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Wrapped Up in Christmas #2
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy
When a quilt shop owner
finds a former Marine’s journal,
she longs to heal his heart…
When Sophie Davis sorts through a box of donated books to her church, she’s surprised to discover a soldier’s journal. As the daughter of a veteran who watched her father struggle over the years, she feels a deep connection to the man who wrote the emotional entries.
Former Marine Cole Aaron battled to find peace after returning to civilian life. He’s always needed to protect others. Now, fighting fires in Pine Hill, Kentucky helps him put out the demons within him. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal from when he’d first returned stateside, Cole can’t believe it was in the box he’d donated. Not wanting to face painful memories, he tells her to trash it.
Sophie and Cole are drawn together as they both volunteer for their community, but it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future…one touched by joy?
This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.
finds a former Marine’s journal,
she longs to heal his heart…
When Sophie Davis sorts through a box of donated books to her church, she’s surprised to discover a soldier’s journal. As the daughter of a veteran who watched her father struggle over the years, she feels a deep connection to the man who wrote the emotional entries.
Former Marine Cole Aaron battled to find peace after returning to civilian life. He’s always needed to protect others. Now, fighting fires in Pine Hill, Kentucky helps him put out the demons within him. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal from when he’d first returned stateside, Cole can’t believe it was in the box he’d donated. Not wanting to face painful memories, he tells her to trash it.
Sophie and Cole are drawn together as they both volunteer for their community, but it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future…one touched by joy?
This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
November 30, 2020
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn ticks all the boxes when it comes to finding a Christmas romance and feel good story in one. This is the perfect Hallmark Christmas movie in audiobook form. It is sweet and romantic, with an edge of tension to build the story while peppered with all kinds of goodies related to holiday cheer, charity, and church.
The brooding hero, Cole and naive bell, Sophie are an adorable pair in that opposites attract. The author creates a sweet dynamic between Cole and Sophie. It starts off pretty tense and a little icy but slowly thaws to a warm and unassuming fondness for one another that the other is resisting.
This story is sweet and charming with a hint of conflict to move the narrative forward. You’ll have all the Christmas feels and innocent romance in this story!
Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Hallmark Publishing for a copy of this audiobook for review!
The brooding hero, Cole and naive bell, Sophie are an adorable pair in that opposites attract. The author creates a sweet dynamic between Cole and Sophie. It starts off pretty tense and a little icy but slowly thaws to a warm and unassuming fondness for one another that the other is resisting.
This story is sweet and charming with a hint of conflict to move the narrative forward. You’ll have all the Christmas feels and innocent romance in this story!
Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Hallmark Publishing for a copy of this audiobook for review!
January 19, 2021
This book is a sweet, feel good story that takes place in Kentucky during the holiday season. Two people are brought together when a journal is given to a charity event by accident. Cole Aaron is newly out of the military and new resident of Pine Hill. He had a traumatic event in Afghanistan and is now a firefighter in the small town. Sophie Davis has always lived in Pine Hill. She is going through a box given to her church charity where she finds the journal. She is able to find the owner of the journal by a Christmas card that was in the box. She had already read the journal and was drawn to the writer, feeling his pain. Her own father had a terrible experience during Desert Storm and eventually left his family. Cole doesn't want to have anything to do with Sophie or anyone else on a deep basis actually feeling unworthy. Thrown together by his buddies at the firehouse, the two work on a toy drive together. Sophie's joy and happiness wear on Cole's rough shell over time.
While this is a great holiday read, it is a good book to read anytime for an uplifting and touching story with a mild inspirational thread running through it.
I received a complimentary ARC from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
While this is a great holiday read, it is a good book to read anytime for an uplifting and touching story with a mild inspirational thread running through it.
I received a complimentary ARC from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
November 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Wrapped up in Christmas Joy is the first Christmas book I've read in a long time and I'm excited to read a few Christmas-y books after this one. I'm curious to see what there is out there as I was never really interested in them before.
In this book, you'll follow Sophie and Cole. One loves Christmas, the other don't. To him, it's just another day. When Cole forgets his journal in the donation pile, Sophie ends up reading it because she couldn't find a name to give it back until the end. Upset, Cole hates that Sophie knows what he did in his military days. Especially since he likes her.
Overall, a nice read. There were some pretty fun moments and I had a smile on my face listening to those. This book also had a few Christmas activities and it was cute but I found the "wrapping up" a little old-fashioned but it was alright. I almost forgot to mention the sides characters, they were funny & interesting.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
Wrapped up in Christmas Joy is the first Christmas book I've read in a long time and I'm excited to read a few Christmas-y books after this one. I'm curious to see what there is out there as I was never really interested in them before.
In this book, you'll follow Sophie and Cole. One loves Christmas, the other don't. To him, it's just another day. When Cole forgets his journal in the donation pile, Sophie ends up reading it because she couldn't find a name to give it back until the end. Upset, Cole hates that Sophie knows what he did in his military days. Especially since he likes her.
Overall, a nice read. There were some pretty fun moments and I had a smile on my face listening to those. This book also had a few Christmas activities and it was cute but I found the "wrapping up" a little old-fashioned but it was alright. I almost forgot to mention the sides characters, they were funny & interesting.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
December 24, 2020
What could be better than watching a Hallmark movie, listening to a Hallmark book! Filled with charm, sweetness, a couple battling with their feelings and of course a happy ending.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
November 8, 2020
Sophie Davis owns a quilt shop, Threaded Needle in Pine Hill.
Her passion is Quilts of Valor, she along with others make quilts in this nonprofit organization for military and veterans.
This book came alive for me as I read about Sophie finding a journal written by a soldier who has returned from war. Being she lives in a small town she believes this journal was mistakenly donated and she sets out to find it's owner.
When she does find him he's convinced she feels sorry for him after she reads how he details the pain he went through during the war. This is not something people can turn off once they return to civilian life, it becomes part of who they are.
Still not convinced Sophie could actually find an attraction in him, Cole a former marine is grumpy towards her thinking it'll scare her off.
What Cole doesn't count on is the determination Sophie has to get through to this firefighter's heart and just maybe things can be set ablaze.
This heartwarming Christmas book shows determination through persistence,strength triumphing over weakness and understanding.
I recommend it.
Published October 27th 2020 by Hallmark Publishing
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Her passion is Quilts of Valor, she along with others make quilts in this nonprofit organization for military and veterans.
This book came alive for me as I read about Sophie finding a journal written by a soldier who has returned from war. Being she lives in a small town she believes this journal was mistakenly donated and she sets out to find it's owner.
When she does find him he's convinced she feels sorry for him after she reads how he details the pain he went through during the war. This is not something people can turn off once they return to civilian life, it becomes part of who they are.
Still not convinced Sophie could actually find an attraction in him, Cole a former marine is grumpy towards her thinking it'll scare her off.
What Cole doesn't count on is the determination Sophie has to get through to this firefighter's heart and just maybe things can be set ablaze.
This heartwarming Christmas book shows determination through persistence,strength triumphing over weakness and understanding.
I recommend it.
Published October 27th 2020 by Hallmark Publishing
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 7, 2020
Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn is a great, heartwarming, sweet and romantic Christmas novel.
It was truly wonderful reading Sophie and Cole’s separate and combined journeys. It was a relaxing and satisfying festive story.
Anyone that enjoys holiday themed books and a great romance will enjoy this book.
5/5 stars
Thank you Hallmark Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
It was truly wonderful reading Sophie and Cole’s separate and combined journeys. It was a relaxing and satisfying festive story.
Anyone that enjoys holiday themed books and a great romance will enjoy this book.
5/5 stars
Thank you Hallmark Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
September 10, 2024
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is the third book in Janice Lynn's Wrapped Up in Christmas series. This story was a feel good Christmas novel, and a sweet romance novel. I didn't want this story to end because it was just that good!! Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy tugged on my heart strings a bit, but it had me hooked through the whole story.
Sophie Davis owns a shop, Threaded Needle with her sister in Pine Hill Kentucky. Sophie also makes quilts for those who need a feel good reminder that they are not alone and need to feel loved when they get back from serving their country. Sophie's dad was a veteran and saw him struggle, so that's where her need for making quilts comes in. When Sophie is going through her church's charity donation box, she finds a soldiers journal with his name in it, Sophie feels a deep connection to the man who wrote it and his emotional stories.
Cole Aaron is a former marine who is fighting his demons after returning to civilian life. Cole is now a firefighter in Pine Hill Kentucky. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall where Cole works he tells Sophie to trash the journal because he doesn't want to face those painful memories that he wrote. Cole wants nothing to do with Sophie because he doesn't want to hurt her, but Cole and Sophie are drawn together when they are paired up to do their community toy drive.
Sophie absolutely loves Christmas but Cole just thinks it's another day and wants nothing to do with anything Christmas. My heart broke for Cole and Sophie because Sophie just wanted to help Cole and he just kept pushing her away, and Cole because he's fighting his demons.
Sophie Davis owns a shop, Threaded Needle with her sister in Pine Hill Kentucky. Sophie also makes quilts for those who need a feel good reminder that they are not alone and need to feel loved when they get back from serving their country. Sophie's dad was a veteran and saw him struggle, so that's where her need for making quilts comes in. When Sophie is going through her church's charity donation box, she finds a soldiers journal with his name in it, Sophie feels a deep connection to the man who wrote it and his emotional stories.
Cole Aaron is a former marine who is fighting his demons after returning to civilian life. Cole is now a firefighter in Pine Hill Kentucky. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall where Cole works he tells Sophie to trash the journal because he doesn't want to face those painful memories that he wrote. Cole wants nothing to do with Sophie because he doesn't want to hurt her, but Cole and Sophie are drawn together when they are paired up to do their community toy drive.
Sophie absolutely loves Christmas but Cole just thinks it's another day and wants nothing to do with anything Christmas. My heart broke for Cole and Sophie because Sophie just wanted to help Cole and he just kept pushing her away, and Cole because he's fighting his demons.
October 7, 2020
Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn is a great, heartwarming, sweet and romantic Christmas novel.
It was truly wonderful reading Sophie and Cole’s separate and combined journeys. It was a relaxing and satisfying festive story.
Anyone that enjoys holiday themed books and a great romance will enjoy this book.
5/5 stars
Thank you Hallmark Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
It was truly wonderful reading Sophie and Cole’s separate and combined journeys. It was a relaxing and satisfying festive story.
Anyone that enjoys holiday themed books and a great romance will enjoy this book.
5/5 stars
Thank you Hallmark Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
December 2, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark publishing for allowing me to read and review this eARC.
This is a grumpy/sunshine Christmas romance about an ex-military fireman named Cole and a quilt shop owner named Sophie. One day Sophie finds Cole's journal from his days in the military in a box of books. She doesn't know who he is so she reads it, but awhile later runs into him and instantly feels like she knows him. However, he is not receptive or eager to start a relationship with this Christmas loving sunshine. He has a lot of unresolved trauma and PTSD and he doesn't want to be in a relationship and doesn't want to talk about any of the stuff in his journal. He feels like she pities him so he's a jerk in response for 90% of the book. They have to work together on a toy drive for the community, and eventually he lets down his guard.
My complaints about this book were that Cole was just such a jerk. I wanted Sophie to stand up for herself and just forget about him or put him in his place! I also thought the commentary and generalizations about the military that her family has were gross and although she did speak out against that I just didn't like it. I also thought the pacing got a little slow for such a short book. Overall, I have read better Christmas books and probably won't watch the movie, but maybe read this if you love any of the aforementioned tropes.
This is a grumpy/sunshine Christmas romance about an ex-military fireman named Cole and a quilt shop owner named Sophie. One day Sophie finds Cole's journal from his days in the military in a box of books. She doesn't know who he is so she reads it, but awhile later runs into him and instantly feels like she knows him. However, he is not receptive or eager to start a relationship with this Christmas loving sunshine. He has a lot of unresolved trauma and PTSD and he doesn't want to be in a relationship and doesn't want to talk about any of the stuff in his journal. He feels like she pities him so he's a jerk in response for 90% of the book. They have to work together on a toy drive for the community, and eventually he lets down his guard.
My complaints about this book were that Cole was just such a jerk. I wanted Sophie to stand up for herself and just forget about him or put him in his place! I also thought the commentary and generalizations about the military that her family has were gross and although she did speak out against that I just didn't like it. I also thought the pacing got a little slow for such a short book. Overall, I have read better Christmas books and probably won't watch the movie, but maybe read this if you love any of the aforementioned tropes.
December 2, 2020
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Like Sarah and Bodie in the first book, “Wrapped Up in Christmas,” the author focuses on Sophie and Cole in this one. I liked Cole more than Bodie because he was challenging to open up to Sophie. My heart went out to Sophie whenever Cole was harsh at her or pushed her away.
There are so many scenes that make this story memorable. I loved the parts where Sophie gets stuck in the tree to rescue the cat and calls Cole to come and save her. Additionally, the author also creates magical moments when they go sledding together in Thrill hill or first meet at the Threaded Needle to help with the preparations. Other moments include playing the word game with their friends and how they get to know each other in Lou’s chili.
Moreover, Like the previous book, the author also gives the book a sense of community. I loved seeing Sarah and Bodie’s wedding and Rosie and Lou’s side storyline. Moreover, Isabelle and Andrew made beautiful supporting characters as they support Sophie and Cole to be together.
Also, the book brings out the joy of Christmas! I feel like I am in the Christmas mood after reading the story. I wish I stayed in a place like Pine Hill to work on projects like “make your own Stocking” and have the Butterfly made a snowflake.
Overall, I thought both the books in this series were excellent! I recommend reading it if you want a cute Hallmark themed Christmas Romance. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 24, 2020
#FirstLine - “I’ll pay somebody fifty bucks to take my place, “ Cole Aaron offered his fellow firefighters at the Pine Hill Fire Department.
This book was everything I needed it to be on Christmas Eve. It was sweet, had amazing characters and a setting you wish you could escape into. I loved that there was a lot of heart wrapped into the story, as well at patriotism, humor, small town relationship and romance. It was beautifully written and allowed the reader to be pulled in and watch the story unfold. I felt like I was inside a Hallmark movie and I loved every minute of it. A must read for Christmas lovers like myself! Highly recommend!!!
This book was everything I needed it to be on Christmas Eve. It was sweet, had amazing characters and a setting you wish you could escape into. I loved that there was a lot of heart wrapped into the story, as well at patriotism, humor, small town relationship and romance. It was beautifully written and allowed the reader to be pulled in and watch the story unfold. I felt like I was inside a Hallmark movie and I loved every minute of it. A must read for Christmas lovers like myself! Highly recommend!!!
August 21, 2020
Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy is the small town, I'd say slow burn romance between Sophie and Cole. While serving on his last deployment, Cole who was a Marine wrote in a journal. His entries were very descriptive and heartbreaking. He put the journal in a bin or something upon returning to the states not knowing that it was a donation bin. Sophie finds the journal and reads it (all of this happens before the story) Sophie tracks Cole down wanting to put a face with the person whose journal she couldn't put down. He is now a civilian firefighter and the fire house always assists with the local toy drive so as much as Cole wants to keep his distance from Sophie-it's impossible. The spark is noticeable amongst everyone, so everyone joins in, in finding ways for these two to spend time together.
One gripe that I had in 2019 was romances marketed as "Christmas Romances" weren't actually feeling very Christmas'ey so that is something I am paying even more attention in 2020. I am happy to say that Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy, mentally transported me out of this 100+ degree South Texas heat to a small town with beautiful snow falling, hot chocolate to drink, wrapped in a warm quilt.
The lie that Cole tells himself basically 90% of this book is that Sophie pities him; she is only nice to him out of pity, only hangs out with him out of pity. Despite all of the nice, genuine things she does, and the moments where he lets his guard down a little..he always falls back on, she pities him after having read his journal. This honestly got a bit frustrating after a while but it wasn't a bad frustrating. You want to shake Cole and yell, SHE REALLY LIKES YOU, CHILL! But he really has to figure it out for himself. A lot of his issues have to do with some of his Marines not making it home and that survivor's guilt of being the one that did. So, you understand where his head is mentally and how he uses this to rationalize the lie about Sophie and her intentions that he continues to tell himself.
I liked Sophie and how despite what happened to her family, she still has such love and respect for military members. I love how she uses something she is very good at doing as a way to give something back to those who serve. She is very selfless and there was never any doubt that her heart was in the right place. There were a few times I was conflicted about her character but this is more of a preference thing-I know Cole was going through what he was going through but there were times he was a jerk and Sophie was a nice girl and just took it! I like seeing heroines stand up for themselves especially when you did nothing wrong. I mean, the entire book and conflict of the story lies in the lies COLE has convinced himself of. He is the one who twists everything and makes everything into something else-so in those moments, especially once what he thinks is put out in the air, where he's being a jerk to Sophie, I really would've liked to see her stand up for herself. That is a personal preference though. I know some readers will think she handled things correctly.
Overall, this is a sweet, inspirational holiday romance sprinkled with the author's faith. Thank you to Hallmark Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review it early, all opinions are my own.
One gripe that I had in 2019 was romances marketed as "Christmas Romances" weren't actually feeling very Christmas'ey so that is something I am paying even more attention in 2020. I am happy to say that Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy, mentally transported me out of this 100+ degree South Texas heat to a small town with beautiful snow falling, hot chocolate to drink, wrapped in a warm quilt.
The lie that Cole tells himself basically 90% of this book is that Sophie pities him; she is only nice to him out of pity, only hangs out with him out of pity. Despite all of the nice, genuine things she does, and the moments where he lets his guard down a little..he always falls back on, she pities him after having read his journal. This honestly got a bit frustrating after a while but it wasn't a bad frustrating. You want to shake Cole and yell, SHE REALLY LIKES YOU, CHILL! But he really has to figure it out for himself. A lot of his issues have to do with some of his Marines not making it home and that survivor's guilt of being the one that did. So, you understand where his head is mentally and how he uses this to rationalize the lie about Sophie and her intentions that he continues to tell himself.
I liked Sophie and how despite what happened to her family, she still has such love and respect for military members. I love how she uses something she is very good at doing as a way to give something back to those who serve. She is very selfless and there was never any doubt that her heart was in the right place. There were a few times I was conflicted about her character but this is more of a preference thing-I know Cole was going through what he was going through but there were times he was a jerk and Sophie was a nice girl and just took it! I like seeing heroines stand up for themselves especially when you did nothing wrong. I mean, the entire book and conflict of the story lies in the lies COLE has convinced himself of. He is the one who twists everything and makes everything into something else-so in those moments, especially once what he thinks is put out in the air, where he's being a jerk to Sophie, I really would've liked to see her stand up for herself. That is a personal preference though. I know some readers will think she handled things correctly.
Overall, this is a sweet, inspirational holiday romance sprinkled with the author's faith. Thank you to Hallmark Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review it early, all opinions are my own.
November 28, 2023
Hallmark, G-rated, small-town, Christmas romance
Cole is a 20-something, traumatized, veteran Marine, who is currently working as a full-time firefighter in Pine Hill, Kentucky, a fictional, idyllic small town. Sophie is a 20-something quilt maker, who owns a needlework shop in Pine Hill. They are emotionally attracted to each other from their first meeting, but Sophie is a permanent resident of Pine Hill, who would not dream of ever living anywhere else, and Cole has no interest in settling down in Pine Hill or anywhere else.
This story in many ways is identical to the first story in this trilogy. Only the names and the occupations are different. Pine Hill is a typical, Hallmark, imaginary small town, filled with contented citizens, who love and support each other like one, big, happy family. Pine Hill is improbably able to finance a half dozen full-time firefighters, among them Cole, who spend most of their work hours playing video games at the firehouse. The town is also able to provide Sophie with a comfortable living selling expensive, handmade quilts as well as other handiwork.
The vast majority of the scenes in this book are about how picturesque Pine Hill goes all out to celebrate Christmas. Cole is the resident Scrooge AKA "Grumpy" hero of this particular novel, and Sophie is the Little Miss Sunshine who adores Christmas and makes it her personal mission to convert Cole to her way of thinking. It is no spoiler to state that, in the inevitable HEA, Cole is won over to wholehearted adoration of Sophie, Christmas, and Pine Hill.
I obtained free access through Hoopla to all three books in this trilogy, which is published by Hallmark.
Cole is a 20-something, traumatized, veteran Marine, who is currently working as a full-time firefighter in Pine Hill, Kentucky, a fictional, idyllic small town. Sophie is a 20-something quilt maker, who owns a needlework shop in Pine Hill. They are emotionally attracted to each other from their first meeting, but Sophie is a permanent resident of Pine Hill, who would not dream of ever living anywhere else, and Cole has no interest in settling down in Pine Hill or anywhere else.
This story in many ways is identical to the first story in this trilogy. Only the names and the occupations are different. Pine Hill is a typical, Hallmark, imaginary small town, filled with contented citizens, who love and support each other like one, big, happy family. Pine Hill is improbably able to finance a half dozen full-time firefighters, among them Cole, who spend most of their work hours playing video games at the firehouse. The town is also able to provide Sophie with a comfortable living selling expensive, handmade quilts as well as other handiwork.
The vast majority of the scenes in this book are about how picturesque Pine Hill goes all out to celebrate Christmas. Cole is the resident Scrooge AKA "Grumpy" hero of this particular novel, and Sophie is the Little Miss Sunshine who adores Christmas and makes it her personal mission to convert Cole to her way of thinking. It is no spoiler to state that, in the inevitable HEA, Cole is won over to wholehearted adoration of Sophie, Christmas, and Pine Hill.
I obtained free access through Hoopla to all three books in this trilogy, which is published by Hallmark.
November 9, 2020
Think of this audiobook as a Hallmark movie on the go! It's the perfect audio for those times you don't have time to cuddle up and enjoy a Holiday Hallmark movie. You can listen to this as you head out to shop, work, clean, work out or whatever you need to get done, but still want the Christmas joy of enjoying a heart touching Hallmark movie! Sophie and Cole's story will reach out and touch your heart while helping you get the Christmas spirit. If you like a good Hallmark story, this checks the box. You like a good Christian story, this checks the box! Not a fan of Christian stories or Hallmark Christmas movies, but like a sweet romance story then this still checks the box! It's a fun diversion just when you need it! Great dual narration to help bring the characters to life too!
November 12, 2020
Wrapped up in Christmas Joy is the second book in the Wrapped up in Christmas series by author Janice Lynn. These stories are set in Pine Hill, Kentucky and are the heartwarming stories of the affect of Christmas love on the souls of American soldiers who have seen and lived horrible things.
This story centers on Sophie Grace Davis, co-owner of The Threaded Needle quilting and needle craft shop and local director of the Quilts of Valor project, and former Marine, now fire fighter, Cole Aaron.
Cole mistakenly includes the journal he wrote at the direction of his counselor when he returned from a tragic Middle East deployment in a box of donations for the church rummage sale. As the commander of the mission, Cole takes all blame for the ambush that lost some of his men. He feels he has no hope for a future and that the best he can do is to continue doing acts of good to try to make amends for such a black mark on his soul.
Sophie Grace Davis is the one who was helping to sort donations and came upon his journal. She was desperate to find its rightful owner feeling that the journal in this box was a gross mistake. She gave a donation to the church and took the box to try to find the owner. She finally discovers it is Cole Aaron’s, the newest firefighter in their small town. When she tries to return it she is taken aback by his response that he not only never wants to see the journal again, but he also never wants to see the woman that has read his journal, even if reading it started as an effort to discover his identity and ended a connection to her soul.
In a small town, two people who are consummate volunteers are bound to be brought together, which Sophie and Cole are with the annual toy drive to help children in need. When the others in their committee conspire to put Sophie and Cole together, a truce is called for the good of the children. As the story unfolds, as much as Sophie’s sister Isabelle is against her baby sister becoming involved with a veteran, the local group of matriarchs, the Butterflies, seem determined to bring them together.
In a delightful holiday story, the residents of Pine Hill will bring joy to the reader. This is a lovely story that I very much enjoyed. Perfect for a holiday read, I do recommend this book.
This story centers on Sophie Grace Davis, co-owner of The Threaded Needle quilting and needle craft shop and local director of the Quilts of Valor project, and former Marine, now fire fighter, Cole Aaron.
Cole mistakenly includes the journal he wrote at the direction of his counselor when he returned from a tragic Middle East deployment in a box of donations for the church rummage sale. As the commander of the mission, Cole takes all blame for the ambush that lost some of his men. He feels he has no hope for a future and that the best he can do is to continue doing acts of good to try to make amends for such a black mark on his soul.
Sophie Grace Davis is the one who was helping to sort donations and came upon his journal. She was desperate to find its rightful owner feeling that the journal in this box was a gross mistake. She gave a donation to the church and took the box to try to find the owner. She finally discovers it is Cole Aaron’s, the newest firefighter in their small town. When she tries to return it she is taken aback by his response that he not only never wants to see the journal again, but he also never wants to see the woman that has read his journal, even if reading it started as an effort to discover his identity and ended a connection to her soul.
In a small town, two people who are consummate volunteers are bound to be brought together, which Sophie and Cole are with the annual toy drive to help children in need. When the others in their committee conspire to put Sophie and Cole together, a truce is called for the good of the children. As the story unfolds, as much as Sophie’s sister Isabelle is against her baby sister becoming involved with a veteran, the local group of matriarchs, the Butterflies, seem determined to bring them together.
In a delightful holiday story, the residents of Pine Hill will bring joy to the reader. This is a lovely story that I very much enjoyed. Perfect for a holiday read, I do recommend this book.
January 28, 2021
This is the second book I've read by Ms. Lynn. Her stories are very Hallmark-like with lots of snow and Christmas in them. This one is a little slow in parts, but I did end up liking it a lot more than her previous book (Wrapped Up in Christmas) which was also set in Pine Hill, Kentucky. Both books feature a group called Quilts of Valor who award homemade patriotic-themed quilts to military members. I really liked the quilting aspect of this story a lot. Quilting books are a lot of fun.
Audiobook Notes: I tried to listen to this book several times but it just didn't click. This time, I alternated segments of listening with segments of reading the story from my Kindle copy, which I purchased myself several months ago. I liked the story a lot better when I read it off of my Kindle, and I think that has to do with the audio narration. Both the male and female narrator (mostly the male, though) had a lot of enthusiasm when reading, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But the feelings of guilt and isolation that Cole is trying to work through after serving time overseas with the military felt like it was more serious then the audiobook made it sound. It isn't a bad audiobook by any means, but I couldn't really get into the story with the amount of perkiness and enthusiasm coming through the audiobook. I would recommend reading this one from a book rather than listening to the audio version.
Title: Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn
Narrators: Alexander Cendese and Rachel L. Jacobs
Length: 8 hours, 17 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
I received an audiobook for review from publisher via NetGalley. I had already purchased a digital copy of this book for my Kindle. Thank you, Hallmark Publishing for the audio copy!
Audiobook Notes: I tried to listen to this book several times but it just didn't click. This time, I alternated segments of listening with segments of reading the story from my Kindle copy, which I purchased myself several months ago. I liked the story a lot better when I read it off of my Kindle, and I think that has to do with the audio narration. Both the male and female narrator (mostly the male, though) had a lot of enthusiasm when reading, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But the feelings of guilt and isolation that Cole is trying to work through after serving time overseas with the military felt like it was more serious then the audiobook made it sound. It isn't a bad audiobook by any means, but I couldn't really get into the story with the amount of perkiness and enthusiasm coming through the audiobook. I would recommend reading this one from a book rather than listening to the audio version.
Title: Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn
Narrators: Alexander Cendese and Rachel L. Jacobs
Length: 8 hours, 17 minutes, Unabridged
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
I received an audiobook for review from publisher via NetGalley. I had already purchased a digital copy of this book for my Kindle. Thank you, Hallmark Publishing for the audio copy!
December 5, 2020
Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn. This is a sweet romance that would be perfect for curling up with after the hub bub of Christmas. The characters are interesting and enjoyable, this is the perfect Hallmark movie book. The author wraps the story around the Quilts of Valor Foundation. ( The Mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. ) This is a story of a vet that needs to feel lovable and a quilter that seeks to do that.
If you want a book that leaves you feeling happy, this is a must read.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Hallmark publishing for allowing me to read and review this ARC.
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edi...
If you want a book that leaves you feeling happy, this is a must read.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Hallmark publishing for allowing me to read and review this ARC.
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edi...
November 16, 2020
Sophie, a cheery local quilt shop owner, finds the military journal of Cole, a fireman and ex-Marine who suffers from PTSD. She reads the journal to find out who the owner is, and ends up reading the entire thing. After reading the journal, she feels like she knows him and wants to break in through his tough exterior.
This is a Christian romance so religion and God are mentioned quite a bit, which I enjoyed. I did feel the writing was a bit simplistic Although their relationship is a slow burn, it still felt like insta love on her part. I feel like Sophie should have been stronger and was unbelievably cheerful. The story was sweet and did touch on an important and difficult topic.
This is a Christian romance so religion and God are mentioned quite a bit, which I enjoyed. I did feel the writing was a bit simplistic Although their relationship is a slow burn, it still felt like insta love on her part. I feel like Sophie should have been stronger and was unbelievably cheerful. The story was sweet and did touch on an important and difficult topic.
December 14, 2020
Very cute Christmas story and my first book by this author. The story was engaging and it was nice that the focus was on the military and what our heroes experience dealing with PTSD without getting to heavy. I liked all the characters especially the “butterflies “. Good couple and well matched. I’ll be reading this again next year.
December 31, 2021
Probably should’ve stopped reading this earlier but I was like maybe it’ll get better? No got worse. That’s what I get for randomly buying Christmas romances at Walmart I guess. I am not the targeted audience for this book.
January 6, 2021
A very sweet and heartwarming book with a war-damaged hero and a quiltshop owner heroine. Loved the Christmassy setting and the small town atmosphere.
December 8, 2022
2 of 3. Another good read. Great way 2 keep the story going.
August 28, 2022
Typical Hallmark movie.💕💕
October 27, 2020
Sophie and her sister run a fabric store. Sophia Tends to stay late making quilts and many other items. Has a very big heart for her town...
Their parents Divorced many years ago.. Leaving a lot of bitter memories..
Cole Is the new firefighter in town former soldier, He
Recently donated a Box of books to the church that Sophie goes to. However Sophie has found the journal not knowing who it belonged to. she read to find out who it belonged to. Belonging to cole she wants to return the journal,
However cole once nothing to do with the journal. or anything to do with his past. Nor does he want to have anything to do with Sophie because she read his journal and knows too much thinks she's pitying him.
Soon community project comes up and coal and Sophie end up on the same team... Holiday events bring this town together.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when Sophie's cat she's trying to get Warmed up to her
Climbs up a tree, Sophie tries to, Rescue the Kitty, But ends up being rescued herself...
This was truly a Christmas Wrapped up in Joy. 🎄 book I really enjoyed it. I was given this book as a gift for my honest review and I truly enjoyed the story thank you.
All thoughts in this review are my own what a wonderful story.
Their parents Divorced many years ago.. Leaving a lot of bitter memories..
Cole Is the new firefighter in town former soldier, He
Recently donated a Box of books to the church that Sophie goes to. However Sophie has found the journal not knowing who it belonged to. she read to find out who it belonged to. Belonging to cole she wants to return the journal,
However cole once nothing to do with the journal. or anything to do with his past. Nor does he want to have anything to do with Sophie because she read his journal and knows too much thinks she's pitying him.
Soon community project comes up and coal and Sophie end up on the same team... Holiday events bring this town together.
One of my favorite parts of this book is when Sophie's cat she's trying to get Warmed up to her
Climbs up a tree, Sophie tries to, Rescue the Kitty, But ends up being rescued herself...
This was truly a Christmas Wrapped up in Joy. 🎄 book I really enjoyed it. I was given this book as a gift for my honest review and I truly enjoyed the story thank you.
All thoughts in this review are my own what a wonderful story.
November 10, 2020
Review audiobook from Dreamscape Media and NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is a heartfelt Christmas romance about Cole, a veteran, and Sophie, a young woman with a heart of gold. He is a firefighter who also fights his war memories. When Sophie discovers (and then reads) his journal in a box of donated things at her church’s sale she decides to involve him in holiday related activities. He’s reluctant but has a hard time saying no to Sophie. Saying yes could make all the difference. This is a sweet story for the season that fans of Hallmark movies are sure to enjoy!
Narration: I thought, overall, Rachel Jacobs and Alexander Cendese did a good job. However, there was one thing that struck me. When Jacobs voiced Sophie and Cole I was totally invested in the story. When Cendese did both I was distracted by Sophie’s voice. I’ve found I usually feel the same when any male narrator voices a female character. I guess it’s personal preference.
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is a heartfelt Christmas romance about Cole, a veteran, and Sophie, a young woman with a heart of gold. He is a firefighter who also fights his war memories. When Sophie discovers (and then reads) his journal in a box of donated things at her church’s sale she decides to involve him in holiday related activities. He’s reluctant but has a hard time saying no to Sophie. Saying yes could make all the difference. This is a sweet story for the season that fans of Hallmark movies are sure to enjoy!
Narration: I thought, overall, Rachel Jacobs and Alexander Cendese did a good job. However, there was one thing that struck me. When Jacobs voiced Sophie and Cole I was totally invested in the story. When Cendese did both I was distracted by Sophie’s voice. I’ve found I usually feel the same when any male narrator voices a female character. I guess it’s personal preference.
October 27, 2020
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am a sucker for pretty much all Hallmark movies, especially Christmas ones so this book was right up my alley. Was it predictable? Was it corny at times? Did it make me smile from beginning to end? Did I look forward to that first kiss at the end of the book? YES to all of the above!! This book needs to be made into a Hallmark movie! The whole time I was reading it I would picture certain actors and actresses for each character. If anyone from Hallmark is reading this review then my suggestions for Sophie and Cole are Lacey Chabert and Marc Blucas....they would be perfect!!!!!
I just finished this book today and guess what...today is it’s pub date so I highly recommend you go out and pick up a copy if you love Hallmark. I guarantee it will not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
I just finished this book today and guess what...today is it’s pub date so I highly recommend you go out and pick up a copy if you love Hallmark. I guarantee it will not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
December 8, 2020
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn is a sweet, heartwarming story of the Christmas holiday season.
It has a gentle, outreaching heroine in quilt shop owner Sophie and a cautious, guilt ridden retired Marine, Cole, who is now part of the local firefighter team, fight fires and rescue the odd cat up a tree.
Sophie and Cole are thrown together as they canvas for goods for giving to children in need at Christmas and while reluctant, Cole finds it difficult to resist her charms. Although he doesn't want to be her charity case as Sophie is known for her soft heart. Ask Stitches the cat!
A sweet, small town Christmas story that plays out gently and predictably.
It has a gentle, outreaching heroine in quilt shop owner Sophie and a cautious, guilt ridden retired Marine, Cole, who is now part of the local firefighter team, fight fires and rescue the odd cat up a tree.
Sophie and Cole are thrown together as they canvas for goods for giving to children in need at Christmas and while reluctant, Cole finds it difficult to resist her charms. Although he doesn't want to be her charity case as Sophie is known for her soft heart. Ask Stitches the cat!
A sweet, small town Christmas story that plays out gently and predictably.
November 15, 2020
Thank you to Hallmark publishing, BookFunnel and the Author, Janice Lynn for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was the second book in this series and it was another wonderful, whimsical Christmas read.
While I found this book to be slow at times I still thoroughly enjoyed the story, characters and settings.
The main Female protagonist sure shows that persistence and love always win and the main Male protagonist shows that love can conquer all!.
Great to read a Veteran based book in the month of Veterans day!
This was the second book in this series and it was another wonderful, whimsical Christmas read.
While I found this book to be slow at times I still thoroughly enjoyed the story, characters and settings.
The main Female protagonist sure shows that persistence and love always win and the main Male protagonist shows that love can conquer all!.
Great to read a Veteran based book in the month of Veterans day!
July 5, 2022
Cole is a firefighter, but he lights the fire in Sophie's heart. His charming smile and sparkling eyes make emotions erupt inside her like a Fourth of July firework finale.
I loved 💖 this book, Sophie and Cole are so cute together! The chemistry between them! One of my favourite scenes was "the almost kiss" scene, when they were decorating the Christmas tree. Amazing love story, that made me smile: perfect Christmas romance book! Highly Recommend 5 Stars! :)))
I loved 💖 this book, Sophie and Cole are so cute together! The chemistry between them! One of my favourite scenes was "the almost kiss" scene, when they were decorating the Christmas tree. Amazing love story, that made me smile: perfect Christmas romance book! Highly Recommend 5 Stars! :)))
December 4, 2024
I like to read Christmas in December, and this one fits the romance category. The hero is a firefighter who is a marine with PTSD, the heroine is a quilt shop owner who loves Christmas, and has a project making quilts for veterans. He feels unworthy of love, but she's determined to make him feel differently. It's a sweet story in a nice setting.
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