Book Review | Christmas at fireside cabins | By Jenny Hale

by · January 5, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Romance | NetGalley e-ARC
Christmas at fireside cabins
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Published: 14th October, 2020
Escape to the idyllic small town of Pinewood Hills in this enchanting romance, about falling in love under the mistletoe with a sprinkle of Christmas magic… For Lila Evans, Christmas is the toughest time of year––a heartbreaking reminder of losing her father, and just how lonely she is… This year, she’s organized a blissful getaway with her closest friends: just the remedy for the December blues. The countryside resort of Fireside Cabins, tucked away in the snowy Tennessee hills, seems like this year’s perfect setting to get into the festive spirit. But it’s far from a winter wonderland––the crumbling cottage is falling apart, and the owner, a widow named Eleanor Finely, confesses that the cabins are on the brink of closure. Lila and her friends should pack their bags right there and then, but Lila can’t bear to leave the tearful elderly woman. She clearly has no one, and Lila, more than anyone, knows how that feels. In search of holiday cheer, the women find a local coffee shop. But the rugged, surly owner Theo Perry has an apparent aversion to Christmas, seeming downright angry when Lila asks for a peppermint latte. No one in the area knows who he is––but it’s clear he’s running from something. Yet there’s more to this small town than Theo’s frosty reception. As much as his coldness infuriates her, Lila can’t deny that on the rare occasions when he does smile, it feels like coming home. Plus, the cabins are just calling for some festive sparkle. And, unexpectedly, Pinewood Hills could hold a new beginning for Lila… But can she save Fireside Cabins in time for Christmas? With a dusting of festive magic, spiced apple cider and sugarplum pie, could this be the first holiday she doesn’t spend alone? (Goodreads)  

 

 

 

 

My thoughts

 

 

 

Narrative and Plot

 

 

 

Christmas at Fireside Cabins starts off strong with Lila Evans wanting to have one final Christmas hurrah with her besties. That is until she reaches Fireside Cabins. Lilaongs for home and love and she finds her solace with the Christmas celebrations along with her friends – Edie, Charlotte and Piper. At times Lila feels like quite unrealistic but one can see where her heart is coming from. In an ideal world, one might be able to relate to Lila

The plot starts strong and is full of festivities and holiday cheers. The food and the atmosphere makes it a perfect cozy read. But keep in mind, that this is a cheesy holiday romance read and expect no more. The main character did have a compelling voice that kept me going till the end.

 

 

 

Characters and Conflicts

 

 

 

 

 

When it comes to characters, I enjoyed Eleanor and Lila’s friendship. It was two kindred souls meeting and sharing their warmth. However, Lila’s lifelong friends were not given much of that space to shine through. The story quickly shifted to a romance between Theo and Lila.

Now I am all in for a cozy holiday romance and I enjoyed quite a few romantic moments between Lila and Theo. But as I get older, I feel like romanticizing the emotionally closed off hero is a bit problematic. However, the Theo sort of made up for his mishaps in the end. But it just made my brain think – that happens only in fiction.

Another thing that bothered me was a lack of hero’s journey for Lila. Everything just fell into her lap in the end. You do not need your main character to just sit and whine when everyone around is working to solve her issues.

While, what I pointed out are only minor setbacks, it doesn’t not prevent me from enjoying the story as a whole. There is warmth and Christmas spirit filled in every turn of the page. And I loved all those elements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

 

Christmas at Fireside Cabins is a cozy holiday romance that you can escape right away to get some holiday cheer. It might be cheesy but if you’re looking for the seasonal festivities and food, the book wraps it all up in a great package.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2 Responses

  1. Shalini says:
    January 6, 2021 at 9:13 am

    I generally enjoy her books. Hope your next is great

    • Rejitha says:
      January 6, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      Yes I enjoyed her writing. It was very cozy and Christmasy. I am definitely interested in her other works.