Home for the Holidays

by Sarah Mayberry

Joe Lawson has a thing for his new neighbor Hannah Napier. As a single dad, he shouldn't be thinking what he is about her. Still, that doesn't stop them from getting close. And the way she connects with his kids, it's as if they're a family.

Turns out it's too good to be true. Seems Hannah has plans that don't include staying in Melbourne. Joe won't stand between her and her dreams, even though letting her go is nearly impossible. The holidays are looking grim, with him and his kids missing Hannah like crazy. But it is the season of surprises, and Hannah may have one for them!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Harlequin, Christmas, Category Romance, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

About the author

Sarah Mayberry was born in Melbourne, Australia, and is the middle of three children. From the time that she first “stole” paper from kindergarten and stapled it together to make “books,” Sarah has always wanted to be a writer. In line with this ambition, on graduation from high school she completed a bachelor of arts degree majoring in professional writing, then sat down to write a book. When inspiration didn’t strike, she began to wonder if, perhaps, she needed to live some life first before writing about it.

This still left the burning question of how to pay the rent. She found her way into trade journalism, working off the principle that it was better to write anything for a living than nothing at all. Her time there lead to the opportunity to launch a new decorator magazine for one of Australia’s major retailers, an invaluable and grueling experience that she found very rewarding.

But the opportunity to write fiction for a living soon lured Sarah away. She took up a post as storyliner on Australia’s longest running soap, Neighbours. Over two years she helped plot more than 240 hours of television, as well as writing freelance scripts. She remembers her time with the show very fondly — especially the dirty jokes and laughter around the story table — and still writes scripts on a freelance basis.

In 2003 she relocated to New Zealand for her partner’s work. There Sarah served as storyliner and story editor on the country’s top-rating drama, Shortland Street, before quitting to pursue writing full time.

Sarah picked up a love of romance novels from both her grandmothers, and has submitted manuscripts to Harlequin many times over the years. She credits the invaluable story structuring experience she learned on Neighbours as the key to her eventual success — along with the patience of her fantastic editor, Wanda.

Sarah is revoltingly happy with her partner of twelve years, Chris, who is a talented scriptwriter. Not only does he offer fantastic advice and solutions to writing problems, but he’s also handsome, funny and sexy. When she’s not gushing over him, she loves to read romance and fantasy novels, go to the movies, sew and cook for her friends. She has also become a recent convert to Pilates, which she knows she should do more often.

Reviews

[KristenReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 to 41/2 stars

Home for the Holidays is one of those books that's easy to love. It's a well written and full-of-depth love story with believable and endearing characters. It was more angsty and bittersweet than I anticipated for a holiday read, but the ending was perfect and gave me that blissful feel I was looking for, making the angst and the touch of heartache more than worthwhile. If you're looking for a well written, angsty, moderately steamy, evenly paced enemy-to-lovers romance with depth and likable characters, then I highly recommend this book.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up loving this book. It was so well-written and the emotions and the characters were real life and genunine. I just adored Hannah. I loved how she was down-to-earth, a tomboy who was more into working on motorcycles than doing her nails, wearing dresses, and primping. She was tough and strong, but genuine. I could understand her pain of being betrayed by her sister and her ex-fiance', but it was also good that she was able to move on from it and live her life. I liked how she interacted with Joe's kids. She wasn't trying to insinuate into their life, or usurp their deceased mother's place.

Joe was great too. He loved Hannah for who she was, and he wasn't trying to change her. I loved how he wanted to do right by his kids and take care of them. He desired Hannah, but she was his friend too. He wanted her to be part of his life and his family. He didn't slight her for his kids, but he loved Hannah and showed that without it overriding his children's needs.

It was so heartbreaking when Hannah had her health scare, and how she tried to extricate herself from Joe's family so she wouldn't hurt them. How they came to her and made it very clear that she was part of their family and they loved her, and they would stick it out until the end brought tears to my eyes.

This is my second read by Sarah Mayberry. I liked the first book I read by her (She's Got it Bad), but I didn't like the subject matter, and it affected me in a negative way that affected my enjoyment. In contrast, this book was just what I needed to read. I love books about two souls who find each other, and fit into each other's life so well--their love makes their lives better, and they aren't trying to hurt each other, but manage to heal those wounds that they each have. Plus, I have a soft spot for heroes who are really good fathers. I definitely want to read more of Sarah Mayberry's books.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars – Contemporary Romance

This is the third Harlequin romance I’ve read by Sarah Mayberry, and I’m happy to say that so far her books are a strong 3 for 3 for me in terms of earning 5 stars. I’m continually impressed by the level of character development and realistic, honest drama that’s conveyed in her stories. And she wowed me once again with this sweet, emotive story of a hot, responsible widower with two kids trying to forge a tentative, yet hopeful friendship (and then inevitable relationship) with his sexy new neighbor.

After losing his wife 2 years ago, Joe Lawson never expected to find love and happiness again, especially with an independent younger woman who’s a bold spitfire like tomboy biker and mechanic Hannah Napier, but life is full of surprises and Hannah might be exactly what Joe and his family needs. I loved everything about this story. Joe makes such a swoon-worthy, wonderful hero, Hannah is a strong, yet vulnerable heroine, Joe’s troubled, grief-stricken 13-year-old son Ben and adorable, spirited 10-year-old daughter Ruby add depth to the story, the relationship progression between Joe and Hannah is realistically paced, and the romance is steamy, yet tender.

Home for the Holidays is a heartwarming contemporary romance that packs a real emotional wallop and had me shedding a few tears more than once. I highly recommend this engaging, touching Harlequin quick read romance that’s a perfect story for the holiday season! 5 stars!

[StMargarets · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a four star read until a twist at the end (20 pages left) where the author saddles the heroine with breast cancer. That came out of nowhere and wasn’t developed enough to merit its inclusion. I can’t imagine how someone who had gone through breast cancer - or any cancer for that matter - would want to read the laundry list of the heroine’s treatment (surgery, radiation, chemo) told in the most clinical terms. It didn’t fit with the rest of the story at all.

So forgetting that last 20 pages, this was a sweet read. Both H/h are wounded by life. Hero’s wife was killed in a car accident two years before. Tomboy heroine’s fiancé jilted her a few weeks before the wedding for her more feminine sister.

Both H/h have unusual jobs: he was an oil rig worker until this wife’s death. He’s now bought a neighborhood pub for a fresh start and so he can be around during the day for his two children. Heroine is a mechanic. They meet the first day hero moves into their new house and he is annoyed with her loud motorcycle.

Normally I weary of tomboy heroines since I don’t need to know how superior they are because they don’t like make up and frills. Okay – got it. Right now I’m not wearing make up or frills, but I don’t feel remotely superior nor do I have a chip on my shoulder about any one else wearing make up. There is a lot of this at the beginning of the story, but the heroine does lighten up somewhat when she participates in a mother-daughter fashion show with the hero’s daughter.

I thought the scenes with the children were well-handled. Hero was out of his depth in some ways, but was a good dad. Heroine didn’t have all the answers, but she had enough to make a difference.

When the H/h get together after blessings from the H’s children, I had tears in my eyes and was anticipating a wedding scene. Instead we got that mess of a spoiler. To add insult to injury, heroine’s sister was forgiven and had a baby while heroine was enduring breast cancer, painful radiation, hair loss, nausea and not knowing her prognosis until five years are up.

Let’s just forget that last 20 pages, shall we?

[Saly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home for the Holidays by Sarah Mayberry was such a wonderful book. I totally loved it and the little girl Ruby was amazing, Ben the boy wasn't that bad.

Joe Lawson has just uprooted both his kids to a new place and new life. Joe worked in oil rigs but since his wife died two years ago he took a desk job but now he has bought a pub to run, which was his wife's dream and has moved closer to his mother. He is still grieving and feeling his way through. His kids are also still recovering.

On his first day he goes to confront his new neighbor about the noise of the bike and instead finds a woman, Hannah, their first few meetings are not that cordial.
Hannah is a mechanic and is living with her mother for some time, ever since her fiancee betrayed her with her own sister. She is still getting back on her feet, and is also in debt. Hannah was never the girly sister and after her wedding fiasco, her confidence has taken more of a hit.

I loved the whole pacing of the book, how Ruby the little girl befriends Hannah, how she takes them to her school function. I loved seeing them heal, how Hannah finally decides to stop being pig-headed and accept the money from her ex. Hannah always dreamed of taking a road-trip and she tells Joe that their current situation is not conducive to start anything.

But once Hannah goes she realizes that her dreams have changed and she comes back, but they still have the children to deal with, how would they feel seeing Hannah as someone who is dating their father and not just as a friend? I liked how realistically things were portrayed. I loved how Joe put his kids first and Hannah as well. The twist in the end was not necessary but I guess it was to show how committed they were to each other.

Rating 4.5

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Lawson is a widower with two children and decides to move his family to Melbourne to be closer to his mother. He is barely moved in when he wonders if it is a mistake after meeting his neighbor. Hannah Napier is a grease monkey with a motorcycle that needs a new muffler. And she lives with her mother. But that is only temporary. She has plans to hit the road and explore Australia.

I've had this on my TBR shelf for a while. I loved the characters, especially the children, Ruby and Ben. The story was a bit heart wrenching at times. But the title is misleading in my opinion. The book is not just about the holidays. I think it is a book that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this had stopped before the surprise breast cancer reveal, I probably would have given it three stars, because I liked the story of opposites falling for each other and the building a new relationship surrounded by kids. Alas, it did not stop there and there the breaking up with the dude for his own good was and of course she forgives her sister in the epilogue. Because in magic writing land, nothing is unforgivable. This is not true. And it pisses me off.

[Ridley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Lawson has hit a rough patch. His wife was killed two years ago, leaving him with a 10 year old daughter and a 13 year old son. He’s just uprooted his family from Sydney to be closer to his mother in Melbourne. Now the jerk next door is revving his motorcycle, threatening to wake up his kids. When he marches next door to give the guy a piece of his mind, he’s in for a bit of a surprise.

Hannah Napier was working on her motorcycle in her mom’s garage, like she has on many occasions before, when some jerk comes in and scares the bejesus out of her, yelling at her to keep it down. That’s some way to meet your new neighbor!

Despite this inauspicious beginning, and a number of other early clashes, these two find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. Neither is in the market for romance. Joe’s still reeling from his wife’s death and is completely focused on his kids. Hannah’s recovering from her fiancé ditching her right before the wedding for her younger, prettier sister. Not only are they both walking wounded, but Hannah’s planning on fulfilling a lifelong dream to take off on a motorcycle tour of the country. They’re determined to keep it platonic, agreeing that the timing is all off for them.

Life, of course, has other plans for them. All sorts of delicious unresolved sexual tension ensues, with some amusing false starts, one of which involves a makeout session interrupted by a car horn. Watching these two circle each other, declaring their intent to keep their hands to themselves, and ultimately fail, is a real joy.

Mayberry did make some decisions I didn’t agree with. The meeting between Hannah and her fiancé was straight-up bizarre – why would he, and not her sister, be the one to tell her she was going to be an aunt? I didn’t see what that exchange added to the story. I also didn’t agree with how she handled the road trip, but I won’t spoil that.

I found the dialog hokey at times, especially with the children. Ruby, the 10 year old, refers to Joe as Daddy and her late mother as Mommy, which I found odd for that age group. She spoke the precious and cutesy lines of a 6 year old, not a preteen. She did a better job with Ben, making him reserved and moody, like any self-respecting 13 year old boy, but even he delivered some highly uncharacteristic bits of high emotion that set my eyes a-rolling. If you don’t like kids in romance, this won’t be the book that changes your mind.

These flaws, however, did not sufficiently take away from what was a highly satisfying roller coaster ride. Sexual tension abounds and a surprise twist at the end is a bit of a tearjerker. A solid read, start to finish.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars ~ Hannah has good reason to be angry with the world. Practically on the eve of her wedding she discovers that her fiance wants to get married but just not to her; he wants her sister. With her life a shambles she's forced to move back home with her mother, and she'll have to work hard to recoup the losses she took on the sale of their condo. When his wife died suddenly in a car accident two years ago, Joe had to make some drastic changes in his life for his two children. Moving to Melbourne enabled him to buy the local pub and give a more stable life Ruby and Ben. The last thing he expected was an instant attraction to his rough around the edges neighbour, Hannah. Neither have been looking for a relationship, but their chemistry cannot be denied and soon Hannah and Joe work towards a future. Until Hannah makes a discovery that will change all their lives forever.

Ms. Mayberry cleverly breathes life into her characters. Hannah is such a strong woman who seems to be always dealt a difficult hand. Yet she straightened her back and insists on carrying on, with every blow sent her way. Joe is a man who adores his kids. Meeting Hannah, he realizes he's ready to start to live again. When bad news threatens to tear them apart, Joe and his kids force Hannah to see how much she's loved no matter what. This is an emotional read that deals with loss on many levels. Once I started reading the first page, the story just took hold and I couldn't put it down until the very end. This is one for the keeper shelf.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Mayberry's writing. She's great at blending real-life issues with great romance. I love how she brings her characters to the brink of disaster (in terms of their actions), but always pulls them back before they cross the line. Both characters are damaged, both have baggage and both are wary about moving into a relationship. But that doesn't stop them from going forward.

I wanted to be annoyed with the heroine over her desire to protect the hero, but I understood her reasons too well. Likewise with the hero. Overall an excellent novel, one I would recommend.

[Corrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

One of the best category novels I've ever read. The only thing that keeps it from being 5 stars is I would have loved to have more of the ending.

[Elle Fielding · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5 stars.

Curse you, Sarah Mayberry! Curse you! This is the third book of yours that has had me bawling like a baby at the end.

I loved this book. A huge fan of Mayberry (this is my 19th? book of hers I've read), I'd actually put off reading this one, thinking I wouldn't enjoy it. Boy was I wrong. I loved it. As always, Mayberry manages to write love stories which have depth. Her characters often need to change or grow in small measure before they get their HEA and I love that I feel like I'm right there on that journey with them. This story felt substantial and satisfying and had so much lovely romance and angst. *Sighs happily*. Highly recommend.

[Roche · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Sarah Mayberry book and it definitely will not be the last. The characters are believable, the dialogues are natural, and the conflicts are realistic.

I must say, though, that what I liked most in Home for the Holidays is its heroine. She is strong, but not annoying. Her issues and concerns are very relatable. Truly someone female readers will be able to identify with. A rarity these days, considering the almost lunatic heroines in many romance novels.

So, thank you, Sarah, for giving me several hours of joy and tears with Hannah, Joe, Ruby, and Ben.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does Sarah Mayberry pack so much story into a category romance? It just amazes me. Even with the Super Romance's longer length, this story packs a wallop. I don't know why I haven't yet tracked down the rest of her backlist.

LOVED both Joe and Hannah. They each had their baggage coming into the story, but worked through all of it even while the story took time showing their courtship. Great stuff.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I this book was really good! I loved it!

[Wendy Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Duzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! :D

[Nefise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it. It's a good kind of Harlequin book.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely love story about a widower with two kids and the mechanic he falls for. The night he moves his family into their new house in Melbourne, the neighbor revs up a motorcycle so loud, he's sure it will keep his kids awake, so he heads across the street to yell at the guy, and it's a girl, who is working on her bike herself. This does not get their relationship off on the right foot. The story takes us on the entertaining trip through the sparring to the kissing, along with every issue a single dad might have, from kids acting out, to... stuff. It's a great read. I liked it a lot. Mayberry never disappoints.

[Gerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I liked the story. I loved both Joe and Hannah and the kids. I always enjoy books with kids because they bring something special to the story.

The only thing I had a big problem with was at the end when all was forgiven with the sister and ex. I believe in forgiveness because it is for you so that you can move on. However I also feel you need to leave those people in your rearview mirror. Yeah I know it's her sister but does that mean family can hurt you anyway they want and all is forgiven? Would you accept this behavior from a friend? And let's not forget the trust issue. How on earth could you ever trust this person again?

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Sarah Mayberry's writing. She has a nice, quiet voice, nothing showy, but it feels very real. I only give that book three stars, though, because it stressed me out: I didn't like the hero in the beginning, the heroine has a lot of unfair BS that happened to her- the people who did that to her are forgiven cos' it's for the better good (whatever I'm petty, I'd rather they suffer), then when things are good there's unnecessary drama in the last act. I wasn't in the mood for all that suffering.

[Escapist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t understand how older romance books can always touched my heart. I cried reading this book. I was so engrossed in this story that I didn’t even notice I was almost finished. I guess I’m just old at heart because it’s hard for me to feel like this whenever I read newer romance books. I love this book so much because I love an emotional story with a happy ending.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was enjoying this book fine until the end conflict which made me SO mad, I get that this is an older Harlequin novel but....what the fuck kind of Nicholas Sparks/Lurlene McDaniel shit is this. It was still a HEA but I’m HEATED.

[Kristy McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bonus novel, published in one volume with a Susan Mallery novel. I'd never heard of this author before, but I ended up really enjoying this story. Great characters, and a taste of Australia!

[Neelicc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read with emotional bonding especially with kids opposites attract except last 20 pages of breast cancer breaking up with the guy for his own good and also forgiving her sister easily because of dying which I didn't like at..

[Ess · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!! I loved Hannah's and Ruby's relationship... it was truly endearing and also the twist at the end caught me by surprise but I loved how supportive Joe and the kids were *sighs*

[Meredith Purser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story but one with lots of baggage.

[Fizzydrinks]

ending ruined by h getting diagnosed with breast cancer

[Pamela McCullough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read. Little more emotional than I like but life can be that way

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate that cancer is in so many books . You just can’t get away from it