This Christmas, two worlds collide …under the mistletoe! All Theo Taylor wants for Christmas is a profitable year-end and a flawless wedding for his sister. Hiring beautiful but unknown designer Josie Beck is a huge risk, especially when the Taylors’ reputation is at stake. Josie is sweet, kind and impossible to resist. But is Josie about to destroy Theo’s perfect wedding plan…or is she the … plan…or is she the answer to his heart’s secret Christmas wish?
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I absolutely loved these characters! And the detail used to describe the wedding dresses…wow
In Love by Christmas by Cari Lynn Webb is a perfect Christmas themed book that is about dealing with a lot of different situations.
Can Josie make the perfect dress for Adriana?
Theo Taylor
Theo is the main male character that is the main man behind the Coast to Coast family business. He is an okay character as he has his flaws. Theo has family issues that he doesn’t want to be public knowledge. He would like their reality tv show to be more on the business than the family. Theo also has to find the perfect designer to make his sister’s dress since somethings have happened. Other than that, when he isn’t so business orientated, he is a pretty nice man.
What I like about Theo is that he shows more of his personal side to Josie and that he tries to trust her when it comes to her designs. The one thing that I didn’t like about Theo is that he should have talked to his family a bit more sooner than when he did.
Josie Beck
Josie is the main female character that is a designer and owns a boutique there in San Fransisco. A lot has happened to Josie since the moment she was born. She is a pretty complicated person and has kept what she learned from the foster system and is keeping that line of thought in her adult life as well. Josie is a great designer and would rather play it safe with letting her clients tell her what to design on their dress.
What I like about Josie is that despite everything that has happened to her, she has made a great life for herself. She wants to prove to everyone that has wronged her that she can make it without their help. The one thing that I don’t like about her is that she doesn’t stand up for herself, like telling a client that something might not work with the dress they want.
Five Stars
In Love by Christmas by Cari Lynn Webb is like I said the perfect Christmas themed book that has a wedding, a reality tv show, and two people reluctantly falling in love with each other. Theo and Josie are the perfect couple. They could work if people didn’t sabotage them. I am giving this book a five rating and recommending it to all the romance readers out there.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed the In Love by Christmas by Cari Lynn Webb. Enter the giveaway if you have time.
Happy Holidays!
Karen the Baroness
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A story of joy and happily ever afters! With the fifth book in her City By the Bay Stories series, Cari Lynn Webb takes us on a journey of weddings when big time business man meets small time designer and sparks fly.
Josie was easy to like right from the start. She’s just about the nicest person around, always jumping at the chance to help others and simply wants a little slice of happiness out of life.
Theo was brusk and opinionated, but had a heart of gold when it came to making his little sister happy on her wedding day.
I recommend this story to anyone looking for a sweet romance revolving around a holiday wedding and the family drama that comes with it. It was fast paced and delightful.
I recieved a copy from Cari Lynn Webb her self, and I am so happy that I did. it’s such an amazing book. well written the perfect book to curl up with blanket and fall in love with love. A perfect love story
In Love By Christmas was such a great book it was a page turner always wondering what was going to happen next Loved this book if you haven’t read you should you wont be disappointed I gave this a 5 star because it was such a great book to read!
In Love By Christmas was a delight. Poor, impossible to please Theo actually sets Josie up to fail! And what is up with his mother — stealing her daughter’s wedding dress and more. In this well written, unlikely tale, Josie is a standout character who understands what is really important in love and life. Will we (and Josie) grow to like Theo? Will Adriana get the wedding dress she wants? Is their mother really as selfish as she seems? You will have to read this very enjoyable story to find out.
Oh how I love a feel-good Christmas story! Especially when it centers on an unlikely pair that shows so much growth the story bursts at the seams.
Josie. I connected with her instantly. She had a hard life. I sympathized with her difficult upbringing and I rooted for her happiness. Theo, on the other hand, wasn’t all that appealing to me at first. His heart and his growth soon became evident though, and I love how he evolved. I also enjoyed the complications the family dynamics played in this story. Josie yearns for a feeling of family, and Theo’s family and family business could sometimes be…well… you’ll have to find out for yourself.
Though the beginning of the story took off at a slow pace (for me) I ultimately became engaged and charmed. With Christmas, weddings, and romance swirling in the air, this sweet romance warmed my heart.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of Prism Book Tours. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
I love holiday (clean) romance books and I have read other books by this author so I couldn’t wait to read it! It took me several chapters to start liking Theo-I found him rude and arrogant. I did sympathize though with his upbringing and what seemed like “conditional” love by his parents. Goodness his mother was a train wreck in this story! He eventually grew on me and I started to like him more.
Because of growing up in the foster care system, Josie doesn’t have alot of confidence, acceptance or love in her life. She seems afraid to take risks and make decisions; but as a dress shop and designer she realizes she needs to start standing up for herself and be open to new experiences and inspiration. I loved how kind and selfless she was-even if it meant helping others and not making a profit off her wedding gown designs.
Overall this was a sweet holiday story that I enjoyed reading! Letting go of the past, forgiveness and love were all a big part of this story.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
‘People only ever show the finished side of every project, Josie. Often the back side is just too messy.’ (p. 105)
Isn’t that the way with all of our lives? All of us have blemished pasts and our families aren’t always as they seem and that is what Josie Beck finally understands after getting to know businessman Theo Taylor. He, his mother, and sister appear to be living the dream with their wealth and success but it soon becomes apparent that their private family live isn’t as special as people think. Former foster kid Josie is now struggling to create a successful design business to prove her self-worth and to also convince her ex-husband and his family. It is when these two completely different people join efforts to provide Theo’s sister with the perfect wedding gown that a journey begins to falling ‘In Love By Christmas’.
This is the first time that I’ve read any of Cari Lynn Webb’s books and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. She has given readers a great storyline centered around these two people whose past hurts have influenced their present. Theo thinks only of making a profit in business and Josie’s abundant generosity often reduces her profit but their instant chemistry suggests that there could be a workable partnership in their future. There are also several other realistic characters, quirks and all, who flavor this story and help make it such a heartwarming, but realistic, holiday read!
If you are looking for contemporary romance and holiday cheer you will want to read ‘In Love By Christmas’ by Cari Lynn Webb.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. A positive review was not required and these opinions are my own.
In Love by Christmas is a wonderful and sweet story by Cari Lynn Webb. I enjoyed this romance between Theo and Josie. I thought it was fun and entertaining when they were in the same scenes together. I loved watching them grow throughout the book. Even though it is predictable, it is so so good.
I give In Love by Christmas four and a half stars. It is perfect for readers who enjoy a sweet, clean and heartwarming romance. Especially, for those who love stories set during the best time of the year – Christmas.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This was a very sweet and hard earned romance for the Christmas season. We have two characters who come from very different backgrounds yet both did not have the ideal family they always craved. One turned into a perfectionist and the other felt she did not and could not live up to any standard. That she would always be on the outside looking in.
Throw in some wedding planning and a lot of family drama, instead of a bridezilla it was almost a momzilla, and a brother, Theo who is trying to make the whole world believe his family is perfect. For the family business sake.
In he walks into Josie’s boutique and the attraction is there but their differences are too great. They don’t see things the same, she is generous and he sees the need to make a profit. I enjoyed watching these two get to know each other, he was so gruff and serious and Josie was so tenderhearted. He certainly acted a fool sometimes and Josie definitely shed some tears. But the end was most romantic and satisfying for this endearing Christmas 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.
This is a sweet holiday romance story starting Theo Taylor and Josie Beck. This slow-burn romance brings two wary persons who are shaped why their pasts. Through the tribulations of wedding preparations and what it entails, the couple evolves toward better people separately and together. Supported by a myriad of families, friends, and each other along the way, Theo and Josie are delightful to read in this story. I’ll admit, I liked Josie more than Theo, but he did turn a new leaf in the end.
Provided a copy by author for an honest review.
Theo lived for his business and portraying the perfect Taylor family image. He was not sure what to think when he crosses paths with Josie, a designer who owns Rose Petal Boutique. Josie grew up in the foster care system and has always felt like she was never good enough. That feeling was only added to by her ex-husband. She now has a chance to design a wedding dress for Theo’s sister, Adriana. She will really need to believe in herself in order to make this happen. I enjoyed the story and how sparks were flying between the two wounded souls of Theo and Josie. Neither one of them seemed to have the time or want to have these feelings. It was also interesting to read about Theo’s mom and her antics. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
A Christmas wedding and family drama are what bring Theo and Josie together but it’s their mutual interest that keeps bringing them back into each other’s orbit. In Love by Christmas is a sweet and clean holiday read that encompasses some of the highlights of holidays such as traditions and fond memories of the people no longer with us and the challenges of family.
Josie longs to belong to someone. Her kindness and generosity are evident from the first (well, maybe the second) time readers meet her. She loves her work and enjoys helping people to the best of her ability, even if that means not making a profit. Theo is the complete opposite. He’s determined to make his company a booming success, no matter the consequences. There were times I didn’t like Theo very much, but his growth throughout the book is evident.
While I felt there was almost too much of Josie’s reminiscing about Mimi at the beginning of the book (it read to me like the same thing be rehashed several times over), a little less than halfway through the story, the plot picked up.
Through these characters, Cari Lynn Webb examines the truths that holding on to the best parts of your past shapes the person you will become, exploring your passion brings joy, and family comes in all forms (and there’s often more happening than what’s projected on the surface).
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.
I struggled with the first half of the book, because Josie and Theo was too much into their own heads and it became boring. Josie always always doubting herself and Theo thinking he shouldn’t feel anything, if he wanted the family business to succeed. The second half picked up a lot and was worth reading.
Thank you in advance to the author for sending me a complimentary copy to review. A positive review was not requested nor required, and all words are my own.
Despite being a Harlequin reader for many years, this was not only my first introduction to the “Heartwarming” series from Harlequin, but the author, Cari Lynn Webb.
“In Love By Christmas” (also known as “Josie’s Christmas Wish”) is a clean read romance. There are no overt sexual tones, and affection is at a minimum – holding hands or kissing. This is not a “Christian” romance read, so for those looking for a clean romance without Christian themes or tones will find that this book is relatively free of them.
Josie Beck is a budding clothing designer who up-scales used wedding dresses for those who can’t afford a new one, but she also wants to design her own wedding dresses.
Having never had a family due to being rejected for adoption, and also divorced, Josie is used to doing things on her own and in her own way.
Theo Taylor is trying to plan the perfect wedding for his sister Adriana while running their business “Coast to Coast Living”. While their business image is one thing, the family is definitely not in line with the image or brand
Adrianna’s mother has other ideas though. And, once one dress is off the table, Theo is scrambling to find another one for his sister. A mutual friend introduces him to Josie.
He has a meeting with Josie, but is not impressed with her lack of “definite” time tables – worse, her “giving” services away rubs him wrong. Still, he is intrigued by her, but won’t let his emotions get in the way.
Theo wants two original prototypes, but in private, Adrianna has other ideas. She’s a fan of “upscaling” her grandmother’s dress.
Josie has no idea what she is going to design. She doesn’t feel good enough to do it – ideas put there by her ex-husband who didn’t see her clothes as designs, but “homemade”. And, only having her friend and her friend’s family guiding her, Josie is hoping it’ll all work out.
Theo and Adrianna’s mother is out of control trying to plan her own wedding and has no qualms after the conflict with her own daughter’s wedding, causing added tension.
Adding a film crew for a potential TV show into the mix; turns everything into a recipe for disaster. But it could end up for a chance to help Josie succeed (even if she isn’t aware that it’s about to happen). There’s only one small hitch though and it’s one that Josie might not like. It is certain to leave some of her customers heartbroken.
Throughout the story, Theo is torn between the business aspect and seeing what Josie is talking about. And, the more time he spends with her, the more he wants to be part of her world. And, he finds himself slowing down and trying to enjoy life more – if only for brief moments.
And, even though Josie wants to prove she can be successful, she still wants a family to belong to share that success with.
Webb carefully balances multiple conflicts, anticipation, and a happy ending (as most Harlequin books end) in this beautifully written novel.
The story grabbed me from the beginning and held my interest until the end. It was hard putting this one down.
In Love by Christmas is a quintessential holiday romance written by Cari Lynn Webb. It really gets you into the season with it’s descriptions of different holiday locales, and events that really make you feel as if you were there experiencing the season with the characters. It also gives us a peak into the story of two very broken people that through love are able to start to heal the damage to each others hearts.So if you love the holidays, and a sweet love story, then this book has you name written all over it…
In Love by Christmas is a story of finding passion in your work without letting it take over your life. Josie has had a rough life. She grew up in foster care and only Mimi helped her to shape how she wanted her life to be. She is now divorced, starting her own business but still helping those less fortunate which is harming her bottom line. Theo appears to be Scrooge-like, only worrying about business and making a profit. He approaches Josie when he needs a new wedding gown for his sister but is reluctant to hire her because she is not a well-known designer. As their interactions increase, their feelings grow and unbeknownst to them, love is blooming. This is a wonderfully written story filled with emotions, family drama and relationship dynamics that will keep the reader entertained until the last page.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Theo has to find another wedding gown designer quickly. His mother has decided that she wants to wear her daughter’s selection of wedding gown for her own wedding, even though she doesn’t have a fiance.
Theo is directed to a designer who has fantastic ideas, but her wedding business is mostly to redesign and update existing wedding gowns. Josie is ready to become a well known designer. Of course there is disagreement about so many things while the two are attracted to each other.
The book is fun, with a lot of twists and turns in the plot line.
This story revolves around Josie Beck and Theo Taylor.
Josie’s childhood as a foster child was not an easy one, but one woman in her life, Mimi, taught Josie that she could create her memorable moments and that she should always be true to herself. Mimi was also the one that taught her to sew. A trait that inspired her to be the designer she is today. Her specialty is re-creating beautiful dresses from vintage ones.
Theo Taylor is president of a high end company . A man that had little love as a child and one who will do anything for his sister, Adriana who is in need of a wedding gown. But there is also an ulterior motive to his actions.
Though Theo and Josie were total opposites, there was an attraction as well. Little did Theo know that Josie was going to teach him the importance of life.
Paraphrasing some of the messages in the story are :
1- do what you love, so it’s a passion and not work
2- don’t compromise
3- though the past can’t be erased , we can take the good parts and build from them
I have to confess that it wasn’t till I had read 40% of the book, that I finally got engaged, thus the 3 star rating. It wasn’t clear to me Theo’s mother’s background, what the business was all about, the internal dialogues etc. But the message was worth my time.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.