Reviews

The Christmas Room by Catherine Anderson

dukefn99's review against another edition

4.0

I swear, I don't think there is a Catherine Anderson book that I've read where I haven't shed a few tears. By the end of this one, I was a blubbering fool with a box of tissue close at hand.

I felt the blurb for this book was a little misleading as there was a second romance that was the focus of the story in the beginning. But that said, I found this to be a very satisfying read. I enjoyed the second chance romance and the enemies to lovers tropes. And it was a sweet romance on top of a western. It wasn't so much a Christmas story other than the book ended on Christmas Day. Really it ticked off a lot of the things that I look for in a read, so in the end I was happy.

ianmcnamara's review against another edition

5.0

I always look forward to this authers books coming out, I am a big fan of them and I have not read one yet that I have not enjoyed.

lindscodycats's review against another edition

3.0

I received an ARC from Netgalley. I usually love Catherine Anderson's books and read them all in one setting. This one was different. It took me a bit to warm up to the characters. I love the family dynamics.

mandy_pandy's review against another edition

4.0

3.5

kat_ls's review against another edition

4.0

I’m such a sucker for grumpy old men

stepgg's review against another edition

3.0

It took me a while to get over the unrealistic I'm 26 and my daddy doesn't let me date so I sneak around when I can penis but the rest of the book was enjoyable

bryanfarmer's review against another edition

2.0

I have been so excited to write this review! It started out so good. I was on board with the story...and then...whoa. Not sure what the hell happened. Lots of screwed-up toxic masculinity (the phrase "man-to-man" was said often, and usually after some sort of asshole behavior like face punching), stupid woman-in-peril stuff (a bull almost killed her! Her wedding dress didn't fit right and she turned into a Bridezilla!), people being total assholes to each other (She had cancer and kept it a secret...shun her!), and cowboys who don't like curse words (these guys punch each other, but gasp at the f-word, and never once can they even say the word "hell" in front of a lady!). In all honesty, I almost laughed my ass off through this entire book and how out-of-control is was. Two stars for the first half. Zero stars for the last half.

hmcendree's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

xkay_readsx's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 Stars

This is my first book by Catherine Anderson and what a wonderful read it was.

I appreciate that the book started in August and didn't jump right into Christmas, after all this was released in September. Call me a holiday book rookie, this is my first year reading Christmas book this early. As the story develops through the season, it felt really natural.

I love the setting and also another first to read anything ranch/cowboy related. I loved it. The characters are all likable, especially Sam who is my favorite. It cracks me up when he swears.

The downside was it was a tad too long. Certain topics were mentioned more than once. I didn't enjoy the sneak around part when Cam and Kirstin stayed out either ...the drama afterwards was also unnecessary.

crafalsk264's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Cam McLendon has bought ranch land in the high Montana mountains and along with his 16 year old son (Caleb) and his mother (Maddie) have relocated from California. They are living in a compound of a RV, tents, and sheds until their two houses can be built on the property. After a long day of showing property to potential buyers, he decides to treat himself to dinner at a local cowboy bar. There he meets a beautiful girl named Kirsten Conacher, daughter of the meanest man in the county who has made it an art form to ruin the lives and careers of any man who looks twice at Kirsten. Of course, Cam and Kirsten are soon falling in love.

Their relationship soon comes under stress when Kirsten’s father, Sam, and Maddie, Cam’s mother, become sworn enemies over their children’s liaison. Maddie is also keeping a secret. She has been diagnosed with cancer and because of the deep wounds from her husband’s death of the same disease, she decides to go through her surgery and treatment by herself without telling anyone. As Cam and Kirsten work through their issues, their parents are  becoming friends then loving companions. When a serious accident occurs on the Conacher ranch and Cam is severely injured protecting Kirsten, the entire family begins to become closer. All comes together as the Christmas holidays approach.

This is the first of Catherine Anderson’s books, I have read. The book is long but since two romances and a Scrooge-like conversion on Sam’s part it wasn’t too bad. However I do think it could have been considerably shorter. The characters are likable (or become that way). The story lines are complementary. Altogether a good holiday read. Recommend to readers of Christmas romances, contemporary Women’s literature, and family dynamics.