Publishers Weekly
08/26/2019
Country winter ambiance that’s just Christmassy enough and a comforting sense of everything turning out perfectly wrap around this saccharine second-chance romance from Hughes (Christmas at the Chalet). Emma Logan hasn’t maintained a relationship for longer than a year in the 11 years since college, when she broke up with Fletcher Conway, who’s now a famous London theater director. When Emma finds the engraved watch she gave Fletcher in a New York City pawn shop, her best friend claims synchronicity, does some research, and signs Emma up for a week running the kids’ program at the Vermont inn where Fletcher is vacationing. Emma tries to keep a respectful distance, but she bonds with Fletcher’s precocious 10-year-old daughter, Lola, while Fletcher is distracted by his attention-demanding fiancée, Megan. Lola quickly decides she prefers Emma and manipulates Emma and Fletcher into spending time together. Telling the obvious backstory in flashback rather than shared reminiscence creates an unfortunate interruption of the main romance, and the focus on telling a wholesome, family-centered story blunts any sense of passion. Readers will find this the emotional equivalent of a lukewarm cup of cider. Agent: Melissa Flashman, Janklow & Nesbit. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Christmas in Vermont is a warm, lovely story, guaranteed to fill you with holiday spirit. Anita Hughes is a wonderful storyteller who writes with emotion and heart. I can’t wait to read more.” - RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author
"Filled with charming characters, sweet romance, and second chances set at a picturesque Vermont inn, Christmas in Vermont is Anita Hughes at her finest. You'll find yourself filled with holiday spirit after reading this enchanting love story." - Lucy Sykes, bestselling co-author of The Knockoff
“A charming tale of missed opportunities and second chances that is guaranteed to leave readers with a sigh of satisfaction. With a picturesque setting and cast of genuinely likeable characters, Anita Hughes has crafted a holiday romance that is sure to become an annual favorite.” - Bette Lee Crosby, USA Today bestselling author
"Christmas in Vermont is a charming romance that sparks with holiday magic. Set in the quaint village in Snowberry, Vermont, it is an enchanting story about a second chance at first love. Filled with endearing characters and dazzling backdrops, it's the kind of story that makes you want to curl up in front of a blazing fire with a cup of hot chocolate and read." —Suzanne Redfearn, author of Hush Little Baby
"Christmas in Vermont is a Hallmark movie dunked in a cup of hot cocoa wrapped in a tartan scarf... With a Stars Hollow–worthy ensemble of supporting characters and a preciously precocious young-girl character, it will charm fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Debbie Macomber." - Booklist