“I can already picture the film version of it.” Parade Magazine“If you love Hallmark movies, this is the holiday novel for you.” Better Homes & GardensShe’s trying to save the family candle company. He’s trying not to fall for Bayberry–and her–again. Kate Taylor knows what she wants in life: to one day run her family’s candle business, which is at the heart of the close-knit community of … wants in life: to one day run her family’s candle business, which is at the heart of the close-knit community of Bayberry, Vermont. But the company isn’t doing well.
Wesley Adams is on the fast track to be an assistant vice president at his financial firm in Manhattan. Before the promotion is announced, he’s sent to this small town from his past to do an analysis of the candle company.
He doesn’t expect to bump into his childhood crush, Kate, and when he does, sparks fly. As he spends time in Bayberry, he falls for the town’s Christmas traditions–and for her. But he has a responsibility to submit an honest report. Will it extinguish Kate’s dreams…along with any chance they have for a future together?
This heart-warming romance contains a free Hallmark original recipe for Cast Iron Beef Stew.
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Christmas in Bayberry is a delightful holiday tale by Jennifer Faye. Kate Taylor came to live in Bayberry when she was a teen. Her parents had just been taken by a tragic auto accident and Kate was taken in by her loving Aunt Penney, her dad’s sister. Aunt Penney ran the family company, the Bayberry Candle Company. With the exception of her time at college, Kate had lived in Bayberry ever since with no intention of ever leaving home and this close knit community. And, when the time came, she would be in line to take over the reins of the candle company.
Wesley Adams lived very briefly in Bayberry, but it had seemed like home to him. It was during his short stint in Bayberry that Kate had also just arrived. Wes, being shy, and Kate, deeply grieving, had kept their interchanges minimal, but Wes had never forgotten the young girl that had captured his heart.
However, the candle company is in a bit of a financial bind and Aunt Penney calls her old friend, Martha Adams, to see about getting her son, now working as a financial analyst who evaluates struggling companies to plan a turnaround or a sale, to help.
Wes is assigned the task of analyzing this small family owned company in early December. While he is pleased with the opportunity to go back to Bayberry, he is not excited to be going out of town right as the CEO is making a decision on who will be the next person to assume the role of assistant vice president. He must make quick work of the task and get back to New York in time for the announcement.
What Aunt Penney doesn’t do is talk to Kate about the issues, or tell her why the handsome young man has taken over Kate’s office. And Wes is not at liberty to explain. Something else Wes has trouble explaining to himself is the strong attraction he still feels toward Kate. Kate, the outgoing young woman that she is, is not content to allow Wes to do nothing but work, especially when it is her favorite time of year and there are so many holiday projects to be accomplished.
This is a delightful story that highlights timing, tenacity, and triumph when the going gets rough. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
If you need a break from sweltering summer temperatures, grab a copy of Christmas in Bayberry & cool down with a little bit of holiday spirit in July. Jennifer Faye captures the small town charm of a Hallmark movie and weaves it into a sweet romance with a nod to Christmas miracles. Well-written & entertaining, the story also balances Hallmark’s comforting predictability with a couple twists & turns that may still surprise you. The characters are warm & likable and you’ll want to book a trip of your own to the quaint town of Bayberry!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I adore Christmas Romances and will happily read them any time of the year. In fact, I’ll often (especially in this crazy world right now) re-read one of my favorites whenever I need a pick-me-up, go back to a happy place type of experience. So, you could say I’m addicted to Christmas Romance – which makes the new ‘Christmas in Bayberry‘ an extra special treat right now.
Kate wants to take over the reins from her aunt of the candle company that is the center of this small town and is a major employer for most of the residents of Bayberry. But her aunt isn’t quite ready to pass over control and has in fact asked for a review of the books and operations from a financial firm in New York. Unfortunately, the candle company is in trouble which means the town is in trouble as well. She’s looking for a solution without alerting anyone of what may become their new reality -and also without letting Kate know why she’s not ready to step down. Of course, nothing stays secret in a small town, ever. And when Kate realizes exactly why Wes is in town her attraction to this man, and the reality of perhaps not seeing her dream come to life is a bit at war with each other. She’s full of ideas to keep the candle company viable and profitable – some great, others not so much so – but she’s trying to save not only the company she loves but the town as well. Her greatest fear is that either she or the man she’s come to love will have to give up a dream to keep them together longer than the Christmas season.
Wes is returning to Bayberry, a small town he briefly lived in during the years when his father would move the family to greener grass far too frequently. His dream is a promotion, a corner office, and a place to stay, to set down roots forever and this assignment could be the final part he needs to get that promotion officially announced. He didn’t count on running into his high school crush, or to fall for the town, its residents, or its traditions while knowing that the best financial option was to sell the company that was the glue of this community. He might have found the person he could have that forever with – but the cost of destroying each of their dreams would be a price that neither can afford.
I fell in love with ‘Christmas in Bayberry‘ quite quickly. Kate, Wes, Aunt Penny, and a town full of quirky, likable, relatable people pulled me in and never let go. There is a depth to these characters, a need to see a solution for everyone found without destroying dreams that I found both charming and insightful. I’ve enjoyed Jennifer Faye’s work in the past, and she brought her best to this Christmas romance. Expect a few twists, a surprise or two, and a love that feels so real that emotions jump off of the pages. There was no one here that I didn’t like in some way, simply real folks dealing with reality as best they can while two very special people discover that love can grow anywhere, that it’s not the location but the people involved that truly matter. I had such fun and would recommend this trip to Bayberry to any Romance reader at any time of the year. Hallmark movie? Oh, yes, please!
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Hallmark Publishing via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Bayberry is a small town. The only thing keeping it alive is the Bayberry Candle Company which has been in Kate’s family since its beginning. But the company is in big trouble financially and her Aunt, the owner who she lives with, has called in a financial consultant. Wesley, who lived briefly in Bayberry years ago is sent by his company to do the analysis and recommendation on its future. Will the town’s means of livelihood be saved by a Christmas Miracle or is it destined to close down? A feel good book that has interesting characters and deals with Christmas traditions and the hope for a miracle. Definitely worth reading.
Christmas in Bayberry is a heartfelt and moving story. Its wonderful written and has a great storyline. Its a page turner and kept my interest. The characters are enjoyable and a delightful to read about. I truly enjoyed reading this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for letting me read this story.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A small town Christmas romance from Hallmark publishing. Wesley Adams lives in New York, Manhattan and is a senior business advisor. He works alot to get ahead and make more money. Penney owns Bayberry Candle co. In Bayberry, Vt, and Kate is Penney’s niece. The candle company is in trouble and needs some advice on what to do. Kate’s mom has a saying “not to trouble trouble until trouble troubled you”. Penny’s friend is the mom of Wesley and gets him to come to Vermont to see if he can help the candle company. Unknown to Kate Wesley used to live in Bayberry and had a crush on her. Can Wesley help their company? And will love flame up between Wesley and Kate? Such a fun Holiday read. Definitely recommend.
I absolutely love Christmas in Bayberry! If you’re a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies and sweet, clean romance, you will love it too. While you’re reading this book, you’ll be swept into the town of Bayberry, and you’re not going to want to leave! Bayberry is a town of less than 1,000 residents, so the townsfolk feel like family to each other. They chip in when there is a need, and they’re concerned about each others’ welfare.
I think the cover fits the town’s description very well. The shops and eateries are small and cozy, and they thrive because of it. Who would want to go to a big city when you can shop and eat in these cozy places? The activities make Bayberry even more family-like.
Of course, since the book is published by Hallmark Publishing, I had to start casting my favorite characters for a movie (please, Hallmark, make Christmas in Bayberry into a movie!). Jen Lilley is my choice for Kate. I love all of the Hallmark movies she’s been in! Wesley would be played by Christopher Russell. They’ve already starred in a movie together, so I already know they’d be perfect! Just call me “casting director.” Kate’s aunt Penney is such a great character. Kate and her aunt share a special bond since Penney raised Kate after her parents died. Really, you’ll love all the characters in Christmas in Bayberry! They’re all well-developed and bring just the right balance to the book.
I can’t say enough good things about Christmas in Bayberry! Read it, and you’ll see! You’ll love it too!
Jennifer Faye is a new to me author and it was very enjoyable to read her style of writing. She had me engaged throughout the whole book. I sadly do not have cable so no Hallmark Channel for me which is super sad because one of my favorite things is to watch all the Christmas Movies so reading this book was the next best thing. It was like being a “fly on the wall” so to speak on this little town of Bayberry! And what a charming little town it is.
The book is full of quirky characters that made it such an entertaining read. The main characters are Kate Taylor who is a native of Bayberry and works for her aunt who is the owner of Bayberry candles and descendant of the founders of the town. Wes Adams is the business consultant that gets sent to Bayberry to evaluate the state of the business there.
I loved that Wes had lived in this little town while younger and had a small connection to the town. He had a huge crush on Kate and she had no clue about it. Even when they meet as adults she doesn’t recognize him even though he absolutely does. I won’t give you any spoilers but this was a sweet story. Wes learned what was really important in life and in Hallmark tradition of course there is a happy ending!
If you are looking for a good-feel story and something to get you in the holiday spirit then you should definitely grab this book. It definitely made me wish for Christmas decorations, warm cozy socks, sitting by the fire with a Christmas music in the background!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A cozy holiday romance! A Christmas in July release by Jennifer Faye is sure to delight a seasoned Hallmark Christmas fan. In CHRISTMAS IN BAYBERRY we get an unlikely reunion of high school crushes as life is at a turning point for both of them. With warm prose and holiday scenes coming to life, we go along for the ride of a lifetime in this heartwarming story.
Kate Taylor is an endearing character. We get to know her kindness and work ethic quickly as the story unfolds and then hearing her past only makes us like her more.
Wes Adams is kind but distant. Sharing time with Kate in a town he loved back in the day reminds him of a time before work consumed him and he finds himself enjoying it more than he expected.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves sweet, small town romance with a holiday flair. The town was wholesome and the characters easy to like.
A sweet holiday read that will give you all the Christmas spirit a book can give. The story is well written and the characters just seem to come to life as you are reading. I recommend this book if you are looking for a feel good HEA read.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is my favorite book that I have read by Jennifer Faye. It is a Hallmark Christmas Story, so if you are a fan of Hallmark movies, you will love this one!
Raised my her aunt, Kate Taylor wants nothing more than to take over the candle business that has been in her family for decades. But her aunt is not ready to hand over the reins, and besides, Bayberry Candles is in trouble. And business consultant Wesley Adams is sent to the candle company to help, hoping this assignment will finally land him Assistant Vice President of the NY firm where he works.
Imagine Wes’s surprise when he ends up in the favorite place he has ever lived, working with his high school crush! But does she remember him? It doesn’t matter because he isn’t in Bayberry for long. But this little town has a way of pulling you in. As in all Hallmark movies, which I hope this book will be one day, a lot of the story is predictable, but there are a lot of setbacks, twists and turns that will keep you reading because you have to find out what happens, and how it happens. This story had no trouble keeping my attention, and when I finished the last page, I love the ending, and it has me hoping for more from this small town in Vermont.
If you love sweet, cozy, snowy, small town Christmas stories, Christmas in Bayberry is a must for you! I throughly enjoyed this Christmas in July read, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, whether you read it in July, or closer to Christmas!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Even though it’s the middle of summer, this book truly made it feel like Christmas!
Immediately upon opening the pages of this book, I was transported to snowy, small towns, twinkling fairy lights and hot chocolate curled up by the fireplace. This is my first book by Jennifer Faye, but it won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy Christmasy read.
The story takes place in the charming small town of Bayberry, Vermont, and follows Wes and Kate as their stories eventually intertwine and love begins to sparkle and shine. Kate is in the process of trying to save her family’s candle business in Bayberry, when Wes comes to lend his expertise in business and finance, although he is set on working towards a promotion in New York. As they begin working together, and as the magic of Christmas in Bayberry flows all around them, will they finally reconnect and allow love to grow? This was a story full of all the Christmas feels, charming small town life, love, family, hope and a bit of magic.
Truly, this was just the coziest book…the get comfy and pour a mug of hot chocolate, light a candle and settle in on the couch for hours, kind of cozy read. It was perfect for summertime, and I know even more perfect come December.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book from Prism Book Tours and the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts. opinions and ramblings are my own.*
If you are looking for a little Christmas in July, look no further than Christmas in Bayberry. And if you adore Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this story from Hallmark Publishing.
What I liked was that more than one of the movies, we get more depth into the story and the character’s lives. This is a story about a candle factory, which is very old and started the town, and it is in financial trouble. This company has stayed in Kate’s family it’s entire existence and she loves it. Now Kate has dreams and the Bayberry Candle Company is at the very top. She knows business isn’t doing well, but not how bad it really is.
Kate’s Aunt Penney hires a business analyst, Wesley Adams to find out exactly what kind of future the candle company has. I will say I was a little irritated that Kate was kept out of the loop and her aunt really wouldn’t discuss these matters with her. I realized her aunt thought she was doing what was best but those secrets just didn’t really sit well with me.
Wes is no stranger to Bayberry or Kate herself. He lived their briefly when he was younger and he had a mighty big crush on Kate. But Wes is focused on making it big in his company so he try’s to stay all business. Unfortunately, this little town and its cheer, the big hearted people, and Kate draws him into the small town life and out of his comfort zone.
As Wes and Kate navigate business and their attraction to each other grows, both of their dreams become at risk. Finding out what is most important to each other made this heartwarming story a welcome read.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
3.5 Stars
If you binge-watch The Hallmark Channel’s Christmas in July and Countdown to Christmas, this book is for you (it’s even published by Hallmark).
The title gives away the setting—small town with all of its holiday traditions. The Bayberry Candle Company is struggling, and the big bad company in NYC sends Wes to the one town he remembers most fondly from his many childhood moves. And, of course, the girl he has a crush on is involved with the candle manufacture he’s set to determine the best course for.
The temperature outside may be in the 90s right now, but Christmas in Bayberry put me right in the holiday mood. Though a bit predictable (but Hallmark wouldn’t be Hallmark without their signature happy endings, now would they?), it is a sweet and fun escape.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Hallmark Publishing and the Author Jennifer Faye for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a wonderful heartwarming story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, setting and the characters.
It had a few surprises along the way.
I really hope Hallmark turns this one into a movie as there is nothing better that a Hallmark Christmas movie!
It might be July and temperatures exceeding a 100 degrees, but thanks to this brilliant novel, I was vacationing and enjoying Christmas In Bayberry, Vermont.
Kate and Wes were perfect for one another. Their fun banter, rekindling friendship, and Christmas joy, was a cooling refreshment in July.
Jennifer Faye is an amazing romantic, she has such a phenomenal writing voice, character development, and charm.
As I read, I truly felt I was watching one of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies.
Christmas in Bayberry will weave itself into your heart and soul.
I love Jennifer Faye’s writing and was excited to get the opportunity to read her new upcoming Holiday release, Christmas in Bayberry. I loved getting to know the town’s people. It was so sweet meeting Kate and Wesley. I have to admit the plot is somewhat predictable but it is still so very delightful to read and should not missed.
I am giving Christmas in Bayberry a very well deserved five plus stars. I would love to read more like this one by Miss Faye in the future. I recommend this one to readers who are Hallmark fans and those who like to read clean Christmas books.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The perfect book to compliment Hallmark’s Christmas in July, and hot summer temperatures. Faye brings Bayberry to life in this second chance romance. The excellent escape that we all need right now.
Christmas in Bayberry
I enjoyed this book so much. I can definitely see it as a Hallmark Christmas Movie. I felt like I was watching a movie as I was reading the book.
In Christmas in Bayberry Wes gets there to consult and evaluate the Bayberry Candle shop at Christmas time. Their is memories from that place. He was young when he visited there. Will he remember his time there?
Kate’s aunt owns the Candle shop and Kate does a lot of work there. I loved how Wes and Kate became friends while he was there.
Christmas in Bayberry was a book that was fast reading. A story I enjoyed reading as a Christmas in July book. I definitely recommend reading this book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Prism book tours. This book review is my own opinion.
What could be better than Christmas in July amid the COVID-19 pandemic? This is the first Christmas book I have read this year and it is the first book I have read by author Jennifer Faye. I adored her writing style and the story was definitely worthy of a Hallmark Christmas movie! Primary characters Kate Taylor and Wes Adams knew each other briefly in junior high school when Wes lived in Bayberry Vermont for a short time, he had a huge crush on Kate back then. Kate still lives in Bayberry, she is an accountant and helps run her family’s candle company. Wes is sent by his boss to do a business analysis on the Bayberry Candle Company, which is presently struggling. Upon meeting there is of course instant attraction between the two. The small town atmosphere and secondary characters add to Kate and Wesley’s happily ever after in a fun, page turning, classic Hallmark! I will be looking for other books written by Jennifer Faye, as this story was well done and very enjoyable.