A heartwarming, small-town Christmas story about restoring broken hearts and remembering those you love.When Faith Winters returns to Chestnut Grove, Virginia, for the community’s annual Christmas celebration, she’s determined to make amends. She’s failed at making it on Broadway and is certain everyone hates her for decisions she had no control over. Jake Whitmire is the sheriff in Chestnut … is the sheriff in Chestnut Grove, but keeping the area free of crime is the least of his worries. Most days are filled with trying to keep the community’s spirits up as jobs have disappeared. He never expected to see the woman who broke his heart return home to lead up the town’s Christmas concert, nor is he sure he can ever forgive her.
As someone in town begins sabotaging the community’s celebration, Faith and Jake work together to find the person responsible and ensure their friend Jenny’s last request is fulfilled. Can holiday hope heal the broken spirit afflicting Chestnut Grove residents? Or is it time for everyone—including Faith and Jake—to treasure the memories of the past but to move on?
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Home to Chestnut Grove is a delightful Christmas romance, sprinkled with a bit of suspense. As always, Christy Barritt developed authentic characters, and we readers find ourselves rooting for them and empathizing with them. And as always, she beautifully blends their faith into the story, without being preachy. Faith left her boyfriend Jake and her hometown of Chestnut Grove several years ago, to try to make it big in the theater. When she returns home, she faces not only embarrassment over not being a star; she also encounters the fallout of blame for her father’s dirty treatment of the town. He had shut down his factory which was the primary employer of Chestnut Grove, and there were domino repercussions, By the time Faith returns, the town is on its last legs. Can she come up with a plan to help save ithe day? Will she and her ex be able to rekindle their romance? Can she ever make her Jake understand why she didn’t return for the illness or death of his beloved sister? Or will she end up with the producer who follows her from New York to Virginia? I won’t give away any spoilers, but there are touching surprrises, and just like the Chestnut Blitzes (no, not a misspelling), this novella is a wonderful Christmas treat, itself!
This book is a bit of a departure from the mystery/romantic suspense books that readers have come to expect from Christy Barritt. However, this is a perfect Christmas read. As a lover of Hallmark Christmas movies, this book gave me that same feel-good holiday feeling. Home to Chestnut Grove has themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, a hint of mystery, and just the right amount of romance.
I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Home to Chestnut Grove is a departure from author Christy Barritt’s “normal’ storytelling of quirky, fun suspense stories,, but it was an enjoyable Hallmark Movie-type holiday read (and I enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies). Faith left her small town community to find fame and fortune on the big stage, and now returns home amid rumors, negativity, and downright resentment from many of the townsfolk. Faith wants to make amends for something her father did, and get the town to accept her back. The one with the biggest grudge against Faith is Jake, who is not town sheriff. Circumstances keep throwing Faith and Jake together, but both are reluctant to talk about the past. As with any sweet holiday read, it has a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this novel but the opinions are my own.
Totally different style book for Christy Barritt, but extremely delightful! I love a sappy love story once in awhile. As always, Christy Barritt develops her characters well. You get to know them deeply and begin to feel what they are experiencing. The story of the wealthy woman seeking her roots and making amends in her hometown never gets old with me. I love the entwined theme with one of the main characters with Down Syndrome. This warms your heart to the main character, Faith, even more. I highly recommend this story for a read to fill a fall or winter day.
This book is a bit of a departure from the romantic suspense/cozy mysteries Christy Barritt’s best known for, but it’s not less wonderful.
While there is a small (fairly predictable) mystery thread in Home to Chestnut Grove, the story is more about the people. This is a story about forgiving past hurts, celebrating the important people in life, and discovering where you belong.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good, small-town Christmas story with its own grinch and plenty of Christmas spirit, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Have you ever had a friendship so close you thought nothing could separate it? Has something happened in your life you had no control over, and yet everyone felt you were the one responsible and that separated your friendships?
Well, in this story by Christy Barritt, that’s exactly what happened to Faith, Jake, and Jenny. They were so close growing up and were always together, but then Faith went away to college. During this time her father sold the factory many of the town people worked at and that caused quite a downhill slide for the town. In the meantime, Jake and Jenny’s family also experienced a devastating event and life changed forever. Faith’s future didn’t turn out how she thought it would and now she’s just trying to find her roots again. Can this trip back to Chestnut Grove provide direction and healing for her life?
This new story by Christy Barritt is a change from all her suspense books. However, it still has the same wonderful flow all her books do. Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life all these characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing.
I love this new storyline, it’s a sweet addition to my many Christmas books collection.
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Christy Barritt’s novels. Most of them are mysteries, some may contain a humorous touch, but all have inspired me to read most everything she writes. Home to Chestnut Grove is a bit different than previous books I’ve read by her but I am also a sucker for Christmas stories this time of year so naturally I had to read it. A story about a young woman whose dreams of Broadway have been a disappointment and who returns home to a dying small town uncertain of her reception. As her readers can probably guess, even in a Christmas romance, Barritt cannot resist adding a bit of a mystery to round things out. This is a lovely story with a strong theme of forgiveness and hope that should touch all but the hardest hearts and it might just soften them. Don’t miss this one for sure if you are a lover of Christmas books.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Home to Chestnut Grove is a wonderful romance full of forgiveness that’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. It’s uplifting, heartwarming, and oh so good! It’s a little bit of a different type of story from Christy Barritt, but, goodness, did I love it or what!
With a deep message that really hit home, it spoke to me on so many levels. It really touched my heart. I wont lie, it even made me teary-eyed a few times. I want to say so much more, but I don’t want to spoil a thing.
This is a novella that I know I’ll be wanting to reread every Christmas. It’s a new favorite that I highly recommend to everyone.
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Christy did a great job writing this book. The story line and characters are wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this seasonal story and would highly recommend it.
Sweet and cozy meets small town Christmas with a departure from the typical genre of Christy Barritt.
The town darling turned pariah returns to a chilly reception from most of the Chestnut Grove residents. Whether they continue to treat her as Scrooge is in question while a secret Grinch ruins the holiday.
Enjoy this delightful tale of the season while mixing ingredients from the included bonus recipes.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.