Emily Pennington
Chloe Burke, an unemployed artist, has just finished a temp job when a letter arrives from a lawyer saying that her estranged great-aunt Eleanor died and left Chloe a secluded mountain cabin and a modest inheritance! She has no idea why she would do that, nor did her mother. But this is an opportunity for her to perfect her art and become a real professional artist in the quiet of the beautiful mountains! Her aunt’s studio was top-of-the-line! When her neighbor, Luke Abbot, stepped out of his garage, Chloe waved and immediately felt the stand-offish lack of enthusiasm at meeting her when all he did was nod. However, she was not going to accept that. They were neighbors in a sparsely populated area and should get to know each other, so she introduced herself and shook his hand, noting that his hands were soft and not like an outdoors mountain-man. When she told him she was Eleanor’s niece, he had no comment to make. Even directly asking how well he knew her, in the hope of learning more about her, he just responded “well enough” and made a gesture as if to ask her to get off his lawn. Very cold! Even so, they both come to realize they are attracted to each other, although she feels some of mystery surrounding Luke, which stirs her curiosity. And her enthusiasm rises again when she contemplates starting her business selling prints of her paintings and related design products in local shops and online. Fully engaged in the excitement of the Christmas spirit, Chloe hurries to get settled into the cabin. After Thanksgiving, she begins her phased approach of day by day preparing for Christmas so that she will complete her decorations and have the Christmas lights hung before the first winter snow. Excited to turn on the festive lights that could blink, change colors and patterns, with tons of settings to try, she was startled when Luke walked up to her to complain. For health reasons, he needed the lights plain, non-blinking, and preferably non-existent! Will Christmas bring its magic into their lives? Can Chloe’s love and joy get through to Luke’s heart and help him come alive again? Or is the secret he keeps going to forever keep them apart? This book was very enjoyable with likable characters. The intrigue of a mystery to uncover will keep the reader’s curiosity aroused. The story line is wonderful and the reader can experience the joy of living through Chloe’s eyes as the Christmas spirit attempts to transform their lives.
Victoria R
I found this to be an interesting story and liked that I ended up making assumptions as the story went just like Chloe! I thought the characters were developed and likeable and the story unfolded well (even when it took a turn I'd not expected). Personally I would have liked either a bit more between the last chapter and the epilogue or a longer epilogue as I had questions! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heather W
The Holiday Hideaway: A Holiday House Novel is a heartwarming holiday romance. I am a sucker for Christmas stories and this one has me hooked. Chloe and Luke are likable characters and the story is well written, with secrets, emotions, Christmas lights, and a sweet romance. I read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.
