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Christmas in New York #2
Christmas Light
Adirondack girl-in-transition Jade Engel comes home to recharge after ending a career she never truly wanted, but soon realizes she’s in danger of also being swept off her feet by the boy-next-door, her former best friend, Ben Stephens. If only he’d stop kissing her every time she falls into his arms.
Everything local celebrity Ben Stephens ever wanted is in Starling. Then Jade comes home after an eternity away and sends his simple world into a tailspin. He’s determined to pursue her—the one girl who got away. But when their friends-with-benefits arrangement blows up in their faces, will they have the courage to put their pasts to rest in order to forge a future together?
Christmas in New York series
Book 1: This Christmas by Jeannie Moon
Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen
Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett
Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount
Everything local celebrity Ben Stephens ever wanted is in Starling. Then Jade comes home after an eternity away and sends his simple world into a tailspin. He’s determined to pursue her—the one girl who got away. But when their friends-with-benefits arrangement blows up in their faces, will they have the courage to put their pasts to rest in order to forge a future together?
Christmas in New York series
Book 1: This Christmas by Jeannie Moon
Book 2: All I Want for Christmas by Jennifer Gracen
Book 3: A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett
Book 4: Goodness and Light by Patty Blount
156 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 9, 2014
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579 people want to read
About the author
Jolyse Barnett
8Ìýbooks151ÌýfollowersA country girl at heart, Jolyse Barnett is living her happily-ever-after in Long Island suburbia with her real-life hero, two incredible children, and one very furry feline. Learn more about her by visiting .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
November 28, 2014
A Light in the Window is a lovely Christmas story the third in the Christmas in New York series, this is Jade’s story.
Jade is on her way home to Starling for a month over Christmas after quitting her job. On the journey home she stops off for the night as the weather is bad, while waiting for a table she meets a stranger who turns out to be her former childhood best friend Ben until she started ignoring him in the 8th grade.
There is instant chemistry between them but Jade feels guilty for the way she treated Ben but Ben is determined to get the one girl that got away. They begin a friends with benefits relationship knowing it will only last a few weeks as Jade is leaving for California to start her new life. Will Ben be able to convince Jade to put the past behind them and take a chance on their future together?
This is 1 of 4 stories in the Christmas in New York series featuring Cassandra/Cassie, Sabrina/Bree, Jade and Elena. Below is the reading order but each book is stand alone.
This Christmas - Sabrina
All I Want For Christmas - Cassandra
A Light in the Window - Jade
Goodness and Light - Elena
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Jade is on her way home to Starling for a month over Christmas after quitting her job. On the journey home she stops off for the night as the weather is bad, while waiting for a table she meets a stranger who turns out to be her former childhood best friend Ben until she started ignoring him in the 8th grade.
There is instant chemistry between them but Jade feels guilty for the way she treated Ben but Ben is determined to get the one girl that got away. They begin a friends with benefits relationship knowing it will only last a few weeks as Jade is leaving for California to start her new life. Will Ben be able to convince Jade to put the past behind them and take a chance on their future together?
This is 1 of 4 stories in the Christmas in New York series featuring Cassandra/Cassie, Sabrina/Bree, Jade and Elena. Below is the reading order but each book is stand alone.
This Christmas - Sabrina
All I Want For Christmas - Cassandra
A Light in the Window - Jade
Goodness and Light - Elena
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
December 24, 2014
2.5 - "One day you'll want to follow your own path instead of the one set before you by others." Stars.
I really enjoyed the first book in the Christmas in New York series of novellas, unfortunately novellas two and now three haven't quite hit the mark, for me.
"It's all downhill from here."
I think what tarnished the tinsel for me in relation to A Light in the Window is the fact that Jade is the one who does wrong towards Ben (repeatedly). Initially during their school days, when she decides it's easier to bully the school geek, than to remain best friends with him, this then follows on when she returns home (15 years later) for the holidays, in the fact that she insists on a 'friends with bennies' relationship, due to only being in town for a month, he is the one that then gets grief from her mother and her friends for upsetting her, when she ups and leaves...
"I miss the girl I used to know."
Add to the fact Jade's mother has some really weird ideas about who should be blamed for her youngest son's addiction problems, and the seasonal spirit deflated a little for me when reading this one.
There were some incredibly sweet and heart warming moments in this novella, so don't be completely dissuaded from reading it. I have an issue with bullying (in any shape or form) and some of the situations in the story just nudged that particular sore spot for me.
The final book in the series is next up on my Kindle, and I really hope that Goodness and Light finishes this series off as well as This Christmas started it.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I really enjoyed the first book in the Christmas in New York series of novellas, unfortunately novellas two and now three haven't quite hit the mark, for me.
"It's all downhill from here."
I think what tarnished the tinsel for me in relation to A Light in the Window is the fact that Jade is the one who does wrong towards Ben (repeatedly). Initially during their school days, when she decides it's easier to bully the school geek, than to remain best friends with him, this then follows on when she returns home (15 years later) for the holidays, in the fact that she insists on a 'friends with bennies' relationship, due to only being in town for a month, he is the one that then gets grief from her mother and her friends for upsetting her, when she ups and leaves...
"I miss the girl I used to know."
Add to the fact Jade's mother has some really weird ideas about who should be blamed for her youngest son's addiction problems, and the seasonal spirit deflated a little for me when reading this one.
There were some incredibly sweet and heart warming moments in this novella, so don't be completely dissuaded from reading it. I have an issue with bullying (in any shape or form) and some of the situations in the story just nudged that particular sore spot for me.
The final book in the series is next up on my Kindle, and I really hope that Goodness and Light finishes this series off as well as This Christmas started it.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
dnf-set-aside-for-later
December 7, 2018I was in the mood for a cozy holiday romance and had this one ready to go on my shelves. A woman coming home for the holidays and a new start encounters a man who was once her childhood best friend. It sounded like a good reunion romance.
So, Jade encounters Ben during a holiday snow storm when they both had to take shelter for the night. She hasn't been home in many years and mostly because of the way she treated the man sharing dinner with her. She cruelly ditched her best friend to be part of the cool crowd and then moved on from them to an unfulfilled life down in Florida. Now, she's back because of family and her own need to try again back home.
I made it into the second chapter and had to stop. Jade's past actions could be chalked up to a teenager making mistakes, but then as a woman in her mid-twenties, she unleashes more meanness. She is incredibly rude to the waitress because she's uncomfortable with the hots she feels for the former geek turned hottie. She feels guilty about the past while making excuses for her past- even blaming Ben because he should have realized he was a drag on her coolness and not forced her to cruelly squash him in public like that. This is all while Ben is thinking such kind things and wants a second chance with the one who got away. Yeah, she's still that mean girl and I am done. It's only chapter two and her transformation to nice girl is probably going to happen, but nope... moving on.
So, Jade encounters Ben during a holiday snow storm when they both had to take shelter for the night. She hasn't been home in many years and mostly because of the way she treated the man sharing dinner with her. She cruelly ditched her best friend to be part of the cool crowd and then moved on from them to an unfulfilled life down in Florida. Now, she's back because of family and her own need to try again back home.
I made it into the second chapter and had to stop. Jade's past actions could be chalked up to a teenager making mistakes, but then as a woman in her mid-twenties, she unleashes more meanness. She is incredibly rude to the waitress because she's uncomfortable with the hots she feels for the former geek turned hottie. She feels guilty about the past while making excuses for her past- even blaming Ben because he should have realized he was a drag on her coolness and not forced her to cruelly squash him in public like that. This is all while Ben is thinking such kind things and wants a second chance with the one who got away. Yeah, she's still that mean girl and I am done. It's only chapter two and her transformation to nice girl is probably going to happen, but nope... moving on.
December 18, 2017
***copy provided by publisher through NetGalley***
Jade Engel is back in her hometown, just for a month, and hooks up with her childhood friend whose pre-teen heart she'd so callously broken twenty years ago...But soon the friends-with-benefits agreement starts chafing.
Is a bitchy heroine a new norm in the contemporary romance category? Because you can be strong and independent without being bitchy. The problem was, Jade wasn't strong or independent, since everybody treated her like a doormat and she let them. She even ruined her friendship with Ben back in school because she was worried about what others thought.
So, since she was obviously unable to make decisions, let everybody dictate her life (she was thirty and still obeyed her mother!), and almost ruined her and Ben's love lives the second time around, no wonder she was bitchy.
Poor Ben for having to put up with her...And doing all the work in the end.
Jade Engel is back in her hometown, just for a month, and hooks up with her childhood friend whose pre-teen heart she'd so callously broken twenty years ago...But soon the friends-with-benefits agreement starts chafing.
Is a bitchy heroine a new norm in the contemporary romance category? Because you can be strong and independent without being bitchy. The problem was, Jade wasn't strong or independent, since everybody treated her like a doormat and she let them. She even ruined her friendship with Ben back in school because she was worried about what others thought.
So, since she was obviously unable to make decisions, let everybody dictate her life (she was thirty and still obeyed her mother!), and almost ruined her and Ben's love lives the second time around, no wonder she was bitchy.
Poor Ben for having to put up with her...And doing all the work in the end.
January 5, 2017
Predictable, but pretty much much hats how I like my Christmas stories. Lighthearted and full of Christmas bliss. I can't say I loved this one as much as I've like the others in this series, but it was still a nice holiday read.
December 5, 2014
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one. A nice Christmas story of old childhood friends rediscovering each other in a new way. :)
I enjoyed this one. A nice Christmas story of old childhood friends rediscovering each other in a new way. :)
October 22, 2017
Nothing beats a good Christmas romance - and this one had a very satisfactory HEA!
December 5, 2021
DNF. Very strong use of the Not Like Other Girls. Only good character was Sadie the golden retriever.
November 30, 2014
Autry‘s review posted on
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Jade’s life is a little hectic at the moment, in between jobs, coming home, re-connecting with old friends. Little did she know that coming home and visiting old friends would not bring her the peace she was seeking, it would only add to it.
Ben is completely different than the last time Jade saw him, so different she hardly recognizes him. A chance meeting allows them some time to reconnect and take a trip down memory lane. Against her better judgment Jade agrees to share a ride with Ben and it leaves her wanting more.
The moment Jade eyes the seductive stranger in line, her interest is peaked, although striking up a conversation wasn’t what she had planned. When Ben notices who is standing next to him, he jumps at the chance to converse, only to be shocked when she doesn’t remember him. A few minutes later the dots connect and conversation is flowing. Once Jade and Ben have returned home the temptation to see each other is becoming too much to handle. Sneaking glances at each other is all they can do until Jade’s mother changes her opinion of Ben. Jade has been trying to find her inner strength so she can reach out and take control of her life, standing up to her mother is only part of the plan. Volunteering is helping her find some peace and make some new friends, helping decorate for the holidays also gets Jade some time with Ben.
Throwing a holiday party was not what Ben had planned but when his mother begged and pleaded Ben opened his doors. Welcoming his secret girlfriends mother into his home was his chance to show her, he’s not the person she thinks he is. He is a businessman, who is doing well for himself, he is taking a risk with her son that no one else is willing to do, and he’s been in love with her daughter for years.
Gathering courage to face many of life’s challenges and pressing on with her goals, Jade is ready to take risks. How big of a risk would it be to fall in love with Ben? To find another way to make things work? Will her mom ever come around?
A Light in the Window is a fantastic holiday read, it encompasses the holiday spirit and romance flawlessly. I read this novel in about 4 hours because I was wrapped up in Ben and Jade and their story, wondering if they would ever be able to work it out. And curious as to how her mother would be involved with it. A Light in the Window, is a great read for someone looking for a quick, steamy romance around the holidays.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Jade’s life is a little hectic at the moment, in between jobs, coming home, re-connecting with old friends. Little did she know that coming home and visiting old friends would not bring her the peace she was seeking, it would only add to it.
Ben is completely different than the last time Jade saw him, so different she hardly recognizes him. A chance meeting allows them some time to reconnect and take a trip down memory lane. Against her better judgment Jade agrees to share a ride with Ben and it leaves her wanting more.
The moment Jade eyes the seductive stranger in line, her interest is peaked, although striking up a conversation wasn’t what she had planned. When Ben notices who is standing next to him, he jumps at the chance to converse, only to be shocked when she doesn’t remember him. A few minutes later the dots connect and conversation is flowing. Once Jade and Ben have returned home the temptation to see each other is becoming too much to handle. Sneaking glances at each other is all they can do until Jade’s mother changes her opinion of Ben. Jade has been trying to find her inner strength so she can reach out and take control of her life, standing up to her mother is only part of the plan. Volunteering is helping her find some peace and make some new friends, helping decorate for the holidays also gets Jade some time with Ben.
Throwing a holiday party was not what Ben had planned but when his mother begged and pleaded Ben opened his doors. Welcoming his secret girlfriends mother into his home was his chance to show her, he’s not the person she thinks he is. He is a businessman, who is doing well for himself, he is taking a risk with her son that no one else is willing to do, and he’s been in love with her daughter for years.
Gathering courage to face many of life’s challenges and pressing on with her goals, Jade is ready to take risks. How big of a risk would it be to fall in love with Ben? To find another way to make things work? Will her mom ever come around?
A Light in the Window is a fantastic holiday read, it encompasses the holiday spirit and romance flawlessly. I read this novel in about 4 hours because I was wrapped up in Ben and Jade and their story, wondering if they would ever be able to work it out. And curious as to how her mother would be involved with it. A Light in the Window, is a great read for someone looking for a quick, steamy romance around the holidays.
February 14, 2017
This was my first time reading Jolyse Barnett. I'd originally started reading this story before Christmas, but life got in the way and I only recently got back to reading it.
The story had a strong opening. I loved how the author introduced the couple. These two hadn't seen each other for ten years and to say Ben had grown up was an understatement. Jade didn't recognize him at first, which brought a wonderful awkwardness to their first encounter in the story.
There were moments in the book that had me melting inside as these two reconnected after all the time that had passed, but there were other times when I was rolling my eyes at their lack of communication. If they'd been strangers, then I could have understood but they were supposed to be best friends. Considering what drove a wedge between them years ago boiled down to her not sharing her struggles with him, it felt as if she hadn't grown up and was still as insecure as she was as a teenager.
Despite the communication issues, I did like this book. It was a nice holiday read full of friends, family, and community.
I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a quick holiday read about best friends who realize they are made for each other.
The story had a strong opening. I loved how the author introduced the couple. These two hadn't seen each other for ten years and to say Ben had grown up was an understatement. Jade didn't recognize him at first, which brought a wonderful awkwardness to their first encounter in the story.
There were moments in the book that had me melting inside as these two reconnected after all the time that had passed, but there were other times when I was rolling my eyes at their lack of communication. If they'd been strangers, then I could have understood but they were supposed to be best friends. Considering what drove a wedge between them years ago boiled down to her not sharing her struggles with him, it felt as if she hadn't grown up and was still as insecure as she was as a teenager.
Despite the communication issues, I did like this book. It was a nice holiday read full of friends, family, and community.
I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a quick holiday read about best friends who realize they are made for each other.
December 21, 2014
A Light in the Window is a heartwarming story of reacquainted best friends. Ben Stephens was and still is the boy next door, and when Jade Engel broke their friendship she also broke his heart. When they bump into one another their friendship begins to blossom once again. Is it a case of love thy neighbour?
"I treated you like you were my worst enemy and you'd done nothing wrong"
With a natural easy chemistry, both Ben and Jade were sweet together. She frustrated a little at times, but in her defence she's confused about her life in general and has an interfering mother to contend with, but Ben was a sweetheart; he knows they're perfect for one another and just needs to make her see it.
"I miss the girl I used to know, the one who followed the beat of her own drum, without a care of what everyone else expected of her."
Set in a beautiful small town location and filled with festive feeling A Light in the Window is a sweet, heartwarming journey of love. Another lovely addition to the series. 3.5 stars.
(This is the third novella in the Christmas in New York series - four romantic festive novellas focussing around four lifelong friends. I've read the series a little out of order - I read the last novella first, but in fairness, whilst it contained an epilogue and the first a prologue, they could be read as you wish.)
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"I treated you like you were my worst enemy and you'd done nothing wrong"
With a natural easy chemistry, both Ben and Jade were sweet together. She frustrated a little at times, but in her defence she's confused about her life in general and has an interfering mother to contend with, but Ben was a sweetheart; he knows they're perfect for one another and just needs to make her see it.
"I miss the girl I used to know, the one who followed the beat of her own drum, without a care of what everyone else expected of her."
Set in a beautiful small town location and filled with festive feeling A Light in the Window is a sweet, heartwarming journey of love. Another lovely addition to the series. 3.5 stars.
(This is the third novella in the Christmas in New York series - four romantic festive novellas focussing around four lifelong friends. I've read the series a little out of order - I read the last novella first, but in fairness, whilst it contained an epilogue and the first a prologue, they could be read as you wish.)
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2015
This sweet romance is the story of Jade and Ben, childhood friends who broke apart when peer pressure overwhelmed Jade and made her cut her one true friend out of her life. Years later they meet again, back in the same small town. With memories of their friendship, and Christmas spirit in the air, can they forge a new relationship?
I thought this was a very touching story. I liked the small town atmosphere and the characters in the story quite a lot. Ben is a handsome, rugged and friendly man. He's forgiven Jade for what happened to their childhood friendship and is willing to start over. I liked that Jade was willing to admit to her mistakes and apologize to Ben over what had happened. She is a quiet and somewhat timid individual at first, but gains a backbone over the course of the story and realizes that what she wants is a relationship with someone who will meet her halfway - someone like Ben. There was a good amount of sexual tension between the couple that added a bit of heat to the tale. Overall it was a quick and entertaining read. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I thought this was a very touching story. I liked the small town atmosphere and the characters in the story quite a lot. Ben is a handsome, rugged and friendly man. He's forgiven Jade for what happened to their childhood friendship and is willing to start over. I liked that Jade was willing to admit to her mistakes and apologize to Ben over what had happened. She is a quiet and somewhat timid individual at first, but gains a backbone over the course of the story and realizes that what she wants is a relationship with someone who will meet her halfway - someone like Ben. There was a good amount of sexual tension between the couple that added a bit of heat to the tale. Overall it was a quick and entertaining read. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 18, 2016
This was my first time reading this author but based on this story, it won't be the last.
This was a sweet, friends to lovers, sort of second chance romance.
The relationship between Ben and Jade burned slowly but there was definite sexual tension there that gave me something to look forward to.
This was a light-hearted, fun, closed-door romance that is just what I needed on this cold winter evening.
This was a sweet, friends to lovers, sort of second chance romance.
The relationship between Ben and Jade burned slowly but there was definite sexual tension there that gave me something to look forward to.
This was a light-hearted, fun, closed-door romance that is just what I needed on this cold winter evening.
November 23, 2016
Good!
This was the first book I have read by Jolyse, but it won't be the last. I stumbled across this book because I just love reading Christmas books. This ticks all the right boxes. It is light hearted, sweet and full of reminders of love and Christmas.
The characters are adorable. The setting is perfect. I loved this story. I just wanted it t last longer.
This was the first book I have read by Jolyse, but it won't be the last. I stumbled across this book because I just love reading Christmas books. This ticks all the right boxes. It is light hearted, sweet and full of reminders of love and Christmas.
The characters are adorable. The setting is perfect. I loved this story. I just wanted it t last longer.
December 28, 2017
Cute Christmas story
I wish this book was a little longer! It was a cute Christmas love story and I very much enjoyed it!
I wish this book was a little longer! It was a cute Christmas love story and I very much enjoyed it!
July 13, 2018
A Nice Light Holiday Romance
As the only daughter in her family, Jade does what is expected of her, pursuing her mother's goals for hers instead of her own. Ben has just ended a five year relationship with someone who was as far removed in appearance and personality from Jade as possible.
***Spoiler Alert***
When she was young, in a very �13 Going on 30� move, she ditches her best friend, boy next door Benji, giving up all their adventures and caving under peer pressure to conform to the cliquish girls at school to dispel rumors about her.
But now he's back home and so is Jade, but just for a visit. He's still just as attracted to her as ever and he feels she reciprocates. He's waiting for her to decide. Will she decide to go her own path and buck expectations? She has some big decisions to make about her future. go away to school or stay in New York State with Ben for a different kind of future. A tough decision that women have had to make since they began to own their own futures, but when love is a factor the decision is usually no contest.
Although I am very late in getting this out, my original copy was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC was originally provided under the title “A Light in the Window�.
As the only daughter in her family, Jade does what is expected of her, pursuing her mother's goals for hers instead of her own. Ben has just ended a five year relationship with someone who was as far removed in appearance and personality from Jade as possible.
***Spoiler Alert***
When she was young, in a very �13 Going on 30� move, she ditches her best friend, boy next door Benji, giving up all their adventures and caving under peer pressure to conform to the cliquish girls at school to dispel rumors about her.
But now he's back home and so is Jade, but just for a visit. He's still just as attracted to her as ever and he feels she reciprocates. He's waiting for her to decide. Will she decide to go her own path and buck expectations? She has some big decisions to make about her future. go away to school or stay in New York State with Ben for a different kind of future. A tough decision that women have had to make since they began to own their own futures, but when love is a factor the decision is usually no contest.
Although I am very late in getting this out, my original copy was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC was originally provided under the title “A Light in the Window�.
November 28, 2020
This story was very sweet. Though there were several times I wanted to tell at Jade for over analyzing herself thanks to Barnett's writing it was easy to see where that tendancy had come from. I liked that the book focused so carefully on the present. With the damage Jade had done to her and Benji's friendship previously there was a good chance that the author could have made the feeling agonizingly long and sad. Instead after Jade's heart felt apology followed to her explanation (I also appreciate the the apology and explanation came at separate times with the apology coming days before - this made it seem more genuine and not like Jade was just giving excuses) Ben chose to forgive her and focus on his present-day feelings for her. That forgiveness gave their relationship power and moved the plot along nicely.
Overall this was a cute read and an uplifting one. I loved the central role of the candle-in-the-window tradition. It was sweet and really tied in with the theme of coming home and community.
Overall this was a cute read and an uplifting one. I loved the central role of the candle-in-the-window tradition. It was sweet and really tied in with the theme of coming home and community.
November 11, 2017
The hero and heroine had known each other since primary school. Then once they started to grow up and others influenced how the heroine looked at the hero and they fought not to talk to each other until years later. Then the heroine comes back home before she makes big changes in her life. On her way she runs into the hero and doesn't even recognize him. However, everyone has their opinion with each of their lives. Even they have their past issues and current issues to work through.
The plot is a normal plot but there are added bits to it to make it unusual enough. The heroine seems very dependent on others like her mother. The hero flutters in his abilities as well. I'm not sure how their relationship would keep either. Both of the main characters are relatable and likable, but I cannot see them together long term.
The plot is a normal plot but there are added bits to it to make it unusual enough. The heroine seems very dependent on others like her mother. The hero flutters in his abilities as well. I'm not sure how their relationship would keep either. Both of the main characters are relatable and likable, but I cannot see them together long term.
December 20, 2016
This was a new author for me and I love her writing style. She did a good job of developing all the characters and describing the beautiful scenery. It was a very good Christmas story.
The main character, Jade Engel, goes home during the holidays after she left a job she never was interested in. She meets up with her ex-best friend, Ben Stephens. They had a bad ending to their best friend status and Jade had left town. Now she’s back and Ben wants her. He falls for her quickly and is determined to make her feel the same way. They decided to be friends with benefits but is that all Jade really wants and can their past come back to haunt them.
The main character, Jade Engel, goes home during the holidays after she left a job she never was interested in. She meets up with her ex-best friend, Ben Stephens. They had a bad ending to their best friend status and Jade had left town. Now she’s back and Ben wants her. He falls for her quickly and is determined to make her feel the same way. They decided to be friends with benefits but is that all Jade really wants and can their past come back to haunt them.
December 5, 2016
Christmas Light is my first book by Jolyse Barnett. I was pleasantly surprised. Ms Barnett has delivered a well written book. Jade and Ben's story is full of drama, humor and sexy bits. I love the characters, they are perfect for this story. I enjoyed Christmas Light and look forward to reading more from Jolyse Barnett in the future. Christmas Light is book 3 of the Christmas In New York Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete story, not a cliff-hanger.
December 9, 2018
Meh. As far as Christmas stories go, this was just OK. Jade is annoying, at 30 she should still respect her mother (which she does) but not still be following her mother's dream instead of her own. Plus, she still has some of the nasty habits from when she was a middle schooler. Ben is beyond patient and deserves so much more than Jade's attitude and flip-flopping. Good thing this one was so short or I may not have been able to stick with it.
December 9, 2019
Long lasting love
A friendship that began when they were six yrs old....the journey was not easy, filled with misconceptions. They had their ups and downs... but in the end all they needed to do was communicate with each other! A love that special does not die, but it became a love to measure all their relationships by! It took Jade a span of 26 yrs, for her to find her heart that Christmas! But find it she did! Loved this feel good book!
A friendship that began when they were six yrs old....the journey was not easy, filled with misconceptions. They had their ups and downs... but in the end all they needed to do was communicate with each other! A love that special does not die, but it became a love to measure all their relationships by! It took Jade a span of 26 yrs, for her to find her heart that Christmas! But find it she did! Loved this feel good book!
December 22, 2016
2.5 I couldn't get into it at all. It's a sweet tale though of a young woman's homecoming for the holiday season amid some newfound changes in her life. While home she begins a romance with her former neighbor and best friend, Ben who is newly single. They agree to being friends with benefits but find that their hearts both want more.
April 27, 2018
Not Totally Impressed
I didn't find the characters compelling. The heroine seemed to be having a mid-life crisis. The hero seemed to still have feelings from their middle school experience even though he broke up with his fiance of 5 years two days before he saw the heroine again. Sorry this didn't have much substance.
I didn't find the characters compelling. The heroine seemed to be having a mid-life crisis. The hero seemed to still have feelings from their middle school experience even though he broke up with his fiance of 5 years two days before he saw the heroine again. Sorry this didn't have much substance.
April 19, 2020
Sort of a spoiler right here . . . I would have rated this book a 4 until toward the end. Jade was the more immature, decisive person in this relationship . . . Ben did nothing wrong. What friends tell their friend a big piece of news instead of letting it be a surprise. Both of those things to me didn't fit with the plot that led up to that point.
December 24, 2017
This is probably one of the best Christmas books I've read. Its short but heartfelt. Old friends reconnect and feelings get rekindled. In your personal life, that would be horrible but in a little Christmas book its cute.
December 21, 2018
Jade returns home to run into Ben a former childhood best friend. Ben has grown up and Jade has as well. But Jade does not want a relationship and feels that Ben is dating her on the rebound. Will the childhood attraction turn into something much more??
January 1, 2020
Friends to lovers.
Multiple northern places. A man that finally gets it and goes after what he wants. A girl whose heart is wanting finds what she needs in her life. Enjoyed the read it pulls you in.
Multiple northern places. A man that finally gets it and goes after what he wants. A girl whose heart is wanting finds what she needs in her life. Enjoyed the read it pulls you in.
September 9, 2020
Good
An enjoyable read. Characters well thought out but a bit more insight on the wedding at the end would have been good. Other than that an enjoyable read and would recommend this book. Will also look for other books by this author.
An enjoyable read. Characters well thought out but a bit more insight on the wedding at the end would have been good. Other than that an enjoyable read and would recommend this book. Will also look for other books by this author.
December 15, 2021
The romance was cute enough, but the writing was terrible. Everything interesting happened off page. There'd be a cute scene and then the next scene would start awkwardly and five paragraphs in you'd see that a week had passed. Even the sex scenes were glossed over. What is the point, I ask you.
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