The Buchanan sisters all share special childhood memories of 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.

Title:  Home for the Holidays
Series:
Author:  Sara Richardson
Genre:  Romance, Women’s Fiction
Published:  September 22, 2020
Publisher:  Forever
My Rating:  4.5

Home for the Holidays brings estranged family members together once more at their Aunt Sassy’s inn.  Three sisters, with personal issues of their own, make the decision to return to Colorado for one final visit before their aunt moves on from the now slightly rundown inn where memories are around every single corner.  Fifteen years is a long time away, but Sassy’s love for the girls never faltered and they are welcomed back with open arms.

Dahlia, Magnolia, and Rose are facing personal decisions, questions in their relationships that make this getaway time even more precious as the distance from problems will often allow the truth, and the solution to be found.

The cover description really gives the reader a good idea of what to expect in Home for the Holidays.  Yet it doesn’t show the emotional toll that personal life decisions have taken on all of these women, including Sassy.  This time away will allow Dahlia to see herself in a different light far away from the controlling ex-husband who still is trying to pull the puppet strings of their relationship.  For Magnolia, the failed IVF tries have finally reached a point where her husband no longer wants to hold out hope for a child.  Magnolia isn’t there just yet, she may never be and this time at the inn will be a reflective moment for her.  Rose may have fallen in love quickly and agreed to a marriage far too soon as she is now beginning to see her fiancé’s determination to change her even before the vows have been spoken.  She’s second-guessing decisions made at the height of being in love, and being with her sisters and aunt will show her the way to true happiness.

There is a lot going on in Home for the Holidays, yet it flows easily, giving each character the needed time for their own issues, as well as time with family members.  I enjoyed this story so much.  It’s light on the romance side, but it’s there just enough to make the story realistic and provide reasons for some decisions.  Mainly, this story is about family, decisions in the past and for the future, and the possibilities that can come if we hold out for them.  One chapter is closing for each of these women, but another is on the horizon… that is what made their story so heartwarming, and at times, heartbreaking.  Letting go of the past to embrace what may be just ahead.  I was emotionally touched by their stories, and the Holiday theme was perfect for this reunion.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley. 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.*

Available in paperback, audio, or your favorite e-reader (mine is the Kindle)