart hurt for Ella. It took a lot of courage for her to return and face the people who blamed her. She finally had the chance to tell her side of the story and receive some closure.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book by Janice Carter and boy will I be reading more!

From the first page Janice Carter created a connection with her characters (and me) that I really enjoyed. It had a hint of mystery at the beginning, probably partially because I have not read the previous books in the series, but it intrigued me just the same. I liked the chemistry between Ben and Ella, the little flashbacks to days gone by was a special touch that let me feel like I had known the characters personal, and they had such good interactions with each other. Add in the good storyline and you have a recipe for a good relaxing evening (and if you are like me, wanting some hot chocolate to go with the book! 😉). Overall, I really enjoyed the story, the plot was interesting, the characters fun to get to know, and the hints of mystery in the past made me read it all in one sitting 😊. A definite 4 out of 5 stars for me!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Promise by Janice Carter is part of the Heartwarming Harlequin line. This means that while it has romance, it is not overly implicated. It is a sweet romance. This book is the second in the series - however I was not lost at all. I was able to follow along. The author did a good job of making sure that all the history was recapped. In this book - we see main character Ella Jacobs return to the coastal town of Lighthouse Cove. She returns after 17 years after a tragedy chased her and her family out of town. Ella and her best friend were accused of having something to with a classmates drowning. Now she has returned and runs into Ben. He still harbors hurt and anger.

This book is a second chance. It's a book of redeeming friendships. The author has written some realistic characters. The description of the town is so real that you want to go visit it. I enjoyed this book.

I received a copy of this book through Prism Book Tours -- all thoughts are my own.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas promise

Ben and Ella definitely had a lot to work out in the Christmas promise. A tragedy happened seventeen years ago. So many involved in the tragedy that happened. So many secrets. The Christmas promise has a mystery/suspense in it. Will Ben and Ella be able to get past all the secrets?

This book was the 2nd in the series. I didn’t read the first book but I would recommend reading it first if possible. The Christmas promise can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Prism book tours. This book review is my own opinion.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Promise by Janice Carter is a sweet heartwarming tale. It definitely gets one in the spirit of Christmas. I liked that it was a clean romance. The characterization is good. The characters felt real. The female character gives readers, like me, an insider's scoop to an author's life. Being a writer, is not easy. The feat of creating another world that I can get lost within-is a huge accomplishment. Janice Carter does that with this book. The pacing was slower than I love but it is worth reading. It was a slow but fun story to follow. I enjoy reading it.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Heather]

http://fireandicereads.com/2021/01/th...

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of The Christmas Promise is on my blog.

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[The Swoony Awards]

Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Lynsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Some predictable parts and a few surprises.