“Sara Richardson writes unputdownable, unforgettable stories from the heart” in this emotional holiday novel, where three sisters have one last Christmas to confront their pasts before their lives change forever (Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author).
The Buchanan sisters all share special childhood memories of their Aunt Sassy’’s beloved Juniper Inn. There, they frolicked in the … their Aunt Sassy’’s beloved Juniper Inn. There, they frolicked in the snow, baked sugar cookies, and celebrated the town’’s annual Christmas extravaganza. They haven’‘t been back to Colorado in nearly fifteen years, but when their aunt invites them for one last Christmas, they can’‘t say no . . .
With her ex-husband whisking her children away for the holiday, Dahlia decides it’’s time to do something for herself. Juniper Springs is just as beautiful as she remembers, but it’’s also full of surprises — including the town’’s handsome doctor, who makes her feel like herself again for the first time in years.
To the outside world, baker Magnolia has the ideal marriage. Only the pain and sorrow of infertility have strained her relationship with her husband, perhaps beyond repair. But a holiday miracle is about to change her life.
After a whirlwind romance, youngest sister Rose is about to be married, but as the wedding draws near, she’’s unsettled by her fiancé’’s expectations that she become a society wife. Spending Christmas with her family could be a necessary reality check — or the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
Thanks to the strength of their sisterhood, some mistletoe, and the love of their Aunt Sassy, the Buchanan sisters will discover what it is they truly want this Christmas.
To the outside world, baker Magnolia has the ideal marriage. Only the pain and sorrow of infertility have strained her relationship with her husband, perhaps beyond repair. But a holiday miracle is about to change her life.
After a whirlwind romance, youngest sister Rose is about to be married, but as the wedding draws near, she’’s unsettled by her fiancé’’s expectations that she become a society wife. Spending Christmas with her family could be a necessary reality check — or the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
Thanks to the strength of their sisterhood, some mistletoe, and the love of their Aunt Sassy, the Buchanan sisters will discover what it is they truly want this Christmas.
To the outside world, baker Magnolia has the ideal marriage. Only the pain and sorrow of infertility have strained her relationship with her husband, perhaps beyond repair. But a holiday miracle is about to change her life.
After a whirlwind romance, youngest sister Rose is about to be married, but as the wedding draws near, she’’s unsettled by her fiancé’’s expectations that she become a society wife. Spending Christmas with her family could be a necessary reality check — or the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
Thanks to the strength of their sisterhood, some mistletoe, and the love of their Aunt Sassy, the Buchanan sisters will discover what it is they truly want this Christmas.
To the outside world, baker Magnolia has the ideal marriage. Only the pain and sorrow of infertility have strained her relationship with her husband, perhaps beyond repair. But a holiday miracle is about to change her life.
After a whirlwind romance, youngest sister Rose is about to be married, but as the wedding draws near, she’’s unsettled by her fiancé’’s expectations that she become a society wife. Spending Christmas with her family could be a necessary reality check — or the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
Thanks to the strength of their sisterhood, some mistletoe, and the love of their Aunt Sassy, the Buchanan sisters will discover what it is they truly want this Christmas.
bout to change her life.
After a whirlwind romance, youngest sister Rose is about to be married, but as the wedding draws near, she’’s unsettled by her fiancé’’s expectations that she become a society wife. Spending Christmas with her family could be a necessary reality check — or the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.
Thanks to the strength of their sisterhood, some mistletoe, and the love of their Aunt Sassy, the Buchanan sisters will discover what it is they truly want this Christmas.
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4.5/5
I honestly think the best part of Home for the Holidays by Sara Richardson, besides the writing of course, is the characters. I loved almost all of them, and they were so lifelike and had a wonderful amount of depth. I am a sucker for a book that talks about bonds between family, especially sisters, and this book is stuffed full of that. I loved the Buchanan sisters and was rooting for each and every one of them while reading. There are lots of witty moments intertwined with serious topics, and this was the perfect blend of wit, romance, holiday cheer, and seriousness.
The audio of Home for the Holidays is also to die for and has a full cast narrating which is always a plus! Devon Sorvari, Christina Traister, Erin Bennett, and Christine Kiphart all did an amazing job of bringing the book and characters to life, and it was such a treat to listen to them all narrate. While romance isn’t the main focus in the book, I loved what was there of it and I would call this a cozy read. I also loved the setting of Colorado and Juniper Inn. I’m actually living in Colorado and originally from Minnesota where Dahlia lives and seeing both states I am familiar with endeared me even more to this book. Home for the Holidays is so special, and I hope you will check it out if you are in the mood for a holiday read that touches on heavier themes!
I really enjoyed this book! I love books where sisters actually pull together and find the support and closeness they are needing. When Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose all agree to return to their Aunt Sassy’s Inn for Christmas, they are all three distancing themselves from their problems at home. All are challenged by very different things, but they have the feeling of “coming back home” in common. Their Aunt Sassy’s may not have been their actual home, but it’s where they felt the most love. There are lots of surprising during their stay; some resolutions to their problems and some new men in their lives and the promise of a wonderful Christmas!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
I loved this beautiful story and look forwared to reading more from this author. I definitely recommend this book.
Home for the Holidays is a great holiday novel that will get you in ready for the season!
Sisters Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose used to spend Christmases at their Aunt Sassy’s in the mountains of Colorado when they were younger. That stopped years ago, but their aunt has reached out and asked them to come back to spend one more holiday there.
With each of the women dealing with different things in their lives, the trip seems to fall at just the right time. It gives them a chance to reconnect with one another, with their aunt and it also gives them the space to consider what they really want out of their futures.
This quick moving novel had me from the moment I started reading. The characters are engaging, and spirited. While each has their own set of issues they are dealing with, the bond these sisters have is unmistakable. There is plenty of warmth and charm in this book along with some romance.
I highly recommend this wonderful holiday novel!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Story of three sisters, who are trying to make best possible decisions for their future. during a visit to their aunt Jupiter Inn.
Dahlia is divorced and sharing custody of the kids with her ex husband.
Magnolia and her husband struggle after another negative try to have a child.
Rose is having doubts about her upcoming wedding and being a society wife.
Loved to read about sisters and everything they had to go thru to make right decision for them.
I think as Christmas gets closer every year, people and I know do look back at how life was. Christmas has a special kind of magic where the spirit of Christmas helps us see differently and it is a time for reconnecting. This book has all that plus so much more. When I read the title Home for the Holidays I thought of nostalgia, stepping back into a simpler time because that to me is what going home represents. I wasn’t disappointed but I also knew this was a book I would read not only at Christmas but any time of the year. Sometimes we need a reminder to slow down and remember our past and when life was simpler or when we haven’t been in touch with our family because life has gotten hectic this book is an excellent reminder and as I read it, I found myself slowing down and not only savoring the book I was reading but letting the memories come.
Another thing I realized from reading this book is as we grow and age, the way things were was different than they are now. Aunt Sassy showed the girls and us how when she was young, things just weren’t allowed and they affected the decisions that were made but as time went on things changed and became acceptable. No matter what age you are, I believe everyone would enjoy reading this book. It is about life, not only of the sisters, the aunt, their mother but the people who work in the town, their relationships, and how it comes together. Not always as planned or thought but in a way we find ourselves or discover something we hadn’t seen before.. This is a book I will treasure and read over and over.
Heartwarming, engaging, and positively beguiling!
Home for the Holidays is a beautifully written, absorbing story that sweeps you away to the beautiful mountains of Colorado in winter and immerses you into the lives of the Buchanan family as they confront the past, accept the things they cannot change, forgive, accept, repair fractured relationships, take chances, move on, and embrace the future.
The writing is effortless and polished. The characterization is spot on with a whole slew of characters that are multi-layered, genuine, compassionate, and endearing. And the plot, including all the subplots, skillfully intertwines and unravels into a delightfully touching tale about life, love, loss, marriage, parenthood, family, secrets, friendship, happiness, self-discovery, romance, and the special bonds between sisters.
Home for the Holidays is without a doubt the perfect festive read that not only highlights the magic of the holidays but reminds us to always live life to the fullest and surround ourselves with those we love.
Three sisters who’s lives are on the rocks. One divorced, one who wants children and the other engaged. A letter arrives from Aunt Sassy and the girls are ready to drop everything to see her. She implied her life was short. Every Summer Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose would spend time with Aunt Sassy in Juniper Springs. All the good memories came rushing back. It has opened up their hearts and feelings. For Dahlia it is letting go and allowing love enter. Magnolia is the most lost. She has been trying to get pregnant and nothing has worked. Rose is engaged to marry a man who her mother approved of. Juniper Springs has cleared all the cobwebs and they are all ready to follow a new direction. Dahlia has found a new love and wants to stay with her kids. Rose wants to stay and re-decorate the inn and possibly fall in love. Magnolia is going home with her husband. The man just loves her and was willing to follow her to the ends of Earth.
Rose, Dahlia, and Magnolia have headed separate directions over the years and have the opportunity to reconnect. Their Aunt Sassy has requested their presence for one last Christmas with them. Thinking their aunt is ill and each with their own set of troubles and triumphs, the three sisters head to their aunt’s for a bit of a reunion and reset over the holidays.
Sara’s ability to weave the multiple POVs led to a heartwarming read. While it’s not December, I love getting the chance to have those cozy feelings for Christmas in July. My favorite of the three storylines was probably Dahlia’s. I thought her character arc was both thoughtful and triumphant.
I’m very much looking forward to visiting them again in The Summer Sisters to see how their stories continue.
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
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#homefortheholidays
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did, I could not put it down! Three sisters different in as many ways as they are the same. All grown up each with lives of their own, but yet each going through their own difficult times. When Aunt Sassy invites them to spend one last Christmas with her, they accept thinking she is dying. Once there, they reconnect and make some difficult changes to once again be happy and content with their lives. This was my first time reading this author and I hope she writes and expands this family saga. Thank you to Grand Central Read Forever for our book club box.
Pat Fayo Reviews
Novels N Lattes Book Club
Hudson Valley, NY
One of my favorite Christmas reads of December. Three sisters return to Juniper Springs in Colorado after receiving a request from their aunt to spend one last Christmas at the inn. The three sisters have personal problems they are dealing with and all come to the conclusion that a couple weeks at the inn are hair what they need. It’s a lovely story about childhood memories, family, and deciding what’s important in life.
There are so many books that take on the framework of three sisters, all with varying problems in life that have taken them away from who they used to be. When aging Aunt Sassy lets all three girls know she would like them all to come back to Juniper Inn for one last holiday, it winds up being cathartic for all. The Colorado setting is beautiful and brings back memories of visiting my own great aunt there.
This is a warm, cozy, feel-good story that is perfect for a Holiday read. The characters are wonderfully developed and highly relatable. The location and secondary characters are all perfectly supportive of this wonderful story.
Thanks to the Book Club Cookbook giveaway program and Hachette Book Group, Inc. for a gifted copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
A warm and cozy Christmas read about three sisters who return to their Aunt Sassy’s Colorado-based Juniper Inn for the holidays after fifteen years without connecting with their aunt.
The sisters, all named after flowers, bring their issues with them – Dahlia, newly divorced, is spending Christmas without her young children who are in France with their father; Rose is about to be married and having second thoughts about her fiancé and his family; Magnolia is dealing with infertility which has strained her relationship with her husband. Two attractive young local men are also invited by Aunt Sassy to assist the sisters in setting up the Inn’s traditional Christmas Extravaganza.
Checks the boxes if you’re looking for a Christmas-time family story with a bit of a mystery (Why are two sisters estranged? Why are the girls invited back to visit after fifteen years? What is the relationship between Aunt Sassy and Colt, a young man who has grown up at the Juniper Inn? Will the sisters resolve their issues and listen to their hearts?) A feel-good story with a happy ever after ending.
If cozy romances, dripping with southern charm are your thing, you’ll want to grab this one! It’s one of those feel-good stories that can be enjoyed while snuggled up next to the fireplace.
After a very hot summer, I was ready for a book with a cooler setting and since Colorado is my home state, this one sounded perfect. It was also a brief break from my usual genre of thrillers.
After three sisters receive a letter from their estranged Aunt Sassy, they decide to reunite and spend one last Christmas together at the Juniper Inn. It was their favorite place to spend the holidays as children.
We have the uber-organized, perfectionist Dahlia. She’s newly divorced, with two kids. But the choice to head to Colorado is easy because this will be her first holiday without her kids.
Rose is a little more hesitant. She’s living in Savannah and engaged to a wonderful man…with a not-so-wonderful mother. She has her own design business, but no time to dedicate to it since her MIL has her and Gregory constantly booked with events.
And the last sister is Magnolia, or Mags as everyone calls her. She lives in Florida, with her wonderful husband and runs her own mobile bakery. Her life is perfect except for one issue. They haven’t been able to get pregnant, even after spending their savings on IVF. After their last failure, she and Eric have been fighting constantly. She’s more than ready to getaway.
And of course, we need a few handsome men in the picture. Ike is a very hot and very single town doctor. And Colt is the good-looking and rugged owner of the local hardware store.
I’m used to suspense and murder, so this was too sappy for my taste. I wasn’t sure this was my type of book when I agreed to read it, so I considered that when rating it. It was well written and I think the author did a great job of accomplishing what she intended.
Thank you to GalleyMatch, Sara Richardson, and St. Martin’s Press, for this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4 ’s
Published: September 22nd 2020 by Forever
Pages: 320
Recommend: Yes, for romance lovers.
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More on the author: https://www.read-forever.com/contributor/sara-richardson/
Fans of the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies will love this story. The story is well written and does keep you entertained. The characters are realistic to a point if a little “dreamy”. It very much reads like a Hallmark feel good Christmas movie. I did enjoy it. But I enjoy those movies. I want a happily Ever after. Or at least to know good things are coming. So this book felt good to me. The author does a good job of allowing you to follow the 3 sisters and their struggles. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a feel good holiday centered story.
Home for the holidays is a great fun read that can be enjoyed anytime of the year. This is a great feel good read.
Sisters Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose have been invited by their aunt Sassy to come celebrate her last Christmas at the Juniper Inn. The three sisters think that means she is dying. Aunt Sassy would like to retire. This trip to the Juniper Inn gives the sisters a chance to reconnect since they all live in different states now.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Snow, sisters, Christmas, and family. Loved it from page one to the end. Love this author and you will also!!!
Home for the Holidays was my first Christmas holiday read for the year and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy all over!
The Buchanan sisters – Rose, Dahlia and Magnolia haven’t been back to Juniper Inn – their aunt’s inn- since they were little girls. Each has their own life now – with all of their own grown up issues. They each receive a letter from their Aunt Sassy informing them that they must spend one last Christmas at Juniper Inn together.
When the sisters arrive at the inn they realize why Aunt Sassy wanted all three sisters together one last time – she wants to gift them Juniper Inn. Do the sisters try to work it out if they want to keep the inn, or is it too much with all of them spread out so far?
I really enjoyed how the various chapters were told from the three sisters point of view. Home for the Holidays immediately made me feel warm and cozy – with all of the holiday decor descriptions and small town vibe. Rose, Magnolia and Dahlia had a lot of time for self reflection during their stay at Juniper Inn, but I also enjoyed how they also were eventually able to rely on one another. The bond of sisterhood was so important in this book and I loved that all of the sisters eventually were able to share not only their joys in life but also their lows.
If you’re looking for a wonderful book that tests the bonds of sisterhood, but also has you getting into the Christmas spirit – pick up Home for the Holidays!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Home for the Holidays is my first Christmas -themed read of the season. Words can’t express how much I enjoyed this heartwarming, magical story set in Juniper Springs!
Sara Richardson’s descriptive writing style drew me into the story immediately. Sisters Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose Buchanan receive a package and an invitation from their Aunt Sassy to spend one last Christmas together. I enjoyed reading how each sister treasured the Christmas holidays in Juniper Springs and that the invitation arrived when the sisters needed each other’s strength and support.
Each one of the Buchanan sisters needs a bit of Christmas magic. Dahlia is newly divorced mother of two young children. She needs to regain her self-confidence and open her heart to love. Magnolia is newly separated and desperately needs a Christmas miracle. Rose is struggling. She is overwhelmed with wedding planning, social obligations and everyone’s expectations of her.
I enjoyed that the author chose the alternating point of view narrative in this novel. I was able to appreciate each sister’s unique situation, their emotions and perspective. Sara Richardson has created three distinctive stories for the Buchanan sisters. The conversations between Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose are honest, heartfelt and humorous. The bond between sisters is one of the key pieces in the storyline- Sisters may not live near each other but they are always there for each other- and the author does a fabulous job weaving this element throughout the book.
The author adds the right amount of magic and romance to create a wonderful holiday read. I enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to read Sara Richardson’s next book!