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His Hometown Yuletide Vow
All he wants for Christmas
Is a second chance…
Derrick Bright’s baseball career may be over, but his brother’s is just starting—until a scandal threatens to end things. PR specialist Anne McGrath hasn’t spoken to Derrick since he left her eleven years ago. But she agrees to help for his brother’s sake. Escaping the press in Pacific Cove allows them to reconnect. Will she accept Derrick’s vow and make his Christmas dreams finally come true?
Is a second chance…
Derrick Bright’s baseball career may be over, but his brother’s is just starting—until a scandal threatens to end things. PR specialist Anne McGrath hasn’t spoken to Derrick since he left her eleven years ago. But she agrees to help for his brother’s sake. Escaping the press in Pacific Cove allows them to reconnect. Will she accept Derrick’s vow and make his Christmas dreams finally come true?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 30, 2021
1 person is currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ross
50 books728 followersUSA Today and national bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
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Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
Or sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bB60jr
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 12, 2022
I enjoy the benefits of social media as much as the next person. Being able to connect with friends and family who are far away or to reconnect with friends or family you’d lost contact with. It got a lot of people through the pandemic lockdowns, and it provides an endless supply of entertainment at our fingertips. We can talk to our celebrities – and sometimes they talk back! We have access to all the news we could ever want at the touch of a button, and we can even diagnose ourselves with a myriad of illnesses – and get forty-eleven remedies for each.
But with access to all of that information comes a downside, doesn’t there? Because with social media, we see what someone wants us to see. What someone has crafted ‘just so’ to convey the message or the impression or the assumption that they want people to take away. Which many times leads to misinformation, a rush to judgment, assuming the worst of someone, and canceling them before they’ve even logged on to Twitter to find out. Such is the set-up for Derrick Bright to come barreling back into Anne McGrath’s life, an ironic twist of fate that casts back to the reason their lives went separate ways in the first place. (Fun note: Readers of this series first met Anne in Second Chance for the Single Dad – she is the hero’s sister. It’s not necessary to have read that one first though.)
Honestly, it took me a bit to warm up to both Derrick and Anne. This isn’t a criticism of the story or the writing, however. It’s actually a compliment to the author’s talent because by the middle of the book I was solidly cheering for them to salvage Derrick’s little brother’s reputation & to reignite their own romance. The rough edges that bugged me about these two characters initially were softened by the revealed layers and growth as their story progressed. And before I fell in love with Derrick and Anne, I was head over heels for Easton & Keira & Jack & Derrick/Easton’s grandmother. These are all such fun characters that add warmth and humor and heart to the pages.
Bottom Line: His Hometown Yuletide Vow is a sweet second chance romance, with a timely plot and great character growth. The romantic tension that hums between Derrick and Anne strikes against their harbored hurt and anger to set off more than one kind of spark, and readers will love how it all turns out. The subtle messages that form the framework of their story are ones that we would all do well to embrace. A delightful read for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any time of the year!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
But with access to all of that information comes a downside, doesn’t there? Because with social media, we see what someone wants us to see. What someone has crafted ‘just so’ to convey the message or the impression or the assumption that they want people to take away. Which many times leads to misinformation, a rush to judgment, assuming the worst of someone, and canceling them before they’ve even logged on to Twitter to find out. Such is the set-up for Derrick Bright to come barreling back into Anne McGrath’s life, an ironic twist of fate that casts back to the reason their lives went separate ways in the first place. (Fun note: Readers of this series first met Anne in Second Chance for the Single Dad – she is the hero’s sister. It’s not necessary to have read that one first though.)
Honestly, it took me a bit to warm up to both Derrick and Anne. This isn’t a criticism of the story or the writing, however. It’s actually a compliment to the author’s talent because by the middle of the book I was solidly cheering for them to salvage Derrick’s little brother’s reputation & to reignite their own romance. The rough edges that bugged me about these two characters initially were softened by the revealed layers and growth as their story progressed. And before I fell in love with Derrick and Anne, I was head over heels for Easton & Keira & Jack & Derrick/Easton’s grandmother. These are all such fun characters that add warmth and humor and heart to the pages.
Bottom Line: His Hometown Yuletide Vow is a sweet second chance romance, with a timely plot and great character growth. The romantic tension that hums between Derrick and Anne strikes against their harbored hurt and anger to set off more than one kind of spark, and readers will love how it all turns out. The subtle messages that form the framework of their story are ones that we would all do well to embrace. A delightful read for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any time of the year!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
November 22, 2021
Another in the Pacific Cove Romance series, in which former baseball pro, Derrick Bright, is still trying to decide what to do now that his pro career is over. While he's still thinking about how to fill his days, his kid brother is accused of using performance enhancing drugs. Derrick is certain that Easton is innocent. To make sure his reputation is protected, Derrick successfully bids on the PR services of Anne McGrath, well aware that they used to be a couple 11 years earlier.
Anne isn't happy about Derrick's bid, but she reluctantly agrees to move forward after getting reacquainted with Easton, only to find that what she thought had happened years earlier isn't true. Trouble is, can she trust that Derrick won't try to control her? She can't have that, even after what she uncovers protects Easton.
But just as she is certain that her job there can be finished up, Derrick's rep is threatened just as he as decided to taking on local coaching duties. Can Anne protect him, too? Will she when what she is told makes clear that he previously lied to her?
Anne isn't happy about Derrick's bid, but she reluctantly agrees to move forward after getting reacquainted with Easton, only to find that what she thought had happened years earlier isn't true. Trouble is, can she trust that Derrick won't try to control her? She can't have that, even after what she uncovers protects Easton.
But just as she is certain that her job there can be finished up, Derrick's rep is threatened just as he as decided to taking on local coaching duties. Can Anne protect him, too? Will she when what she is told makes clear that he previously lied to her?
December 12, 2021
anne owns a pr firm , derrick is a former baseball star that has had to retire because of an injury. his younger brother is being targetted with being accused of using proformce drugs. derrick asked anne to help but she turned him down does not work with sport stars. bur he does get her to listen to to his brother . but can she help and can they work out what happened to them years ago. i enjoyed reading the story very much could not put the book down i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
January 12, 2022
Thank you in advance to the author, Carol Ross, for providing a complimentary review copy through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
In March of 2020, I read my first book by Carol Ross – a standalone, Second Chance for the Single Dad. What is interesting, book is a standalone with a character who was introduced in the third book of the Pacific Cove Romance series, Keeping Her Close.
This book, His Hometown Yuletide Vow, is the fourth (4th) book in the Pacific Cove romance series. I actually thought it was the first book of a new series. As it turns out, it is book #4.
That said …
It appears NONE of the characters from the previous three books in the series appear in this one. This ties directly into Second Chance for the Single Dad rather than the other books. I didn’t realize that until I started my review and had to refer back to that book.
In Second Chance for the Single Dad, readers met Rhys McGrath’s sister Anne. So, nearly two years later, Anne gets her own story. Rhys, Camile, and Willow will play a prominent role in this book as they help Anne with Easton. As I haven’t read the previous one in close to two (2) years, I can’t really say whether or not there are any creative deviations from it with regard to the characters or their original storylines.
I can say that this, had I not read the other book, this would work quite well as a standalone read as well.
The beginning of this one starts off with a sweet social media reference and it is interesting to see how the writer weaves social media and cancel culture into a story. However, what starts off as a promising and perhaps secondary storyline is abandoned with no further mention. With a beginning that strong, how could there not have been more from it.
Anyway …
The main story centers around Easton Bright who is caught up in a a performance enhancing drug debacle.
Anne gets “wrangled” by former flame and Easton’s brother Derrick, into helping Easton after initially refusing a request from his coach. The problem? Because of her experience with Derrick, Anne doesn’t normally accept athletes as clients. Derrick takes advantage of her “consultation” that he wins during a charity auction.
Obviously there was some hurt and lingering emotions when Derrick Bright chose baseball over Anne McGrath. She hasn’t really forgiven him and Derrick hasn’t forgotten the email she sent to him in which she broke up with him.
Derrick is desperate, rightfully so given how his younger (and oh-so-sweet, really he is) brother is being treated. Anne doesn’t like what Derrick has done, but given her affection for Easton, she reluctantly agrees. Though she is mad at Derrick for manipulating her. I completely agree with why he did it.
There’s also the matter of her current boyfriend, Todd, though even she knows that is not really going anywhere. (As of note, I LOVED the delicious little angle that the author threw in there – keen eyed readers will see it from the beginning).
After meeting with Easton, even Anne’s friend Keira thinks they should represent the kid. Of course, Anne has to make good on the representation when an anonymous source contacts the media and spills the beans. I had a bad feeling about who the source was immediately.
Anne soon finds there is more to the story and wonders how deep Easton is involved. It is clear though that he doesn’t seem like the kind of kid though. He has several interests that are definitely not in line with the scandal he’s found himself in.
In addition to his brother’s issues, Derrick is still trying to find his way after a forced retirement due to an injury. He comes to believe something Anne said in an email. He’s trying to desperately move on from it, and it is heart-breaking to see how he was impacted by not just the injury, but the email.
As luck would have it, Anne and Derrick still care for each other. And, as she works towards proving Easton’s innocence in the matter, Anne and Derrick get closer together. Derrick is more determined to win Anne back once he realizes that she was mistaken about an incident. I like this guy’s tenacity!
But, as usual things don’t go so smoothly either in the “case” or in Anne and Derrick’s relationship until around nearly the end of the book.
The author throws in twists and turns in Easton’s “case” – I was surprised by the ending and “who” was behind the malicious posts that excoriated Easton and tried to “frame” him. Ross’ use of picture manipulation was wonderful and definitely show how certain images can be easily manipulated into getting the “viewer” to see something that isn’t there or not telling the entire story.
I can’t say HOW many photos and videos I see on social media on a daily basis where people comment and literally take it out of context because they don’t know what went on before or after. They only see just THAT moment on social media. I could give quite a few examples from the past 48 hours from Instagram. That’s a HUGE offender right there.
I really loved how the author touched on rushing to judgment and people assuming the worst. Again, refer to what I JUST said.
Anne was just as bad as those she was defending Easton from – rushing to judgment and her lack of forgiveness towards Derrick. For his part, he was definitely a saint.
I really didn’t like Anne at first, Derrick was a doll, and Easton? Such a sweet kid. Granny was interesting and Jack Derry of DerryPop (popcorn company) was a riot right off. I would’ve liked to have seen more of Jack’s story as there seemed to be something there. I would’ve liked more to the #ginnytheninny and her scamming story. Perhaps that would be something the author follows up on in a future book?
As a result, the plot was definitely relevant in today’s social media age and environment. The one picture and example the author used in the story was on point 100%.
The cover is interesting, and I really didn’t see the connection to it and the story, though that cover sure is cozy. The chapters are on the longer length which is average for the series. The author’s writing and fast (but no rapid) pace kept the story flowing and engaging. Had it not been for the holidays, I likely would’ve finished this book in about 2-3 days. It took me three times as long as normal, but that is in NO WAY a reflection on the author.
I loved the lesson about “unattended anger” – “unattended anger, no matter how small, will forever fester in your heart”. That is perhaps one of the best lessons I’ve ever read and learned.
This is definitely one of those reads that will likely force the reader to think twice about what they see from third parties on social media and realize there is always more to a story than what we’re seeing.
As usual, this follows the Harlequin Heartwarming line of being a clean read. There is only a kiss or two in it – no intimate scenes and no offensive language. There are no real Christian or faith themed messages in this.
I definitely look forward to reading the next book by the author. Fans of the line and the author are likely going to enjoy this read.
In March of 2020, I read my first book by Carol Ross – a standalone, Second Chance for the Single Dad. What is interesting, book is a standalone with a character who was introduced in the third book of the Pacific Cove Romance series, Keeping Her Close.
This book, His Hometown Yuletide Vow, is the fourth (4th) book in the Pacific Cove romance series. I actually thought it was the first book of a new series. As it turns out, it is book #4.
That said …
It appears NONE of the characters from the previous three books in the series appear in this one. This ties directly into Second Chance for the Single Dad rather than the other books. I didn’t realize that until I started my review and had to refer back to that book.
In Second Chance for the Single Dad, readers met Rhys McGrath’s sister Anne. So, nearly two years later, Anne gets her own story. Rhys, Camile, and Willow will play a prominent role in this book as they help Anne with Easton. As I haven’t read the previous one in close to two (2) years, I can’t really say whether or not there are any creative deviations from it with regard to the characters or their original storylines.
I can say that this, had I not read the other book, this would work quite well as a standalone read as well.
The beginning of this one starts off with a sweet social media reference and it is interesting to see how the writer weaves social media and cancel culture into a story. However, what starts off as a promising and perhaps secondary storyline is abandoned with no further mention. With a beginning that strong, how could there not have been more from it.
Anyway …
The main story centers around Easton Bright who is caught up in a a performance enhancing drug debacle.
Anne gets “wrangled” by former flame and Easton’s brother Derrick, into helping Easton after initially refusing a request from his coach. The problem? Because of her experience with Derrick, Anne doesn’t normally accept athletes as clients. Derrick takes advantage of her “consultation” that he wins during a charity auction.
Obviously there was some hurt and lingering emotions when Derrick Bright chose baseball over Anne McGrath. She hasn’t really forgiven him and Derrick hasn’t forgotten the email she sent to him in which she broke up with him.
Derrick is desperate, rightfully so given how his younger (and oh-so-sweet, really he is) brother is being treated. Anne doesn’t like what Derrick has done, but given her affection for Easton, she reluctantly agrees. Though she is mad at Derrick for manipulating her. I completely agree with why he did it.
There’s also the matter of her current boyfriend, Todd, though even she knows that is not really going anywhere. (As of note, I LOVED the delicious little angle that the author threw in there – keen eyed readers will see it from the beginning).
After meeting with Easton, even Anne’s friend Keira thinks they should represent the kid. Of course, Anne has to make good on the representation when an anonymous source contacts the media and spills the beans. I had a bad feeling about who the source was immediately.
Anne soon finds there is more to the story and wonders how deep Easton is involved. It is clear though that he doesn’t seem like the kind of kid though. He has several interests that are definitely not in line with the scandal he’s found himself in.
In addition to his brother’s issues, Derrick is still trying to find his way after a forced retirement due to an injury. He comes to believe something Anne said in an email. He’s trying to desperately move on from it, and it is heart-breaking to see how he was impacted by not just the injury, but the email.
As luck would have it, Anne and Derrick still care for each other. And, as she works towards proving Easton’s innocence in the matter, Anne and Derrick get closer together. Derrick is more determined to win Anne back once he realizes that she was mistaken about an incident. I like this guy’s tenacity!
But, as usual things don’t go so smoothly either in the “case” or in Anne and Derrick’s relationship until around nearly the end of the book.
The author throws in twists and turns in Easton’s “case” – I was surprised by the ending and “who” was behind the malicious posts that excoriated Easton and tried to “frame” him. Ross’ use of picture manipulation was wonderful and definitely show how certain images can be easily manipulated into getting the “viewer” to see something that isn’t there or not telling the entire story.
I can’t say HOW many photos and videos I see on social media on a daily basis where people comment and literally take it out of context because they don’t know what went on before or after. They only see just THAT moment on social media. I could give quite a few examples from the past 48 hours from Instagram. That’s a HUGE offender right there.
I really loved how the author touched on rushing to judgment and people assuming the worst. Again, refer to what I JUST said.
Anne was just as bad as those she was defending Easton from – rushing to judgment and her lack of forgiveness towards Derrick. For his part, he was definitely a saint.
I really didn’t like Anne at first, Derrick was a doll, and Easton? Such a sweet kid. Granny was interesting and Jack Derry of DerryPop (popcorn company) was a riot right off. I would’ve liked to have seen more of Jack’s story as there seemed to be something there. I would’ve liked more to the #ginnytheninny and her scamming story. Perhaps that would be something the author follows up on in a future book?
As a result, the plot was definitely relevant in today’s social media age and environment. The one picture and example the author used in the story was on point 100%.
The cover is interesting, and I really didn’t see the connection to it and the story, though that cover sure is cozy. The chapters are on the longer length which is average for the series. The author’s writing and fast (but no rapid) pace kept the story flowing and engaging. Had it not been for the holidays, I likely would’ve finished this book in about 2-3 days. It took me three times as long as normal, but that is in NO WAY a reflection on the author.
I loved the lesson about “unattended anger” – “unattended anger, no matter how small, will forever fester in your heart”. That is perhaps one of the best lessons I’ve ever read and learned.
This is definitely one of those reads that will likely force the reader to think twice about what they see from third parties on social media and realize there is always more to a story than what we’re seeing.
As usual, this follows the Harlequin Heartwarming line of being a clean read. There is only a kiss or two in it – no intimate scenes and no offensive language. There are no real Christian or faith themed messages in this.
I definitely look forward to reading the next book by the author. Fans of the line and the author are likely going to enjoy this read.
December 31, 2021
His Hometown Yuletide Vow by Carol Ross is a great Christmas novel. I loved how real the characters were. Their world was easy to connect with and the past relationship hanging between made this more interesting. There was more riding on their relationship than before. Hearts were broken and, on their way, to be mended. But whether or not they each found their true happiness was to be seen. Family, work, and dreams are combined in way that made this alluring. An older brother needing to protect his younger brother with the help of his past girlfriend was a fun ride. I thoroughly enjoyed the drama and intensity of the situations. Feelings are roused that never died. New complications aroused and everything...was hanging by a thread. Carol Ross creates a fictional world that drags her readers into the heart of her novels. This latest release is no different. It took me from my home and straight into the lives of Derrick and Anne. Cozy, entertaining, and delightful-I loved every page! I highly recommend adding this to your Christmas collection.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
December 22, 2021
A family scandal appears only because his brother was somehow tagged in a picture on social media. Derrick will do anything for his family even pull a underhanded stunt. The only person he needs help from is Anne McGrath his ex-girlfriend. It’s been 11 years. He hopes he can get her to put the past behind them, and help his brother. So when the opportunity presents itself he makes sure her firm wins. She refused his request at first. He knows she wants nothing to do with him, but he needs to show her his brother has changed.
Anne can’t believe the lengths Derrick went through. Who was she kidding of course she could.
She found out the truth after all these years, but still wasn’t sure what to do with the information. He was adamant about his vow to her.
See what happens. Lots more to come.
Anne can’t believe the lengths Derrick went through. Who was she kidding of course she could.
She found out the truth after all these years, but still wasn’t sure what to do with the information. He was adamant about his vow to her.
See what happens. Lots more to come.
December 18, 2021
If you have never read a book by Carol Ross then you are definitely missing out on some great books. This is another one of her awesome books. I just could not put it down.
Derrick Bright was a baseball player until he got hurt and could not play anymore. He also is stubborn and impulsive. Acts before he thinks. He does this alot to make sure that things have the outcome he wants them to have.
He has met his match when he meets up with Anne, the girl that he used to be in love with until he got the email.
Loved this book and I think you will too. Check it out.
Derrick Bright was a baseball player until he got hurt and could not play anymore. He also is stubborn and impulsive. Acts before he thinks. He does this alot to make sure that things have the outcome he wants them to have.
He has met his match when he meets up with Anne, the girl that he used to be in love with until he got the email.
Loved this book and I think you will too. Check it out.
January 17, 2022
Maybe this deserves a higher star ranking. For a light romance, it fits the bill: past heartache, currectly dating a jerk, big revelations, lie of omission, mistaken identity.
Except, I didn't like our heroine. Too full of herself.
Hero: nice, learns a lot about himself, grows as an individual, loves his family.
Fast conclusion and short epilogue.
Except, I didn't like our heroine. Too full of herself.
Hero: nice, learns a lot about himself, grows as an individual, loves his family.
Fast conclusion and short epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 2, 2021Categories
Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
A Pacific Cove Romance (Book #4)
Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
A Pacific Cove Romance (Book #4)
September 18, 2024
I am a huge fan of Christmas romances, and this one did not disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews