She’s finally come home, but will she choose to stay?After twelve years spent building her career in Los Angeles, Bailey Boone returns home to Ministry, Alabama, weeks before Christmas with a large cast and crew. She’s desperate for a miracle to save her company’s big budget holiday film that just lost its winter wonderland location. Bailey may have bolted from Ministry before the ink on her … the ink on her diploma dried, but her hometown definitely knows how to throw an unforgettable southern Christmas. Except she forgot about the ghosts of Christmas past she left behind—especially her first love, Seth.
Sheriff Seth McKay never forgot the girl he let go so many years ago. They were soulmates, but he knew Bailey needed more than Ministry could offer. Now she’s back and more stunning and confident than ever. Despite the years, their connection and chemistry still burn bright. Can Seth find his own Christmas miracle and convince Bailey to write her story in Ministry…with him?
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Thank you to Kate Rock Book Tours for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Noel, Alabama is a fun second chance, small town, Christmas romance. The basic premise is that Bailey Boone, a Hollywood assistant, saves the film she is working on by relocating cast and crew to her hometown for a Christmas shoot. While there she meets up with the ex-boyfriend she left behind when she went away to college to follow her dreams.
The story has all the elements I want from a Christmas romance:
– cute small town bursting with holiday cheer
– likable main characters (how can you not love a County Sheriff and a super organized Hollywood assistant)
– quirky locals
– supportive and fun family and friends
– fun plot line where you get a behind the scenes look at Hollywood filmmaking
So if you are in the mood for a cute small town romance with lots of holiday spirit, I highly recommend this one.
This is book five in a series but the only one I’ve read and I don’t feel like I missed anything. I can definitely see giving the other books in this series a try though!
Noel, Alabama is the fifth book in the Alabama series by Susan Sands. I loved this second chance love story. Bailey left her best friend and love of her life to chase her dreams. After losing her mom at a young age Bailey left her family, her love Seth, and home town to find what she is missing in her life, only to come home 12 years later to realize everything she needed was right their. Will she be able to rekindle the love she left behind and find her place in Ministry. The characters are likeable and loved. An the small town feel you get from Ministry is very warm and welcoming. All together this book is a wonderfully written Christmas story to read.
Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a sand alone. Only thing is that after reading the first book, I will say that I will definitely be going back and reading the others in this series. I received a ARC of this book from the publisher and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Noel, Alabama is the fifth title in the Alabama series and this one will grab hold of your emotions and wring every little bit of Christmas joy from them quite lovingly. Bailey’s and Seth’s romance stands on its own so if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series you’ll feel quite comfortable in Ministry, Alabama. If you’re returning to this series then you’ll once again find that small-town charm, many familiar faces about town, and will quickly feel right at home once again. I would suggest the entire series for they are all wonderful stories – but if that isn’t possible, then sit back and enjoy Noel, Alabama with no worries about feeling the least bit lost.
Twelve years ago Bailey left her hometown for college and to follow her dream. Since her mother’s death, Bailey has felt constrained by her hometown for her dreams felt much larger than Ministry, Alabama. She left her father, her friends, and Seth behind as she set out to discover what was her life. Regrets? Of course, some, after all, Seth was her best friend in addition to the boy she’d come to love… but at that time the love wasn’t stronger than the need for “something else” so Bailey left and didn’t look back for more than a decade.
Today, Bailey is an assistant working on a film that has lost its winter wonderland shooting location. And she just happens to know a place that is full of Christmas charm and beauty. Ministry, Alabama… home. She’d meant to arrive, get the movie wrapped, and out of town as quickly as possible without stirring up old memories, but that’s not how things worked out.
Seth has never wanted the world beyond Ministry, Alabama. He’s happy and content as a County Sheriff right where he is in the small town of his birth, surrounded by friends, family, and the slow pace of home. He’d been heartbroken when Bailey left, but he’d always known that her dreams were too big for their hometown to hold her there. Time moved on. Now, Bailey is back home, temporarily at least, and she’s more beautiful than ever… and just as if she’d never left those old feelings came pouring back for him. Is it possible to show Bailey all she’s missed by following her dreams? Or is this just another stop on the road of life for them both, soon to fade into the past once again? He’s not sure – but he’s going to do all he can to show Bailey that they belong together right where they started.
Noel, Alabama is a slow-burn, second chance at getting love right this time around type of story that is full of small-town charm, interesting secondary characters, old-book friends, and the feeling of coming home. There are sexual tensions between Seth and Bailey, certainly, but the focus is on falling in love with the past seen through adult eyes as this couple slowly makes their way back to each other. Second chance, perhaps. But it felt more like really seeing each other as they are now, and still knowing that the love that was between them can mature into something that feels new, feels like forever.
I felt right at home with Bailey and Seth in Noel, Alabama – and certainly enjoyed this return visit very much. If you’re in the mood for a really good Romance set in a small Southern town that really knows how to bring on the Christmas spirit then this is a story that you’ll want to pick up for your holiday reading… or anytime, really.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Tule Publishing. 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.*
This book reminded me so much of growing up in the South (Memphis) it made me homesick. Noel, Alabama by Susan Sands is the 5th book in her Alabama series and each one can be read as stand-alone books and enjoyed. But oh my let me share when you get the series and read them together they will brighten your life and especially the holidays as she has a couple for you.
Her latest book is all about coming home and second chances. Not just with the boy (Seth) that Bailey left behind when she left Ministry, Alabama for the bright lights of Cali and college. All Bailey had ever wanted to do was expand on her writing she did as a child and her art and it seems she had forgotten that because well she did have to earn a living.
What brought her back home to Ministry after only “fly-bys” the past 12 years or her daddy flying out to LA to see her? Well, the movie she was working on needed a place to finish the Christmas movie. And her town IS that.HOT Sherrif Seth now that he has seen Bailey will do all he can to convince her she wants to stay in Ministry after the movie is complete. Will the 12 years apart mean something to the two of these? And not only that Bailey means so much to this town, can she see that as well? OH my, this book is just wonderful and brought back so many wonderful memories from my childhood in the South!
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I found this book to be wonderful and it checked off so many of my favorite tags for a book! I read book one in the series many years ago and it didn’t hurt my enjoyment that I hadn’t read any of the others. However when I get some spare time I plan to return to this sweet Alabama series. The characters were so genuine and likable. Susan painted a picture of a whimsical town with a slower pace where the people cared about each other. It’s a bonus we get to share in the holiday season too.
This is a second Chance romance at Christmas. The heroine, Bailey Boone left Ministry and her soul mate, Seth McKay 12 years ago to go to college in California and never returned. She works for a film company whose current movie just lost its location setting. She suggests having the whole crew come to her hometown as it has lots of Christmas decorations, spirit and activities that the production crew can join in. She goes ahead to set up lodging, get permits and consults with the town leaders, including Sheriff Seth McKay.
Bailey and Seth have an initially awkward and uncomfortable meeting after her abrupt departure 12 years earlier. He still loves her and she tries to ignore her still present feelings for him. He is ever a gentleman and jumps in to help her with all aspects of her job. She learns that their parents, always good friends are now dating since both have lost their spouses. The town welcomes her and she realizes how much she has missed being there and her dad and Seth. Before, no one talked about her mom after her death and so she learns things about her and her creative side. She finds her old journals and some of her moms and she realizes she missed writing and drawing since she left Ministry. Seth and Bailey spend a lot of time together and he would like nothing less than her to move back. However, he realizes she left for bigger things and won’t try to hold her back. After an injury, Bailey starts to think about what is important and what she wants going forward.
I gave this 5 stars as it is well written, the plot is so enjoyable and as I mentioned earlier, the characters are very pleasant and easy to like. It is a great addition to the holiday romance genre.
I was so happy to return to the small town of Ministry, Alabama! It’s been three (!!!!) years since my last visit (yes, I looked it up) and Susan Sands’s latest, NOEL. ALABAMA didn’t disappoint. It’s the fifth book in the Alabama series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Sands has put together the perfect Christmas read with the beautifully decorated small town of Ministry, chock full of holiday events, a strong female protagonist, a strong male protagonist not afraid to step back and let her lead, family, and a host of other fun characters that make you wish you could visit or live in Ministry. The addition of bringing Hollywood to town to film a holiday movie pushed it to the next level. I felt like I was reading about my favorite Hallmark movie being filmed.
On top of being a holiday novel, we have a sweet second-chance romance. Bailey has worked hard to be successful in her career but coming home reminds her that of what she’s given up: her hometown, her father, Seth, and the creativity that started her on this adventure. Seth has always loved Bailey, and his job as Sheriff has him working side-by-side with her. Can them working together remind Bailey of what’s missing in her life? Bailey’s homecoming is a heart-warming journey to look at her past, present, and future.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and put some holiday music on in the background while you enjoy a visit to Ministry.
Thanks to the Publisher for an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own.
#NoelAlabama #MinistryAlabama #SusanSands #ReadzTule #TulePublishing
This is a wonderful read all about love You are not only drawn into the unforgettable love of Seth and Bailey but also the love of family and friends and their love of their community
Twelve years earlier Bailey couldn’t wait to leave now she has returned after building a career in Los Angeles She needs to complete a Christmas film and where better than her home town that absolutely rocks doing a southern Christmas But it also puts her back in the path of Sheriff Seth McKay the boy she left behind is all man now and he has never forgotten his first love Can he win her heart this time You will have to read to see
Noel, Alabama by Susan Sands is her fifth Alabama book. It is a story of coming to terms with loss, remembering the good, recouping the possible, but most of all finding yourself and the love you left behind. As the description stated Ministry, Alabama absolutely knows how to celebrate Christmas. That is exactly what Bailey Boone needs. Honestly in this time of so much still being cancelled it is what we all need. Experiencing it with Bailey and former sweetheart Sheriff Seth McKay is a blessing for them and us.
You can go home again, wiser, and older. You can find the parts of yourself that you left behind. You can find love, community, and family. This enjoyable story reminds us.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love Christmas stories and am always ready to sit down and read them. This one is book five in a small town series. Honestly, I didn’t know it was book 5 when I started it. Bailey is a location scout for a big time Hollywood movie but the film has to change locations last minute. She, eager to please, suggests her hometown in Alabama. Of course, the ex she left is now the sheriff and the one she needs to work with to secure permission to film.
I don’t know if this was her intention, however, I was getting Sweet Home Alabama vibes throughout the book. I could see Reese playing Bailey as her big city job descends on a town that is just as sleepy as it is picturesque.
The story was predictable in the sense that you know how it’s going to turn out…mostly because you’re hoping it’ll take that route. However, I enjoyed the journey getting there. This is just the book, though I’d start with book 1, to get you in the spirit of the holiday.
Noel, Alabama by Susan Sands
She’s finally come home, but will she choose to stay?
After twelve years spent building her career in Los Angeles, Bailey Boone returns home to Ministry, Alabama, weeks before Christmas with a large cast and crew. She’s desperate for a miracle to save her company’s big budget holiday film that just lost its winter wonderland location. Bailey may have bolted from Ministry before the ink on her diploma dried, but her hometown definitely knows how to throw an unforgettable southern Christmas. Except she forgot about the ghosts of Christmas past she left behind—especially her first love, Seth.
Sheriff Seth McKay never forgot the girl he let go so many years ago. They were soulmates, but he knew Bailey needed more than Ministry could offer. Now she’s back and more stunning and confident than ever. Despite the years, their connection and chemistry still burn bright. Can Seth find his own Christmas miracle and convince Bailey to write her story in Ministry…with him?
This is Bailey Boone and Seth McKay’s story.
Bailey Boone pulled open one of the two impressive old leaded glass doors of the Ministry Inn and nearly dropped her Tumi carry-on roller bag at the unexpected, and very loud jingling of bells that knocked against the glass.
Did they still hang bells from the doors of every business in this town? Clearly it was still a thing here in Ministry, Alabama. Or maybe it was only for Christmas. Because it was December first, which meant Ministry was decked out in its full holiday finery, from streetlights wrapped like candy canes to the faux snow sprayed around the edges of every store front in town, despite the questionably fall-ish temps in the South. But that could change on a dime around here, and Bailey prayed it would for her selfish purposes.
That’s exactly why she’d landed back here. Christmas.Not the holiday as much as the décor.
Sheriff Seth McKay never forgot the girl he let go so many years ago. They were soulmates, but he knew Bailey needed more than Ministry could offer.
Now she’s back and more stunning and confident than ever. Despite the years, their connection and chemistry still burn bright.
Can Seth find his own Christmas miracle and convince Bailey to write her story in Ministry…with him?
I highly recommend reading.
Noel, Alabama by Susan Sands is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Susan Sands.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I hadn’t read the previous books in this series so I read Noel Alabama as a standalone. I loved Ministry Alabama all decked out for the season. Loved the storyline between Bailey and Seth.
I enjoyed revisiting Ministry.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Second chances
Part of a series: Alabama
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
This was really an enjoyable book. All the elements of Christmas in a small-town atmosphere with a bit of angst and a wonderful cast of characters. I have not read any of the previous books in the Alabama series as of yet but after reading this one, I definitely am looking forward to it. One of my favorite aspects of romance novels are the small-town tropes. Add Christmas and a bit of whimsy and I’m very happy. In addition to reading and loving this book, I am happy to say that I have found a new author that I like. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
Bailey and Seth…..
Why is it that one half of a couple is always eager to run away from their hometown? And in doing that, inevitably breaking the heart of their soulmate. I just don’t get it. So many romance novels in the second chance genre go this way. Unless there is a damn good reason, I have trouble forgiving. I know that Bailey needed to bolt to make her dreams come true and I am fine with that. But rarely coming home to visit is what bothers me the most. Thankfully, I was able to forgive her.
Seth never left Noel. It is and always will be his home. If only he could make Bailey see how wonderful Noel is and how much he still loves her. When Bailey comes to town with a film crew she will find more than the hometown Christmas she has always loved. She finds herself wanting another chance at love with Seth. The development of Bailey and Seth as a couple is slow which I liked. While the background focus is filming the movie and Bailey making sure her bosses are happy, she and Seth become friends again. Of course, Seth is being understandably cautious with his heart this time. I truly enjoyed watching all their interactions. This couple was mature and courteous of each other. In fact I adored every single character on the pages; some of which I am eager to read about in the earlier books of this series.
The pace of this book is perfect. The author gave me not only a satisfying story with a great ending, but she truly out did herself with the Christmas aspect. Who knows how I will be able to celebrate our usual Christmas this year with everything going on in the world today. 2020 has not been a good year. So, when I am gifted with stories such as this one, I am happy. I absolutely recommend this book. If you are a lover of Christmas romances, Noel, Alabama is a must read!
This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
, , by , is part of her series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Bailey left her small town of Ministry, Alabama, years ago, to pursue her Hollywood career. She comes back home a few weeks before Christmas, needing a miracle to save her company’s holiday film that just lost its winter wonderland location. While there, working with her team to put the movie together, she’s brought back to the place of small town friends & family that know how to make an unforgettable southern Christmas. Of course, her soulmate, Seth, who was left behind in her dust, is still there and the sparks are, too. There’s hope as the pair pick right back up and maybe have a chance of making a life together in Ministry.
This book brings joy with a small town we all want to be a part of, especIally this time of year. I was filled with happiness while reading this uplifting story.
Now, I need to go back to Ministry and read the other books in this unforgettable series!
Ministry, Alabama knows how to celebrate Christmas. When Bailey’s company needs a new filming location for their holiday movie, she recommends her old hometown even though she hasn’t returned in years. Will she be welcomed back into town and be able to navigate the change in film location?
Although this is the 5th book in a series, it works well as a stand alone. I love the idea of a town transforming so much for Christmas, since it is my favorite holiday. Susan Sands also does a great job in capturing the small town vibes of a community and how everyone knows and looks out for each other. The setting sounds magical and makes me want to take a trip!
Thank you to Susan Sands and Kate Rock Book Tours for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Second chance romances are so winning especially when time has elapsed and distance is involved. This is a delightful novel about finding your way back to whom and to what you really value.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is book five in the Alabama series and I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Oh how I love a second chance romance, and this author really knows how to write one, I realized just how much when the anticipation of Bailey and Seth’s first together again kiss had me breathlessly awaiting their lips to touch after so many years.
So many great characters in this book, I especially loved Bailey’s dad and Seth’s mom, and the small town feel of Bailey’s home town just added to the contentment of this feel good read.
Noel, Alabama is the quintessential Christmas novel–set in a small town brimming with Christmas festivities, quirky and delightful characters, and a second chance love story that will warm your heart. Bailey left her hometown when she was 18, searching for herself, trying to fill the missing parts of her that were left empty after the death of her mother when she was a young girl. But she also left behind her father, her hometown, and Seth, the boy she’d always loved. Returning 12 years later as part of a film crew making a movie in Ministry, Alabama, it also reunites Bailey and Seth, stirring up old feelings as well as old hurts. I loved these two endearing characters; their story is captivating and honest. Although this book is Book 5 of a series, it is a wonderful standalone novel. Having read the other 4 books, though, it was fun to catch up with the townspeople I’d met previously, and I’d love to return to Ministry, Alabama again! Grab a cup of hot chocolate, light the fire, cozy up under a soft throw, and enjoy this festive and lovely story!
NOEL, ALABAMA is the first book I have read by Susan Sands and it will not be the last one. I like her style of writing. Her characters are realistic and well developed. The situations and settings are well drawn. Her description of what is involved in filming a movie on location was detailed and interesting. There is much more involved than one would think. Her description, though detailed, wasn’t boring or including too much minutia. Bailey Boone couldn’t wait to leave home in small town Alabama to pursue her dreams in the film industry. She left Seth McKay behind with a broken heart. She has avoided going home, not willing to face him, managing to avoid him the few times she has visited her father. Now she is back arranging for a Hollywood filming company to use her home town for a movie shoot at Christmas. She must work with Seth to get things arranged. This visit home and working with those she grew up with makes her take another look at her life, her goals, what she has accomplished, and what is important. The pace of the story is perfect. The details of the movie industry, the town, and the people who populate her work and the town bring it all to life. It was a pleasant, satisfying read.
Christmas in Noel, Alabama, is like Christmas nowhere else. Or so it feels like to Bailey Boone who has returned back to her hometown which she left over a decade ago. Bailey is coming back to Noel with a film crew and cast to finish filming a holiday movie. Bailey left Noel twelve years ago to build a film career leaving behind her boyfriend, Seth McKay.
Sheriff Seth McKay has moved on but has never forgotten Bailey. And now she is back in town. Despite the years that have passed , their chemistry is still there. Can Seth and Bailey find a way back together? Well of course since this is a romance but the journey they take is where the fun is.
This is a short sweet holiday novel to while away a cold weekend.
I did receive a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.