Reviews

Midnight and Mistletoe At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin

emmascr's review against another edition

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5.0

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Oh Rebecca, Rebecca, Rebecca! I am sitting here at 3 minutes past midnight having just finished what I think may be your best story to date.

I have tears in my eyes probably mascara under them but I don’t care. I’ve decided the Panda look is in.

This is the third and final chapter of the Cedarwood Lodge series and what a way to end it. This book begins on Christmas day and takes us all the way up to New Years Eve.

The staff at the lodge are planning a big NYE party for Timothy’s boss Vinnie but Vinnie is one tricky customer at the worst time of year for getting items quickly.

As well as the party planning we finally get to find out Clio’s mum’s big secret. I have to say I didn’t see it coming but man did it get to me.

I won’t ruin any of the story but this book is filled with sweet, tender moments that will make your heart sing. It’s the perfect end to a wonderful series and I cannot wait to see what Rebecca brings for us in the new year.

samstillreading's review against another edition

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5.0

The final part in the Cedarwood Lodge trilogy takes us to what is for some the laziest part of the year between Christmas and New Year – and for others, the busiest. Clio definitely falls into the latter as old flame Timothy asks her to put on a fancy New Year’s Eve party for his boss in order to impress. The group of friends and family celebrate Christmas together, with Amory getting a surprise present – a dog. Is this a plan by Cruz to entice her towards children or simply a sweet present?

Even though it’s chilly in Evergreen, tensions and relationships are thawing. Clio’s mum finally opens up to her about the events at Cedarwood Lodge so long ago, which results in a sweet reunion between mum and daughter. Aunt Bessie learns how to use Instagram, gaining an instant cult following for her Puft doughnuts that grows exponentially. And Clio…she’s torn between revealing her feelings for Kai and risking rejection as he deals with the real reason he came to the US. Plus, Timothy is no longer hinting at a reconciliation, he’s laying his cards out in full. All this comes as Amory and Clio set about organising the New Year’s Eve party, finding out at the last minute that Timothy’s boss likes to change his mind…a lot. It also gives Timothy the excuse to email Clio constantly with follow up phone calls…who will Clio choose?

The finale of the series is everything the reader could wish for – more of the Rebecca Raisin trademark sparkle and warmth, plus all the loose ends tied up in a satisfying bow. I’ve enjoyed my time with Clio, Amory, Kai, Cruz and the others…I’ll particularly miss Aunt Bessie, who is the second best foodie character after CeeCee of The Gingerbread Café. It’s been a set of charming reads, wonderful to sit and relax with over the holidays. I’ll miss the lodge, but I can’t wait to meet the next set of characters Rebecca Raisin creates as they will definitely be memorable!

Thank you to HQ Digital for the eARC. My review is honest.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

mpr2000's review against another edition

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4.0

After reading the third book of this trilogy, I have to say I will miss Clio, Armory and Micah! This small trilogy was full of love and friendship and these lovely characters will always have a little space on my heart!
It's true, with a good friendship life always looks better! That's what Rebecca Raisin tries to show us in these beautiful trilogy, you can have love, but good friends are difficult to find and you must keep them!
Please, don't read this book alone, it's a trilogy and you will miss the magic of Cedarwood if you don't start from the beginning, I can assure you it's worth the read! ;)
If you are searching for a sweet book that will make you smile and have a heart, this is the book you are searching, Clio will make a hot chocolate and tell you her story, with humour and love you will not want to end it!
I just missed the delicious recipe of the doughnuts, I want to try them!
Do you like Christmas?

kyland80's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

clair_82's review

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5.0

Christmas has arrived at Cedarwood Lodge, every one is full of festive cheer and loved up. That is everyone other than Clio and Kai. Clio is struggling to admit her feelings for Kai even to herself let alone to the man in question and Kai is still mentally working through the revelations regarding his adoption. Will they be brave and take the leap?

Midnight & Mistletoe wraps up the Cedarwood Lodge trilogy wonderfully and provides answers to the final questions to the backdrop of the team organising a Great Gatsby inspired New Years Eve party. Clio's mother, Annabelle, is finally able to share her tragic past with Cedarwood Lodge which is a massive step for Annabelle who has turned into somewhat of a recluse and is aloof from most people, including Clio. This was sensitively handled and explains why Annabelle is how she is now.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, Raisin's writing is warm and inviting, creating realistic characters that you both laugh and empathise with, cheering them on to do what will make them happy. I absolutely adored Aunt Bessie, she's the kind of Aunt that everyone wishes they had and her experiences within using social media made me chuckle!

cozykrysti's review

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3.0

My Rating: FIVE STARS
Midnight and Mistletoe is sweet as Christmas sugar cookies and certainly excels at getting readers into the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough of it for me. This book was very short, and just didn't manage to build enough tension either romantically or throughout the plot for me to really get into this book. Any potential problem that Clio Winters faces is easily and very quickly resolved, and there just wasn't enough buildup or emotional turmoil leading up to the book's romantic conclusion, making it difficult to really fall in love alongside the main characters.

This book is the definition of feel-good read. It is light and fluffy and doesn't cause readers to worry over whether or not everything is going to workout okay in the end. For me, the lack of conflict makes it difficult for me to get into the story. I feel that if Raisin had included an extra 200 pages to this book, she could have really raised the stakes and upped the romantic tension enough for this book to truly be great.

Cover Rating : FOUR STARS
This cover really is beautiful. It captures the holiday tone of the novel well and hints at the 1920s era vibe of the party that the plot centers around.

Swoon Worthiness: TWO STARS
I SO badly wanted to swoon over this book. And Kai definitely had the potential to be a swoon-worthy character. Unfortunately, there just was not enough romantic tension in this novel to really pull me into the romance. Again, maybe with another 200 pages of character/relationship building, Raisin would have nailed it.

Why You Should Read This Book:
If you like romantic fiction that is quick and easy to read, then you'll definitely enjoy this one. Those who have read the other two novels in the Cedarwood Lodge series will certainly enjoy it, since the whole cast is back for the trilogy's conclusion. This book is like watching a cozy Lifetime-style Christmas movie. If that's your thing, then this is definitely the book for you!

booksuperpower's review

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4.0

Midnight & Mistletoe by Rebecca Raisin is a 2016 publication.


An emotionally stunning, but delightful conclusion to this romantic holiday e series!

This last installment in the Cedarwood Lodge e-series brings friends and family together for the holidays and finally resolves the age- old mystery of why Clio’s mom has such strong feelings about Cedarwood Lodge and explains why she held back from forging a solid relationship with her daughter. Warning… this storyline will require a box of tissues.

The romances that have developed over the course of the series have developed and I am so happy they were able to resolve some big issues and can begin enjoying their lives together.

But, what about Clio and Tim? Or will it be Clio and Kai? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out! However, I promise you will be very happy as the book closes with a promising, upbeat and heartwarming conclusion.

It goes without saying that you must read the first two installments to fully enjoy this book, and I highly recommend doing that.

I really enjoyed this e-series as a whole, and had fun reading it in increments, which gave me something to look forward to and because it was easy to work the installments into my busy holiday schedule.

I came to love and care for all the characters and hope to hear from them again someday. The story is, as always, well written and one that appeals to contemporary romance, chick-lit and women’s fiction readers, and is one that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a sweet, touching story.
4 stars


samstillreading's review

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5.0

The final part in the Cedarwood Lodge trilogy takes us to what is for some the laziest part of the year between Christmas and New Year – and for others, the busiest. Clio definitely falls into the latter as old flame Timothy asks her to put on a fancy New Year’s Eve party for his boss in order to impress. The group of friends and family celebrate Christmas together, with Amory getting a surprise present – a dog. Is this a plan by Cruz to entice her towards children or simply a sweet present?

Even though it’s chilly in Evergreen, tensions and relationships are thawing. Clio’s mum finally opens up to her about the events at Cedarwood Lodge so long ago, which results in a sweet reunion between mum and daughter. Aunt Bessie learns how to use Instagram, gaining an instant cult following for her Puft doughnuts that grows exponentially. And Clio…she’s torn between revealing her feelings for Kai and risking rejection as he deals with the real reason he came to the US. Plus, Timothy is no longer hinting at a reconciliation, he’s laying his cards out in full. All this comes as Amory and Clio set about organising the New Year’s Eve party, finding out at the last minute that Timothy’s boss likes to change his mind…a lot. It also gives Timothy the excuse to email Clio constantly with follow up phone calls…who will Clio choose?

The finale of the series is everything the reader could wish for – more of the Rebecca Raisin trademark sparkle and warmth, plus all the loose ends tied up in a satisfying bow. I’ve enjoyed my time with Clio, Amory, Kai, Cruz and the others…I’ll particularly miss Aunt Bessie, who is the second best foodie character after CeeCee of The Gingerbread Café. It’s been a set of charming reads, wonderful to sit and relax with over the holidays. I’ll miss the lodge, but I can’t wait to meet the next set of characters Rebecca Raisin creates as they will definitely be memorable!

Thank you to HQ Digital for the eARC. My review is honest.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com

krystimuggle's review

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3.0

My Rating: FIVE STARS
Midnight and Mistletoe is sweet as Christmas sugar cookies and certainly excels at getting readers into the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough of it for me. This book was very short, and just didn't manage to build enough tension either romantically or throughout the plot for me to really get into this book. Any potential problem that Clio Winters faces is easily and very quickly resolved, and there just wasn't enough buildup or emotional turmoil leading up to the book's romantic conclusion, making it difficult to really fall in love alongside the main characters.

This book is the definition of feel-good read. It is light and fluffy and doesn't cause readers to worry over whether or not everything is going to workout okay in the end. For me, the lack of conflict makes it difficult for me to get into the story. I feel that if Raisin had included an extra 200 pages to this book, she could have really raised the stakes and upped the romantic tension enough for this book to truly be great.

Cover Rating : FOUR STARS
This cover really is beautiful. It captures the holiday tone of the novel well and hints at the 1920s era vibe of the party that the plot centers around.

Swoon Worthiness: TWO STARS
I SO badly wanted to swoon over this book. And Kai definitely had the potential to be a swoon-worthy character. Unfortunately, there just was not enough romantic tension in this novel to really pull me into the romance. Again, maybe with another 200 pages of character/relationship building, Raisin would have nailed it.

Why You Should Read This Book:
If you like romantic fiction that is quick and easy to read, then you'll definitely enjoy this one. Those who have read the other two novels in the Cedarwood Lodge series will certainly enjoy it, since the whole cast is back for the trilogy's conclusion. This book is like watching a cozy Lifetime-style Christmas movie. If that's your thing, then this is definitely the book for you!

krystimeyer's review

Go to review page

3.0

My Rating: FIVE STARS
Midnight and Mistletoe is sweet as Christmas sugar cookies and certainly excels at getting readers into the holiday spirit. Unfortunately, there just wasn't enough of it for me. This book was very short, and just didn't manage to build enough tension either romantically or throughout the plot for me to really get into this book. Any potential problem that Clio Winters faces is easily and very quickly resolved, and there just wasn't enough buildup or emotional turmoil leading up to the book's romantic conclusion, making it difficult to really fall in love alongside the main characters.

This book is the definition of feel-good read. It is light and fluffy and doesn't cause readers to worry over whether or not everything is going to workout okay in the end. For me, the lack of conflict makes it difficult for me to get into the story. I feel that if Raisin had included an extra 200 pages to this book, she could have really raised the stakes and upped the romantic tension enough for this book to truly be great.

Cover Rating : FOUR STARS
This cover really is beautiful. It captures the holiday tone of the novel well and hints at the 1920s era vibe of the party that the plot centers around.

Swoon Worthiness: TWO STARS
I SO badly wanted to swoon over this book. And Kai definitely had the potential to be a swoon-worthy character. Unfortunately, there just was not enough romantic tension in this novel to really pull me into the romance. Again, maybe with another 200 pages of character/relationship building, Raisin would have nailed it.

Why You Should Read This Book:
If you like romantic fiction that is quick and easy to read, then you'll definitely enjoy this one. Those who have read the other two novels in the Cedarwood Lodge series will certainly enjoy it, since the whole cast is back for the trilogy's conclusion. This book is like watching a cozy Lifetime-style Christmas movie. If that's your thing, then this is definitely the book for you!
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