wordstowhitness's review
5.0
It feels so good to be back in Clementine Creek!
I’ll be honest, I was nervous for this one. It kinda weirded me out to be reading about people who could be my parents in the schmexy way. But I soon forgot all about any of that when the pages started unraveling the story of Cullen and Gwen.
Cullen is a VIBE!
These two fit together so well, and the perfect country girl / city boy story to make us all swoon. Here’s to a man that can treat a lady right in AND out of the bedroom!
I’ll be honest, I was nervous for this one. It kinda weirded me out to be reading about people who could be my parents in the schmexy way. But I soon forgot all about any of that when the pages started unraveling the story of Cullen and Gwen.
Cullen is a VIBE!
These two fit together so well, and the perfect country girl / city boy story to make us all swoon. Here’s to a man that can treat a lady right in AND out of the bedroom!
romancebookaffair's review
5.0
Alexandra Hale delivers to readers a sexy silver fox and a Southern bombshell who show us that a second chance at finding love is possible.
Regular visitors to Clementine Creek will know Cullen and Gwen as an established couple but in this book we get to go back and see how this gentleman courted his lady before seeing how they move towards the future.
Cullen has always looked after his family which includes his daughter Isla, his brother and niece. But he focused on financial security with very little time for affection. Since moving to Clementine Creek he has had a second chance at repairing his relationship with Isla with his time and love. With her love and being enveloped into the Thayer family, he’s making changes for the better.
Gwen is a strong and sassy independent woman who raised her daughter Cheyenne alone. They have a strong relationship and run a successful business together in town. But it’s been more than a long time since she was appreciated and cared for as a woman.
Though he is growing and changing every day, Cullen is still haunted by his past decisions. While giving Gwen her dream holiday in New Zealand he is able to learn to relax, enjoy life and be in the moment. With Gwen by his side, Cullen begins to heal some of his old wounds and really move forward with her to a happily ever after.
We can always trust Alexandra Hale to bring us a balance of emotion and laughter. The ever popular family group chat is running hot and as entertaining as always.
Alexandra Hale has an amazing ability to fold in the progression and milestones of the other characters in the series and have those enhance rather than take away from the main characters in the book.
I loved this novella and I am sure everyone will find a wee slice of heaven in it to enjoy.
Regular visitors to Clementine Creek will know Cullen and Gwen as an established couple but in this book we get to go back and see how this gentleman courted his lady before seeing how they move towards the future.
Cullen has always looked after his family which includes his daughter Isla, his brother and niece. But he focused on financial security with very little time for affection. Since moving to Clementine Creek he has had a second chance at repairing his relationship with Isla with his time and love. With her love and being enveloped into the Thayer family, he’s making changes for the better.
Gwen is a strong and sassy independent woman who raised her daughter Cheyenne alone. They have a strong relationship and run a successful business together in town. But it’s been more than a long time since she was appreciated and cared for as a woman.
Though he is growing and changing every day, Cullen is still haunted by his past decisions. While giving Gwen her dream holiday in New Zealand he is able to learn to relax, enjoy life and be in the moment. With Gwen by his side, Cullen begins to heal some of his old wounds and really move forward with her to a happily ever after.
We can always trust Alexandra Hale to bring us a balance of emotion and laughter. The ever popular family group chat is running hot and as entertaining as always.
Alexandra Hale has an amazing ability to fold in the progression and milestones of the other characters in the series and have those enhance rather than take away from the main characters in the book.
I loved this novella and I am sure everyone will find a wee slice of heaven in it to enjoy.
jlkaad19's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Loved!!
This book was fun and sweet and sexy and just so enjoyable! Reading about characters in their early 50’s was just glorious.
They are retiredish (he is fully retired but she owns a beautiful store she runs with her daughter) and they know what they want out of their life currently.
They are creating memories with their adult children and watching them create families with their partners. It’s just glorious ❤️❤️❤️
This book was fun and sweet and sexy and just so enjoyable! Reading about characters in their early 50’s was just glorious.
They are retiredish (he is fully retired but she owns a beautiful store she runs with her daughter) and they know what they want out of their life currently.
They are creating memories with their adult children and watching them create families with their partners. It’s just glorious ❤️❤️❤️
smithre7's review
5.0
What a great novella! Later in life couple. I loved to follow how they were able to build their relationship foundation and support each and help them with parts of their past that was holding them back. This was a great sweet story with no breakups. If your looking for a fun read with some travel this is a great easy read.
jenniffler's review
5.0
I was privileged to received this ARC and oh look, it’s another Alexandra Hale book that gave me all the happy squee feels!
It made me so happy to see into the relationship between Isla’s dad Cullen and Gwen. Cullen is so smooth and one hot daddy. The attraction they have for each other is serious couples goals. To see them being older than most romance books couples but still be in the excited “honeymoon” phase of their relationship where they can’t keep their hands off each is still adorable and so good to see especially after they both went through a divorce.
I love that this novella was written because it continues to build up the world of Clementine Creek and let’s us learn more about the people who live in it. I am always looking forward to seeing what Alexandra writes next!!
It made me so happy to see into the relationship between Isla’s dad Cullen and Gwen. Cullen is so smooth and one hot daddy. The attraction they have for each other is serious couples goals. To see them being older than most romance books couples but still be in the excited “honeymoon” phase of their relationship where they can’t keep their hands off each is still adorable and so good to see especially after they both went through a divorce.
I love that this novella was written because it continues to build up the world of Clementine Creek and let’s us learn more about the people who live in it. I am always looking forward to seeing what Alexandra writes next!!
lauriereadsrom1's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When a health crisis forces him to reevaluate his priorities, Cullen Andrews realizes that he's let too much of his life pass him by while he buried himself in work. He decides to retire and move to the small town of Clementine Creek, Tennessee to be closer to his daughter Isla and her soon-to-be husband, Hank. His main concern is repairing his relationship with his daughter, but when he meets local boutique owner Gwen Slate, he can't help being immediately smitten. A year later, Cullen plans to take girlfriend Gwen on her dream trip to New Zealand, where they'll celebrate Christmas together, just the two of them. He also hopes to ask her a very special question while they're there...
I don't know how she does it, but Alexandra Hale's stories just keep getting better! I adored this charming novella, which was the perfect quick afternoon read for Christmas in July or anytime. Cullen and Gwen were a wonderful couple; I particularly appreciated how open and honest they were with each other, as well as the way Gwen helped Cullen work through the baggage of his past. I finished their story with a huge smile on my face and know I will be reading it again soon.
I highly recommend "Christmas in Kiwi Country" for all contemporary romance fans and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
I don't know how she does it, but Alexandra Hale's stories just keep getting better! I adored this charming novella, which was the perfect quick afternoon read for Christmas in July or anytime. Cullen and Gwen were a wonderful couple; I particularly appreciated how open and honest they were with each other, as well as the way Gwen helped Cullen work through the baggage of his past. I finished their story with a huge smile on my face and know I will be reading it again soon.
I highly recommend "Christmas in Kiwi Country" for all contemporary romance fans and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
read_mom_repeat's review
fast-paced
5.0
Arc Review: Christmas In Kiwi Country
By: Alexandra Hale
5⭐️
Alexandra Hale does it again!!! This novella is everything from sweet, some spice, and the perfect Happily Ever After!! This was such a fun surprise to go back to Clementine Creek that we all adore, and fall in love with another couple, but an older couple Cullen and Gwen!
Gwen and Cullen are definitely the couple you want to be when you grow up. It’s a beautiful thing when you can fall in love with that special someone later in life.
I want to go to New Zealand because of this book it sounds breathtaking and magical!
We can never forget about the group text messages…they are still my favorite! Hilarious and will never get old!
Thank you so much Alexandra for the Arc of Christmas In Kiwi Country
bookedwithmel's review
5.0
This is Cullen and Gwen’s story. A great later in life romance of two people who spent 20+ years solely focused on their daughters and not themselves. They both are found family members of the Thayers, through marriage and friendship.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Cullen and Gwen going to New Zealand. Alexandra made it sound beautiful and it’s somewhere I’d love to get to someday.
The best part of this book, like all of the Clementine Creek books, is the group chats. Cullen and Gwen are both included this time and I happily guffawed reading the messages this time around.
This novella is the perfect ‘hello again’ to Clementine Creek. Alexandra is doing a fantastic job of keeping the Thayers in the forefront of our minds for months on ends. As always I am honored to have received an ARC and to be able to message Alexandra while I read.
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