Lacey Baker

Snow Place like home, by Lacey Baker is a delightful Christmas story to read. It is well written with wonderful characters who each have their own feeling about Christmas. When Ella’s company shuts down, she is left unemployed over the holidays and returns to visit her aunt who raised her. While there she is plunged into helping with a community fundraiser.

I liked how Ella used her past experience to make the fund raiser the best ever. In the recent past Seth lost his wife and Ella’s fiance left. It was fun to see Seth’s mother and sister try to get him back out dating. I especially liked how much Ella changed over just a couple week. It was fun to see her change from having such a bad outlook on her life to figuring out what to do with the rest of her life. This is an inspirational Christmas story to read to help the reader get into the spirit of Christmas.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.… (més)

Who would have thought working with a former classmate would be so challenging? Now that they were both grown adults, building a relationship was extremely difficult. They had to create something fresh and move on from the past, and its painful memories. The two come to an agreement: Ella Wilson will auction her extravagant creations if she allows widowed Seth Hamil to demonstrate to her why Christmas is about more than just ornate decorations. Soon both begin to wonder whether fate has brought them together for a fresh start—and if Christmas wishes really can come true.

Talking about their high school experiences, Ella and Seth both understand that things weren't as they appeared. There were a ton of misconceptions. Can they put the memories behind them and work together the way her Aunt Addie wanted? Each person is aware that they have lost a loved one, and they are both grieving. Ella notices that Seth appears to be managing his grief in a constructive manner. They both agree on this and make a commitment to be more open about their feelings.
This is a touching tale about friendship, faith, and forming new connections. I enjoyed how Aunt Addie encouraged reluctant Ella to utilize her skills to help this little town raise the funds required to build and restore a recreation center which the community needs.

I appreciate how honest Seth was about his situation; he is still in mourning over the passing of his wife and is making every effort to take care of his dog and his teaching responsibilities. I adored how the entire community came together to host a wonderful Christmas celebration that included gorgeous decorations, dash of healing, and a beautiful romance!

I listened to the audio book and read the novel. I became fascinated with the way Trei Taylor's narrated this novel. I thought the narrator's voiceovers for several characters were outstanding. The more I listened to the audiobook, the more the narrative touched me personally. I could hear the characters’ frustration, anxiety, and longing as Ella and Seth worked together on the auction to obtain the necessary Christmas trees needed for the celebration. I liked the warmth, delight, and Christmas spirit that this tale evokes. This is a wonderful story to lose yourself in, and one that makes for a fun book club pick.The author includes discussion questions.

Disclosure Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/… (més)

Snow Place like Home by Lacey Baker
Holiday Christian romance. Closed door, clean.
Ella Wilson used to love the Christmas holiday season. But that was before returning home to the small community she grew up in. She needs to find a job. A life. A purpose. But she’s not feeling much hope.
Seth Hamil is a widower, an art teacher and a volunteer at his community church. Having Ella back in town reminds him of his youth and his heartbreak. But he still has faith in the season of love and the holiday is perfect time to remind Ella that there can be happiness in her life.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook copy and an audiobook. The audiobook is narrated by Trei Taylor who did a wonderful performance clearly acting emotions and character voice variations.
As Ella and Seth work together on the auction and getting the needed Christmas trees, you can hear their attraction, frustration, and longing in their voices.
The narrator has a very slight lisp. After the few minutes it blends and is barely noticeable. I found the best speed for this narration for me was 1.5.

Christmas warmth and joy. Spiritual happiness is apparent and included.
I enjoyed reading Ella and Seth’s reconnecting and their start down a path of love and joy.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio.… (més)

I could feel the pain of Ella, Christmas had become hard, but was so glad she aquiesced to going home to her aunt.

This is a story that is filled with faith, long friendships, and building new relationships. I loved how this young woman was rather tricked into using her talents, and thus earning some well needed funds for her town.

We are also given a young man, he is still very much hurting from the loss of his wife, and is coping with his teaching and his dog! These two know each other after attending school together, but they never figured to be working together for the good of the town!

I loved how all of this works out, maybe not how you expect, and yes, there are surprises, but this is a sweet Christmas read!

Be ready for some beautiful Christmas decorations, some healing, and some sweet romance!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.… (més)