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Saving Christmas
"You'll fall in love with this perfect Christmas treat. It's like a warm hug on a cold winter day."
It’s not only Christmas that needs saving.
Katie's life is turned upside down less than four weeks before Christmas leaving her unemployed, heartbroken and homeless. Luckily, her younger sister, Emma makes her an offer she can’t refuse. But spending the festive season in the quaint seaside town Katie left behind five years ago, is not at the top of her Christmas Wish List. Although it will give her time to heal and plan her future.
Firefighter, Aaron’s not a fan of Christmas which his new neighbour, Katie clearly is, judging by the blaring Christmas music. Sparks fly the moment they meet, and it seems they can’t agree on anything. But Aaron can’t concern himself with Katie. He’s got his own demons to fight and a ghost from a Christmas past he’s unable to lay to rest.
When a fire at Conqueror’s Court Care Home threatens to ruin the festive season for the elderly residents – one of whom is Katie’s meddlesome nan – Katie’s determined she’ll save their Christmas. Even if she must accept help from her grumpy but annoyingly attractive neighbour, Aaron … along with Ember, his rambunctious dog.
Setting aside their differences, Katie and Aaron pull together and things soon look promising. In more ways than one. But will painful memories from Aaron’s past and Katie’s recent heartbreak keep them apart? Or will Katie’s ex do that by arriving with the perfect present to make Katie’s dreams come true?
Katie and Aaron want to save Christmas. Will they save one another along the way?
And will the magic of the season add a touch of sparkle to everyone’s lives?
This is book 1 in a new series set in the quaint seaside town of Norman Landing. Each book can be read as a standalone.
It’s not only Christmas that needs saving.
Katie's life is turned upside down less than four weeks before Christmas leaving her unemployed, heartbroken and homeless. Luckily, her younger sister, Emma makes her an offer she can’t refuse. But spending the festive season in the quaint seaside town Katie left behind five years ago, is not at the top of her Christmas Wish List. Although it will give her time to heal and plan her future.
Firefighter, Aaron’s not a fan of Christmas which his new neighbour, Katie clearly is, judging by the blaring Christmas music. Sparks fly the moment they meet, and it seems they can’t agree on anything. But Aaron can’t concern himself with Katie. He’s got his own demons to fight and a ghost from a Christmas past he’s unable to lay to rest.
When a fire at Conqueror’s Court Care Home threatens to ruin the festive season for the elderly residents – one of whom is Katie’s meddlesome nan – Katie’s determined she’ll save their Christmas. Even if she must accept help from her grumpy but annoyingly attractive neighbour, Aaron … along with Ember, his rambunctious dog.
Setting aside their differences, Katie and Aaron pull together and things soon look promising. In more ways than one. But will painful memories from Aaron’s past and Katie’s recent heartbreak keep them apart? Or will Katie’s ex do that by arriving with the perfect present to make Katie’s dreams come true?
Katie and Aaron want to save Christmas. Will they save one another along the way?
And will the magic of the season add a touch of sparkle to everyone’s lives?
This is book 1 in a new series set in the quaint seaside town of Norman Landing. Each book can be read as a standalone.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
156 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Emily Harvale
77 books221 followersEmily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 26, 2022
3 stars. This is an enjoyable Christmas story, but not the best I’ve read or (for me) very believable. That girl is floopy! (Sorry, floopy is the best word I can find for it.) I’ve never met a girl that communicates or acts that weird and I’m a bit disappointed that woman are sometimes like this in stories. We are better than that, girls!
But if you consider yourself a floopy person or are in a situation that makes your floopy-ness float up or if you like stories whit floopy girls in it, than this is an enjoyable Christmas story. It makes yourself feel better in comparison. And I did like that the story included older people in a good way (not floopy, just common sense and contributing to society).
Oh, almost forgot to add: a little more editing would have been good. There were a lot of sentences where the comma placement was all wrong.
But if you consider yourself a floopy person or are in a situation that makes your floopy-ness float up or if you like stories whit floopy girls in it, than this is an enjoyable Christmas story. It makes yourself feel better in comparison. And I did like that the story included older people in a good way (not floopy, just common sense and contributing to society).
Oh, almost forgot to add: a little more editing would have been good. There were a lot of sentences where the comma placement was all wrong.
November 9, 2022
Truly amazing story
I really loved reading this story about Firefighter Aaron and recently dumped Katie. They started off with an unpleasant first meeting, and things didn't seem to get better as time went on. Fortunately they couldn't hide their feelings for each other.
I really loved reading this story about Firefighter Aaron and recently dumped Katie. They started off with an unpleasant first meeting, and things didn't seem to get better as time went on. Fortunately they couldn't hide their feelings for each other.
October 9, 2022
What a brilliant book, Christmas snow a sexy fireman, a jilted woman mixed together to make a great story.
September 29, 2022
Wonderful
I loved this new book by Emily,as much as iv loved her others . Its warm and cosy with tales of snow and lots of baking too. It has a sweet,if a little naughty,dog in it too. I adored the end well done again Emily x
I loved this new book by Emily,as much as iv loved her others . Its warm and cosy with tales of snow and lots of baking too. It has a sweet,if a little naughty,dog in it too. I adored the end well done again Emily x
November 26, 2022
I thought it was good, christmasy which is what I was looking for. But I finished and felt a little Unfulfilled. I was expecting Fire Fighter hot level spice and I got, like Taco Bell mild with some sugar added to it.
There would be chapters with lapses in time and it would go to a certain day a few days ahead of time, and then the next chapter would go back and go through what happened. I don’t feel like the story needed that, they could’ve gone in order and I don’t think it would’ve changed how the story read. I also don’t love those kinds of stories, I usually just end up confused and so I have to go back to make sure I read things right. So for me I personally don’t like those kinds of stories. Similar books that come to mind would be People You Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry.
I felt that the story lacked some romance between the two MCs for the story to end how it did. There just wasn’t a whole lot of quality time between the two of them for me to think that the ending could finish how it did. When I looked to see how many pages I had left, I felt surprised because there was only about 100 pages and I felt like their connection was just starting.
The story of it is sweet, and that people in her home town are all super kind and giving and wanting to help out everyone. But bringing Cal back and then having her go on a bender and miss half of the events that she planned and prepared for, left me bothered. I mean more than half the book is her planning this event, and then she gets wasted and sleeps through it all up until the Date Auction. That was annoying as well.
But it was a fine story otherwise despite all those things.
So I guess, if you like stories that have out of order time lines
Very mild Romance. like one kiss at the end kind of romance.
It’s a great book to read if you don’t care about what happens.
After re-reading all of my review, I really sound like I don’t like it, lol.
It wasn’t a bad story, I just wanted more from it.
There would be chapters with lapses in time and it would go to a certain day a few days ahead of time, and then the next chapter would go back and go through what happened. I don’t feel like the story needed that, they could’ve gone in order and I don’t think it would’ve changed how the story read. I also don’t love those kinds of stories, I usually just end up confused and so I have to go back to make sure I read things right. So for me I personally don’t like those kinds of stories. Similar books that come to mind would be People You Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry.
I felt that the story lacked some romance between the two MCs for the story to end how it did. There just wasn’t a whole lot of quality time between the two of them for me to think that the ending could finish how it did. When I looked to see how many pages I had left, I felt surprised because there was only about 100 pages and I felt like their connection was just starting.
The story of it is sweet, and that people in her home town are all super kind and giving and wanting to help out everyone. But bringing Cal back and then having her go on a bender and miss half of the events that she planned and prepared for, left me bothered. I mean more than half the book is her planning this event, and then she gets wasted and sleeps through it all up until the Date Auction. That was annoying as well.
But it was a fine story otherwise despite all those things.
So I guess, if you like stories that have out of order time lines
Very mild Romance. like one kiss at the end kind of romance.
It’s a great book to read if you don’t care about what happens.
After re-reading all of my review, I really sound like I don’t like it, lol.
It wasn’t a bad story, I just wanted more from it.
November 26, 2022
I’m a big fan of Emily Harvale’s books and look forward to each one. This one wasn’t a favorite, but I still liked it. When Katie gets up on a perfectly average morning she doesn’t expect to lose her job, her home, and her boyfriend all at the same time. But when Callum, her boyfriend, tells her the restaurant they’ve put all their hopes, dreams and money into is closing, that’s what happens. He also tells her that since they can’t renew the restaurant lease because there’s no money and their apartment is above it, they’re losing their home. And, by the way, he doesn’t love her anymore so she needs to find somewhere to live without him.
Katie moves to her sister’s house in her hometown till she can figure out what to do. Her sister is working in NYC so Katie has the house to herself. She quickly meets Aaron, her handsome firefighter next-door neighbor, and his little dog, Ember. Unfortunately, Aaron thinks she’s dognapping Ember so their first meeting is not a success. Neither are their next several meetings, especially one when Katie gets blackout drunk and Aaron sees her outside and has to rescue her.
Katie’s grannie, Nan, also lives in her hometown in an assisted living community. Even though Katie is not at all happy with her current circumstances, she’s very happy to get to spend more time with Nan. When a fire breaks out in the assisted living home, Katie helps to warn the residents but is nearly trapped inside the burning building. Aaron rescues her, of course.
As Katie tries to save Christmas for the residents of her Nan’s assisted living community by planning a huge Christmas Eve party for them, her relationship with Aaron continues to be strained. Add to that she’s still in love with her terrible ex-boyfriend, and it seems there’s no chance she’ll ever date handsome Aaron.
I didn’t like that twice in the book Katie gets blackout drunk and needs to be rescued. A different trope would have been better. It was a good thing Aaron could look past that and see how kind and caring Katie was. I also didn’t like that she insisted she was still in love with her awful ex-boyfriend and wanted him back. I kept saying, “Girl, recognize him for what he is and move on.” And, I think the slow burn (pun intended) between her and Aaron could have been much hotter. They just fought a lot and stormed off without moving the romance forward. Then, suddenly Katie was all out in love with him and declaring it in public.
I didn’t love Katie, even though she was good-hearted and kind. She seemed too needy. Aaron was a pretty sexy love interest, but he got angry too quickly, which made me like him a little less. My favorite characters were Nan and her boyfriend. Who doesn’t like 80 year old lovers? I also liked Aaron’s sister, Meg.
Overall it was a fun little story, but there could have been a better buildup of the romance between Katie and Aaron, and a little less blackout drinking and needing to be rescued from that.
Katie moves to her sister’s house in her hometown till she can figure out what to do. Her sister is working in NYC so Katie has the house to herself. She quickly meets Aaron, her handsome firefighter next-door neighbor, and his little dog, Ember. Unfortunately, Aaron thinks she’s dognapping Ember so their first meeting is not a success. Neither are their next several meetings, especially one when Katie gets blackout drunk and Aaron sees her outside and has to rescue her.
Katie’s grannie, Nan, also lives in her hometown in an assisted living community. Even though Katie is not at all happy with her current circumstances, she’s very happy to get to spend more time with Nan. When a fire breaks out in the assisted living home, Katie helps to warn the residents but is nearly trapped inside the burning building. Aaron rescues her, of course.
As Katie tries to save Christmas for the residents of her Nan’s assisted living community by planning a huge Christmas Eve party for them, her relationship with Aaron continues to be strained. Add to that she’s still in love with her terrible ex-boyfriend, and it seems there’s no chance she’ll ever date handsome Aaron.
I didn’t like that twice in the book Katie gets blackout drunk and needs to be rescued. A different trope would have been better. It was a good thing Aaron could look past that and see how kind and caring Katie was. I also didn’t like that she insisted she was still in love with her awful ex-boyfriend and wanted him back. I kept saying, “Girl, recognize him for what he is and move on.” And, I think the slow burn (pun intended) between her and Aaron could have been much hotter. They just fought a lot and stormed off without moving the romance forward. Then, suddenly Katie was all out in love with him and declaring it in public.
I didn’t love Katie, even though she was good-hearted and kind. She seemed too needy. Aaron was a pretty sexy love interest, but he got angry too quickly, which made me like him a little less. My favorite characters were Nan and her boyfriend. Who doesn’t like 80 year old lovers? I also liked Aaron’s sister, Meg.
Overall it was a fun little story, but there could have been a better buildup of the romance between Katie and Aaron, and a little less blackout drinking and needing to be rescued from that.
November 6, 2022
Disappointed
For some reason the dialogue between supposed adults was ridiculous and immature. I found myself skipping past the childish and long-winded reflections and silliness, hoping for redemption in this potentially good story...no such luck.
For some reason the dialogue between supposed adults was ridiculous and immature. I found myself skipping past the childish and long-winded reflections and silliness, hoping for redemption in this potentially good story...no such luck.
November 26, 2022
DNF 19 pages
The narrator tangents off so many times in the initial character introduction that I lost all interest. An unnecessary info-dump on the past relationship that wasn’t setting up for a story I wanted to continue reading.
The narrator tangents off so many times in the initial character introduction that I lost all interest. An unnecessary info-dump on the past relationship that wasn’t setting up for a story I wanted to continue reading.
January 15, 2023
It’s a no for me on this book. The main character is too flighty and this book went on for too long. I should have stopped reading, but I haven’t been able to do that so I trudged through and finished it.
February 24, 2023
I think I liked it more than 3 but not enough for a 4, although I do like books by this author.
Katie started the story by losing her job, her boyfriend and her home all at the same time.
She has a great friend who offers to put her up and a sister who asks her to stay at hers. She goes with the sisters offer, as she will be there alone for 4 weeks ,whilst her sister works away. Top that off with a hot single fireman who lives next door.
Aaron is the fireman who she meets under strange circumstances, which means they don’t get off on the right foot.
Tbh, Katie got on my nerves moping around and telling everyone she still loved her cheating ex - really?
Aaron also was a bit of a me mowing hero, but I forgave him some of it, based on the fact of his job. But being with Katie, I could get his misery.
I loved Nan and Aaron’s sister and the story did move on and was a nice feel good read.
Aaron and Katie getting together and declaring love was a little odd, as there didn’t seem a build up to it and when her ex turned up Christmas Eve - oh Lord, I nearly just returned the book 😂
Katie started the story by losing her job, her boyfriend and her home all at the same time.
She has a great friend who offers to put her up and a sister who asks her to stay at hers. She goes with the sisters offer, as she will be there alone for 4 weeks ,whilst her sister works away. Top that off with a hot single fireman who lives next door.
Aaron is the fireman who she meets under strange circumstances, which means they don’t get off on the right foot.
Tbh, Katie got on my nerves moping around and telling everyone she still loved her cheating ex - really?
Aaron also was a bit of a me mowing hero, but I forgave him some of it, based on the fact of his job. But being with Katie, I could get his misery.
I loved Nan and Aaron’s sister and the story did move on and was a nice feel good read.
Aaron and Katie getting together and declaring love was a little odd, as there didn’t seem a build up to it and when her ex turned up Christmas Eve - oh Lord, I nearly just returned the book 😂
September 10, 2023
The story I found disappointing ,predictable ,the characters weak and on the silly side. Why would the main character go into business with her boyfriend but not know they were losing money? Then why would she keep calling him and telling everyone who would listen that he’s the love of her life? The first few chapters go on and on setting the stage for what is going to happen rather than just tell the story.For me it was just hard to get through the whole story.
January 4, 2023
Ufff worst heroine ever, I think the two main characters are in their teens rather than in their 30’s. They are so immature especially Katie, she needs the approval and advice of everyone before making a decision, ufff and Aaron is like he has anger management. I would like to see more interaction between them, rather than a description of every place, person or anything in the story.
November 24, 2022
Christmas Cheer
A whirlwind of a Christmas book, with action aplenty. The rather lovely Ember the dog and his owner who have quite an adventure, when their next door neighbours sister moves in temporarily.
A whirlwind of a Christmas book, with action aplenty. The rather lovely Ember the dog and his owner who have quite an adventure, when their next door neighbours sister moves in temporarily.
September 30, 2022
lovely heartwarming story
As usual Emily has written a magical Christmas story that makes you invested in all the characters and provides the warm and fuzzy feeling.
As usual Emily has written a magical Christmas story that makes you invested in all the characters and provides the warm and fuzzy feeling.
September 30, 2022
wow
Well that was a brilliant story, From cover to cover there was love,betrayal, fires, Christmas and of course very handsome firemen, well done Emily you excelled yourself.
Well that was a brilliant story, From cover to cover there was love,betrayal, fires, Christmas and of course very handsome firemen, well done Emily you excelled yourself.
October 27, 2022
Another brilliant book from Emily. Total change to the norm but thoroughly good read!
October 30, 2022
Wonderful
What a fabulous ending to another great story by Emily. She never fails to deliver and leaves you wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks again Emily
What a fabulous ending to another great story by Emily. She never fails to deliver and leaves you wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks again Emily
November 9, 2022
Grate story and characters
November 17, 2022
A Beautiful Christmas Story
I loved this story. There is always hope for our future. Never give up and you Faith,, Friends and Family are the most important things in this world.
I loved this story. There is always hope for our future. Never give up and you Faith,, Friends and Family are the most important things in this world.
November 27, 2022
Great fun
This has got the lot. Handsome firefighter, cute dog, daft heroine, elder romance. Add not chocolate and a quilt and it's the perfect Christmas treat
This has got the lot. Handsome firefighter, cute dog, daft heroine, elder romance. Add not chocolate and a quilt and it's the perfect Christmas treat
December 8, 2022
Katie and a chunky fireman!
Lovely story and romance, family and good friends. Emily always delivers warm cost romantic stories, didn't disappoint. Can't wait for the next.
Lovely story and romance, family and good friends. Emily always delivers warm cost romantic stories, didn't disappoint. Can't wait for the next.
December 18, 2023
I love this book! But I do love all of Emily Harvale's books! She is an absolutely wonderful writer! She has a very unique style and I am just obsessed. Every time she releases a new book I have to read it! I am a member of her fan club! And she is so funny in her writing too, I mean I literally laughed out loud many many times while reading this book! I love you Emily Harvale and thank you for being such a marvelous writer! I can't get enough of her books!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews