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bcbartuska's review against another edition
4.0
The title says it all, but that's what makes it so endearing. A great "Hallmark" type of Christmas story.
momwithareadingproblem's review
5.0
A Cliché Christmas by Nicole Deese is a sweet, heart-warming read set during the middle of the holiday season in a small town in Oregon. I fell in love with this story. I decided to listen to it while doing chores one day and finished it in one sitting. It is that good!
Georgia Cole is known as the “Holiday Goddess,” writing screenplays for Hallmark Christmas movies. Seriously I’d love her job! She writes (as the title of the story suggests) screenplays about cliché Christmas themes, making them up as she didn’t experience those growing up. Georgia is a complicated character who was hurt deeply as a child. As such, she doesn’t trust or love easily and believes herself unworthy of any love. Really it’s heart-breaking.
Enter Weston James, Georgia’s childhood rival and crush. I immediately fell for Weston and felt like I was betraying Georgia in doing so. He’s kind, all kinds of sexy, and it is SO obvious he’s in love our girl. When Georgia returns to her hometown after being gone for 7 years, Weston is determined to make sure she doesn’t leave again at least not without talking to him first.
The plot revolves around Georgia, Weston, and his niece Savannah. Savannah has been diagnosed with cancer and Georgia’s hometown is raising funds for her medical care. This is how Nan, Georgia’s grandmother, convinces Georgia to come home for the holidays. The book revolves around a play Georgia is directing as a fundraiser for Savannah. As you can imagine, everything that can go wrong does and this brings Georgia right into Weston’s arms. While predictable, I found myself not caring as I loved the two characters and the little town so much.
Overall, reading A Cliché Christmas was like watching a Hallmark movie in all it’s cheesy, heart-warming, teary-eyed goodness. It’s short, just barely 200 pages, making it a perfect read during the busy holiday season. If you enjoy clean, Christian romance, I highly recommend it.
Georgia Cole is known as the “Holiday Goddess,” writing screenplays for Hallmark Christmas movies. Seriously I’d love her job! She writes (as the title of the story suggests) screenplays about cliché Christmas themes, making them up as she didn’t experience those growing up. Georgia is a complicated character who was hurt deeply as a child. As such, she doesn’t trust or love easily and believes herself unworthy of any love. Really it’s heart-breaking.
Enter Weston James, Georgia’s childhood rival and crush. I immediately fell for Weston and felt like I was betraying Georgia in doing so. He’s kind, all kinds of sexy, and it is SO obvious he’s in love our girl. When Georgia returns to her hometown after being gone for 7 years, Weston is determined to make sure she doesn’t leave again at least not without talking to him first.
The plot revolves around Georgia, Weston, and his niece Savannah. Savannah has been diagnosed with cancer and Georgia’s hometown is raising funds for her medical care. This is how Nan, Georgia’s grandmother, convinces Georgia to come home for the holidays. The book revolves around a play Georgia is directing as a fundraiser for Savannah. As you can imagine, everything that can go wrong does and this brings Georgia right into Weston’s arms. While predictable, I found myself not caring as I loved the two characters and the little town so much.
Overall, reading A Cliché Christmas was like watching a Hallmark movie in all it’s cheesy, heart-warming, teary-eyed goodness. It’s short, just barely 200 pages, making it a perfect read during the busy holiday season. If you enjoy clean, Christian romance, I highly recommend it.
l1brarygirl's review against another edition
2.0
This was an okay quick & clean romance. Would recommend for lovers of Christian Romance.
labalkana's review against another edition
4.0
Georgia spends the whole year writing those Hallmark Christmas movies full of cliché. December is her only month off but her grandma makes her come back to her hometown Lenox and volunteer for the Christmas stage play at the local community theatre.
It's for a little girl with cancer, so she can't say no. Even though she's not thrilled to work at her place of humiliation with Wes, her childhood crush, who humiliated her right there.
Wes never understood why she left him after he confessed his feelings while she's still hurt by his rejection. But it's the jolly time of cliché...
Georgia is such a sweetheart. Between the memories of her lonely childhood and her last onstage performance and her demanding mother and the pressure to be worth her sacrifice she was so easy to like and root for.
Wes deserves Uncle-of-the-Year and the story of him naming little Savannah, connected to the strongest girl he ever met is just so cute.
I enjoyed the story of the underdog and the popular from years ago, as much as the main one. I like me some teenie-drama and the story of how she was made to embarass herself just fits. I didn't really get what exactly happened, like why didn't he react differently? But they were still teens and for such a short read this one already had enough going on.
These issues with her mother,being reasonable but mean, added some depth and the very happy all forgiven, especially with Sydney the enemy, end makes it Hallmark-worthy.
I didn't really like the take on the play they were working but the whole thing is christmassy and cheesy, predictable but enjoyable.
I might not remember this story to stand out from all the others I've read but it makes a cozy christmas read.
It's for a little girl with cancer, so she can't say no. Even though she's not thrilled to work at her place of humiliation with Wes, her childhood crush, who humiliated her right there.
Wes never understood why she left him after he confessed his feelings while she's still hurt by his rejection. But it's the jolly time of cliché...
Georgia is such a sweetheart. Between the memories of her lonely childhood and her last onstage performance and her demanding mother and the pressure to be worth her sacrifice she was so easy to like and root for.
Wes deserves Uncle-of-the-Year and the story of him naming little Savannah, connected to the strongest girl he ever met is just so cute.
I enjoyed the story of the underdog and the popular from years ago, as much as the main one. I like me some teenie-drama and the story of how she was made to embarass herself just fits. I didn't really get what exactly happened, like why didn't he react differently? But they were still teens and for such a short read this one already had enough going on.
These issues with her mother,being reasonable but mean, added some depth and the very happy all forgiven, especially with Sydney the enemy, end makes it Hallmark-worthy.
I didn't really like the take on the play they were working but the whole thing is christmassy and cheesy, predictable but enjoyable.
I might not remember this story to stand out from all the others I've read but it makes a cozy christmas read.
amycbooks's review against another edition
4.0
9 out of 10 Stars. Everything you want and hope for in a Christmas tale and so much more.
I was expecting your average Hallmark/Lifetime-ish Christmas story chalked full of predictable plots and cheesy characters, but “A Cliché Christmas” blew me away and I did not want it to end. The story itself was still rather predictable, in that when Georgia and Weston first meet you know that this is the love story that will unfold and you know that Georgia going home for the holiday’s will change her life, however, the way everything plays out is the farthest thing from predictable.
The main characters themselves were well developed with more depth than one would expect in a 180 page novel. I enjoyed that throughout the novel they reacted to circumstances, situations and life in a believable way. Also, their faith was woven so nicely into the essence of the character, that it did not come across as preachy or cliché. The faith aspect was also not overly done or just thrown in there randomly but it always had a purpose or a reason to be mentioned and displayed.
One of things I liked the most about this novel was Deese’s description of emotion and setting. When she is describing a kiss you are right there feeling it too. Or when she is setting a scene you are there in the snow, freezing as well. Each detail had a purpose and helped drive the plot or bring more depth to a character.
I truly have only one complaint and that is the novel was not long enough. There was enough closure to the story that it was still satisfying but it left me wanting me more.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good Christmas story and is looking for a feel good romance.
I was expecting your average Hallmark/Lifetime-ish Christmas story chalked full of predictable plots and cheesy characters, but “A Cliché Christmas” blew me away and I did not want it to end. The story itself was still rather predictable, in that when Georgia and Weston first meet you know that this is the love story that will unfold and you know that Georgia going home for the holiday’s will change her life, however, the way everything plays out is the farthest thing from predictable.
The main characters themselves were well developed with more depth than one would expect in a 180 page novel. I enjoyed that throughout the novel they reacted to circumstances, situations and life in a believable way. Also, their faith was woven so nicely into the essence of the character, that it did not come across as preachy or cliché. The faith aspect was also not overly done or just thrown in there randomly but it always had a purpose or a reason to be mentioned and displayed.
One of things I liked the most about this novel was Deese’s description of emotion and setting. When she is describing a kiss you are right there feeling it too. Or when she is setting a scene you are there in the snow, freezing as well. Each detail had a purpose and helped drive the plot or bring more depth to a character.
I truly have only one complaint and that is the novel was not long enough. There was enough closure to the story that it was still satisfying but it left me wanting me more.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a good Christmas story and is looking for a feel good romance.
nicole1's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, perfectly Christmasy story.
This is my first Nicole Deese book and my first Christmas read of the season.
I really enjoyed this story!
This is my first Nicole Deese book and my first Christmas read of the season.
I really enjoyed this story!
bellesmoma2021's review against another edition
5.0
A Cliche Christmas (2014) by Nicole Deese is the first book in the Love in Lenox series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 200 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very rambunctious and active five-year old, this novel took me less than 24 hours to devour! I checked this novel out through Kindle Unlimited to review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this story 5 STARS. A Cliche Christmas is a Contemporary Christian Romance.
I have to begin by giving a shout out to Courtney at The Green Mockingbird Blog. Last night I came across her review of A Christmas Cliche via my WordPress Reader. After reading Courtney’s review, I knew I had to get this book. Although I have heard a lot about Nicole Deese from many of my blogger friends, I have not yet had the pleasure of reading any of Ms. Deese’s works. After I post this review, I plan to immediately buy book 2 and 3 in this series. A Christmas Cliche was exactly the book I was looking for this winter break.
I love many things about this book. I love how engaged I was throughout the entire read — I truly could not put it down. I love the main characters SO much. But, I most especially love that this story has real substance. Despite its title, there is very little that is cliche in this book. It is heartwarming, endearing, and sobering in several places. It made me rethink my childhood, the issues I’m dealing with this year, and my own Christmas traditions. I love when a book reaches into my heart like that!
The main characters are Georgia and Weston. Georgia is a very determined young woman with several successes under her belt. She is a gifted screenplay writer, and has seen many of her stories come alive on screen thanks to the Hallmark Channel. This is where the title comes into play. Georgia is excellent as writing the cliched Christmas scripts yet has never lived them herself. Unlike the happily-ever-after families and couples she portrays in her movies, Georgia has never really had that in her own life. I wanted to hug Georgia many, many times throughout this book. Her childhood was a little rough. Because of this, Georgia has heavily fortified her heart against everything. She is pretty closed off at the start of this book. I don’t blame her one bit because she was doing what she needed to in order to protect herself from further hurts, but I definitely cheered as she thawed over the course of the story. When she gets her happily-ever-after ending, I teared up a little.
Weston is the boy that Georgia has loved-hated since she first met him in grade school. He would pull her pig tales and play every kind of prank on her as they were growing up. Weston is exactly the breathtakingly handsome leading man that readers love, but he is more. He is a deeply caring, strong, kind man. He works hard. He chooses to do what is right. And, he trusts God. All of this adds up to one excellent leading man, but what really made Weston for me is his love and attention to his five-year old niece, Savannah. I think I may have fallen in love with his character. When it is explained how Savannah got her name, my heart melted hard! Fair warning — there were a couple moments between Weston and Savannah that had me a little teary-eyed.
On a side note, which will serve a purpose — I promise, my heart is very fragile this Christmas. For those of you who know me, you know that my best friend is battling a very scary cancer. Watching her go through this battle has taken a true toll on my heart, and it has made me exceptionally sensitive. I cry at almost every turn, which is exceptionally frustrating to me because I am not a fan of crying. I am a bottler. I bottle it all up and erect brick walls around my heart. In that, I am a lot like Georgia! I am learning how to deal and grieve better, but with all the tears I’ve cried in the past 9 months I could probably fill two or three larges bathtubs. I only mention this because a very wonderful character in this book deals with cancer. I just wanted to make future readers aware of this in case they are in a sensitive place, too. Personally, I really appreciated the catharsis I experienced reading this book, but I know it may be too much right now for some readers.
A Christmas Cliche is yet another book I could go on and on about. It is such a good read and a really beautiful story. I enjoyed reading this book so much, and I’m a little sad my time with Georgia and Weston is over! If you are looking for a lovely Christmas read to keep that Christmas spirit going, then I highly recommend A Christmas Cliche. You will not be disappointed with this book!
I have to begin by giving a shout out to Courtney at The Green Mockingbird Blog. Last night I came across her review of A Christmas Cliche via my WordPress Reader. After reading Courtney’s review, I knew I had to get this book. Although I have heard a lot about Nicole Deese from many of my blogger friends, I have not yet had the pleasure of reading any of Ms. Deese’s works. After I post this review, I plan to immediately buy book 2 and 3 in this series. A Christmas Cliche was exactly the book I was looking for this winter break.
I love many things about this book. I love how engaged I was throughout the entire read — I truly could not put it down. I love the main characters SO much. But, I most especially love that this story has real substance. Despite its title, there is very little that is cliche in this book. It is heartwarming, endearing, and sobering in several places. It made me rethink my childhood, the issues I’m dealing with this year, and my own Christmas traditions. I love when a book reaches into my heart like that!
The main characters are Georgia and Weston. Georgia is a very determined young woman with several successes under her belt. She is a gifted screenplay writer, and has seen many of her stories come alive on screen thanks to the Hallmark Channel. This is where the title comes into play. Georgia is excellent as writing the cliched Christmas scripts yet has never lived them herself. Unlike the happily-ever-after families and couples she portrays in her movies, Georgia has never really had that in her own life. I wanted to hug Georgia many, many times throughout this book. Her childhood was a little rough. Because of this, Georgia has heavily fortified her heart against everything. She is pretty closed off at the start of this book. I don’t blame her one bit because she was doing what she needed to in order to protect herself from further hurts, but I definitely cheered as she thawed over the course of the story. When she gets her happily-ever-after ending, I teared up a little.
Weston is the boy that Georgia has loved-hated since she first met him in grade school. He would pull her pig tales and play every kind of prank on her as they were growing up. Weston is exactly the breathtakingly handsome leading man that readers love, but he is more. He is a deeply caring, strong, kind man. He works hard. He chooses to do what is right. And, he trusts God. All of this adds up to one excellent leading man, but what really made Weston for me is his love and attention to his five-year old niece, Savannah. I think I may have fallen in love with his character. When it is explained how Savannah got her name, my heart melted hard! Fair warning — there were a couple moments between Weston and Savannah that had me a little teary-eyed.
On a side note, which will serve a purpose — I promise, my heart is very fragile this Christmas. For those of you who know me, you know that my best friend is battling a very scary cancer. Watching her go through this battle has taken a true toll on my heart, and it has made me exceptionally sensitive. I cry at almost every turn, which is exceptionally frustrating to me because I am not a fan of crying. I am a bottler. I bottle it all up and erect brick walls around my heart. In that, I am a lot like Georgia! I am learning how to deal and grieve better, but with all the tears I’ve cried in the past 9 months I could probably fill two or three larges bathtubs. I only mention this because a very wonderful character in this book deals with cancer. I just wanted to make future readers aware of this in case they are in a sensitive place, too. Personally, I really appreciated the catharsis I experienced reading this book, but I know it may be too much right now for some readers.
A Christmas Cliche is yet another book I could go on and on about. It is such a good read and a really beautiful story. I enjoyed reading this book so much, and I’m a little sad my time with Georgia and Weston is over! If you are looking for a lovely Christmas read to keep that Christmas spirit going, then I highly recommend A Christmas Cliche. You will not be disappointed with this book!
littleprairielibrary's review
3.0
I thought this was a cute story! I liked the characters, the setting, and the plot. Yes, it was obvious by chapter 2 how the story would end, but it was still an enjoyable ride. Deese excels at descriptions - I felt like I could see the scenes perfectly. I also loved how absolutely naturally the faith of the characters came across. The thing that turned me off of the story was how focused the main character was on how physically attracted she was to the love interest. Yeah, we get it, they're two young, sexy things in love. Can we please move on to how you emotionally and mentally connect? And totally unrelated, the main character sure did swallow a lot. I am definitely not aware of every time I swallow, but she sure was! Other than that, it was a quick, cute Christmas read.
*Reread December 2018* I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the first time. That could have been partly because of the audiobook narrator, she had completely the wrong voice for the character. She sounded way too low and breathy, like she should have been narrating a hardened bounty hunter in a post-apocalyptic world. I also didn't love the connection between the main character and the love interest, it felt very superficial even though they were supposed to have this long history between them. But this was a cute book to read at Christmas.
*Reread December 2018* I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the first time. That could have been partly because of the audiobook narrator, she had completely the wrong voice for the character. She sounded way too low and breathy, like she should have been narrating a hardened bounty hunter in a post-apocalyptic world. I also didn't love the connection between the main character and the love interest, it felt very superficial even though they were supposed to have this long history between them. But this was a cute book to read at Christmas.
tonishiloh's review
5.0
I'm so glad I read this because it was such a good read. It makes me want to reread and savor all my favorite moments.
chautona's review
5.0
A Cliché Christmas is a heartwarming story that touches on several themes--forgiveness, false appearances, accepting that others' faults are not your own, and putting the past behind you to name a few. I loved Georgia's story. Her grandma stole the show at times, which all good grandmas should. Little Savannah made you cheer and push with Georgia to ensure the best turn out. As the grandmother of a little guy who needed extensive medical care and for whom our town pulled together and gave the most amazing benefit concert ever, I can tell you it's real. I resonated with how even teenagers that people so often write off as self-absorbed and hopeless will fight for and do almost anything for a little kid if given half a chance.
But the thing that amazed me most is that this is a novella. It didn't FEEL like a novella. I didn't feel like I was pushed through a story so fast that I didn't get to know the characters. It felt like a novel should--complete and you didn't notice that there were half the words of some books. Nicole Deese kept the pacing so perfectly situated that it just flowed beautifully. Usually, novellas annoy me. They're either rushed at the end to keep them short, are short stories that have been dragged out for word count, or worse, just aren't good enough to BE a full length novel. This book is none of those.
Look, I've read good novellas by people like Karen Kingsbury and T. Davis Bunn. I liked them! But this book was better simply because it told the story without adherence to the limitations of length. Add to that a great story, well told, and with engaging and delightful characters (even the ones you delight to hate)... and it's a winner. I loved it.
I received this book free with no expectations upon me whatsoever, but I chose to review it of my own accord.
But the thing that amazed me most is that this is a novella. It didn't FEEL like a novella. I didn't feel like I was pushed through a story so fast that I didn't get to know the characters. It felt like a novel should--complete and you didn't notice that there were half the words of some books. Nicole Deese kept the pacing so perfectly situated that it just flowed beautifully. Usually, novellas annoy me. They're either rushed at the end to keep them short, are short stories that have been dragged out for word count, or worse, just aren't good enough to BE a full length novel. This book is none of those.
Look, I've read good novellas by people like Karen Kingsbury and T. Davis Bunn. I liked them! But this book was better simply because it told the story without adherence to the limitations of length. Add to that a great story, well told, and with engaging and delightful characters (even the ones you delight to hate)... and it's a winner. I loved it.
I received this book free with no expectations upon me whatsoever, but I chose to review it of my own accord.
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