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Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing: Based on a Hallmark Channel original movie by Lacey Baker
lisab1991's review against another edition
3.0
I finished this book way quicker than I anticipated. I don’t remember watching this movie either, but I’m certain the book and the movie are 99.9% identical. This story takes place a year after the previous story’s events, like it was the case in the last two books. This time, we focus on Hannah and Elliot’s story, which was already established in the previous book. On top of that, we get a tiny glimpse into Allie’s life as she returns to Evergreen along with her stepdaughter Zoe, while Ryan is still stranded in Paris.
This book was written by a different author, which I think shows. It’s like this author doesn’t know the characters as we do after ‘spending Christmas with them’ for the last three books/years (so to day). For instance:
- Carol is said to be around 60 years old, while Michelle is said to be about 10 years her junior. But further along, the author mentions Michelle went to college with Allie (who’s Carol’s daughter). I get that a lot of actors/actresses play characters that are supposed to be younger than they are in real life, but this just doesn’t add up in any possible way.
- In the first Evergreen book/movie, Barbara opened an inn in Evergreen. In the second book/movie, her sister Meg was temporarily taking over. Yet in this book, Meg is said to have opened the bed and breakfast.
- This book mentions that was a surprise that Ezra had fallen for Oliver. Though I did catch this by reading between the lines, it was never explicitly mentioned in either a previous book or movie that Ezra and Oliver were dating or even attracted to one another.
- At one point, it is mentioned that Hannah possessed lots of talents, piano playing not being one of them. On top of that, it is said that during the previous Christmas festival, Elliot played the piano while Hannah “were trying to remember the keys”. This is not what was shown/written in Tidings of joy at all!
- Hannah mentions how she’d love to own a dog one day, because she’s never owned a dog before. Excuse me, what about the basket of newborn pugs you carried to Allie’s vet clinic in Christmas to Evergreen? The puppies and their mother were owned by Hannah!
- Hannah is said having grown up with Allie, while in Tidings of joy Carol made it seem like Hannah and Carol were around the same age (at least older than 50 years old, I believe I mentioned this in my review for that book the other day). I don’t believe for a second that Hannah is even near 50 years old, but it shows that there’s just not nearly enough eye for detail and consistency in between the stories.
While I did enjoy this book, I did miss a more elaborate description of how the museum came to be, how they built it all and put everything together. Instead, it was all constructed off-camera/off-page, which took away a big part of the fun for me. Instead, we got a sentimental bunch, misunderstandings and a couple who needs to learn to confide into each other instead of jumping to conclusions.
However, while these books are far from literal masterpieces, they do get you in a Christmas mood!
This book was written by a different author, which I think shows. It’s like this author doesn’t know the characters as we do after ‘spending Christmas with them’ for the last three books/years (so to day). For instance:
- Carol is said to be around 60 years old, while Michelle is said to be about 10 years her junior. But further along, the author mentions Michelle went to college with Allie (who’s Carol’s daughter). I get that a lot of actors/actresses play characters that are supposed to be younger than they are in real life, but this just doesn’t add up in any possible way.
- In the first Evergreen book/movie, Barbara opened an inn in Evergreen. In the second book/movie, her sister Meg was temporarily taking over. Yet in this book, Meg is said to have opened the bed and breakfast.
- This book mentions that was a surprise that Ezra had fallen for Oliver. Though I did catch this by reading between the lines, it was never explicitly mentioned in either a previous book or movie that Ezra and Oliver were dating or even attracted to one another.
- At one point, it is mentioned that Hannah possessed lots of talents, piano playing not being one of them. On top of that, it is said that during the previous Christmas festival, Elliot played the piano while Hannah “were trying to remember the keys”. This is not what was shown/written in Tidings of joy at all!
- Hannah mentions how she’d love to own a dog one day, because she’s never owned a dog before. Excuse me, what about the basket of newborn pugs you carried to Allie’s vet clinic in Christmas to Evergreen? The puppies and their mother were owned by Hannah!
- Hannah is said having grown up with Allie, while in Tidings of joy Carol made it seem like Hannah and Carol were around the same age (at least older than 50 years old, I believe I mentioned this in my review for that book the other day). I don’t believe for a second that Hannah is even near 50 years old, but it shows that there’s just not nearly enough eye for detail and consistency in between the stories.
While I did enjoy this book, I did miss a more elaborate description of how the museum came to be, how they built it all and put everything together. Instead, it was all constructed off-camera/off-page, which took away a big part of the fun for me. Instead, we got a sentimental bunch, misunderstandings and a couple who needs to learn to confide into each other instead of jumping to conclusions.
However, while these books are far from literal masterpieces, they do get you in a Christmas mood!
gabizago's review
3.0
Not my favorite Christmas in Evergreen story, but not terrible either. It was just okay. In this book, Hannah gets involved in yet another activity in Evergreen, while Elliott has plans that involve leaving the town. How can they stay together yet apart?
booklovingmom_'s review
5.0
I received a copy of Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing by Lacey Baker is part of the Christmas in Evergreen series and based off of the Hallmark movie with the same name. Evergreen is the idyllic Christmas town, that always seems to spark romance. In Bells are Ringing, we get to explore Hannah and Elliot’s budding relationship while they find themselves and their way to each other.
I have enjoyed the Evergreen books so far and this one was no exception. The book stays closely with the movie it is based off and it made me feel like I was reading the Hallmark movie I had seen last year. I enjoyed this because I could watch the scenes play out in my head in a different manner than just watching a screen. I enjoy the town of Evergreen and the characters and found this to be the perfect way to start getting into the Christmas spirit. If you a Hallmark movie fan, this book is for you.
Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing by Lacey Baker is part of the Christmas in Evergreen series and based off of the Hallmark movie with the same name. Evergreen is the idyllic Christmas town, that always seems to spark romance. In Bells are Ringing, we get to explore Hannah and Elliot’s budding relationship while they find themselves and their way to each other.
I have enjoyed the Evergreen books so far and this one was no exception. The book stays closely with the movie it is based off and it made me feel like I was reading the Hallmark movie I had seen last year. I enjoyed this because I could watch the scenes play out in my head in a different manner than just watching a screen. I enjoy the town of Evergreen and the characters and found this to be the perfect way to start getting into the Christmas spirit. If you a Hallmark movie fan, this book is for you.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lovely visit back to the town of Evergreen, Vermont. The main characters in this story are Hannah and Elliot, childhood friends whose romance began during the previous book ([b:Christmas in Evergreen:Tidings of Joy|53298053|Tidings of Joy (Christmas In Evergreen #3)|Nancy Naigle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589380674l/53298053._SY75_.jpg|81335490]). Working together fixing the town's magic snow-globe made them look at each other as more than friends. A year later, we see where their relationship stands. A secondary plot involves the wedding preparations for Hannah's brother, Thomas, and Michelle, the mayor.
I liked Hannah, but she really needed to learn how to use the word "no." Born and raised in Evergreen, the town plays a considerable part in her identity. Her life is jam-packed with activities, from her job at the inn to leading the choir to jumping in when anyone in town needs help, so she doesn't have a spare minute in her day, even for Elliot. However, there are times when she feels that she's looking for something that is truly hers. She believes she's found it when the town starts a Christmas museum in the old hat factory until one of the building's owners threatens to shut it down.
Elliot moved to Evergreen with his mother when he was ten years old after his parents' divorce. He and Hannah became best friends immediately, and their friendship grew stronger over the years. Elliot worked for her father in his repair shop as a teen and bought it from Hannah and Thomas after their parents' deaths. The shop remains a town institution and does even better under Elliot's management, but he finds himself wishing for more. His goal of expanding the business joins with his dreams of a future with Hannah, but what will she think of it?
Hannah and Elliot have been dating for a year, but there isn't much forward movement in their relationship. Not much of a surprise, considering Hannah is constantly going from one commitment to the next. Nearly every time we see them together, Hannah breezes through on her way to somewhere else, and Elliot just smiles and waves her on. I got the occasional vibe of resentment from him that she has no time for him, but he never says anything to her about it.
We soon find out that Elliot plans to open a new store in the city, taking Hannah and moving there. He misses the city life he remembers from his childhood and wants to make his mark with something that's all his. Unfortunately, Elliot avoided talking to Hannah about any of it, sensing that it would be a hard sell. Meanwhile, Hannah goes on about her days believing that everything is hunky-dory between her and Elliot. It comes as quite a shock when she hears of his plans from someone else. They both frustrated me because they STILL didn't talk about it for the longest time. Hannah wonders if Elliot truly knows her or loves her if he thinks she'd be happy away from Evergreen. I ached for them both when they finally confronted the issue and realized their dreams lay in different directions. I wasn't sure how they would find their way back to each other. However, the magic of Evergreen at Christmas comes through and opens their eyes to what is essential. I admit I saw Elliot's solution to the new store coming fairly early in the book.
The biggest thing I noticed about Hannah and Elliot's relationship was that I never felt any "zing" between them. If they kissed at all, it made no impression on me. Other "clean" romances I have read have at least made me feel that the couple had some desire for each other.
I did enjoy being back in Evergreen during the Christmas season. I loved catching up with characters from previous books. In this book, Michelle is deep in planning her upcoming wedding to Thomas while still handling her mayoral duties. The actual event begins to look questionable when Thomas's return to town is delayed by bad weather. I ached for both as the delays kept piling up. I loved that Michelle and Thomas faced their possible disappointment by remembering that their love was more important than the event. Michelle also faces some family tensions when her dad shows up with a girlfriend. I'd love to visit the Kringle Kitchen for some eggnog waffles, though I think I'd stay away from the peppermint mocha eggnog. I smiled at seeing the teenager David enjoying his job there and his obvious culinary bent.
I loved the idea of the Christmas museum and using a previously abandoned building for it. I enjoyed Hannah's many ideas for displays and how she involved the entire town. I ached for her when Mr. Cooper showed up and pitched a fit about how the old factory was used. Nothing she did made a difference to his attitude. Saving the museum looked like an impossible dream. At the end, the matter was tied up in a nice neat bow, and Evergreen had another feather in its Christmas hat.
#netgalley
I liked Hannah, but she really needed to learn how to use the word "no." Born and raised in Evergreen, the town plays a considerable part in her identity. Her life is jam-packed with activities, from her job at the inn to leading the choir to jumping in when anyone in town needs help, so she doesn't have a spare minute in her day, even for Elliot. However, there are times when she feels that she's looking for something that is truly hers. She believes she's found it when the town starts a Christmas museum in the old hat factory until one of the building's owners threatens to shut it down.
Elliot moved to Evergreen with his mother when he was ten years old after his parents' divorce. He and Hannah became best friends immediately, and their friendship grew stronger over the years. Elliot worked for her father in his repair shop as a teen and bought it from Hannah and Thomas after their parents' deaths. The shop remains a town institution and does even better under Elliot's management, but he finds himself wishing for more. His goal of expanding the business joins with his dreams of a future with Hannah, but what will she think of it?
Hannah and Elliot have been dating for a year, but there isn't much forward movement in their relationship. Not much of a surprise, considering Hannah is constantly going from one commitment to the next. Nearly every time we see them together, Hannah breezes through on her way to somewhere else, and Elliot just smiles and waves her on. I got the occasional vibe of resentment from him that she has no time for him, but he never says anything to her about it.
We soon find out that Elliot plans to open a new store in the city, taking Hannah and moving there. He misses the city life he remembers from his childhood and wants to make his mark with something that's all his. Unfortunately, Elliot avoided talking to Hannah about any of it, sensing that it would be a hard sell. Meanwhile, Hannah goes on about her days believing that everything is hunky-dory between her and Elliot. It comes as quite a shock when she hears of his plans from someone else. They both frustrated me because they STILL didn't talk about it for the longest time. Hannah wonders if Elliot truly knows her or loves her if he thinks she'd be happy away from Evergreen. I ached for them both when they finally confronted the issue and realized their dreams lay in different directions. I wasn't sure how they would find their way back to each other. However, the magic of Evergreen at Christmas comes through and opens their eyes to what is essential. I admit I saw Elliot's solution to the new store coming fairly early in the book.
The biggest thing I noticed about Hannah and Elliot's relationship was that I never felt any "zing" between them. If they kissed at all, it made no impression on me. Other "clean" romances I have read have at least made me feel that the couple had some desire for each other.
I did enjoy being back in Evergreen during the Christmas season. I loved catching up with characters from previous books. In this book, Michelle is deep in planning her upcoming wedding to Thomas while still handling her mayoral duties. The actual event begins to look questionable when Thomas's return to town is delayed by bad weather. I ached for both as the delays kept piling up. I loved that Michelle and Thomas faced their possible disappointment by remembering that their love was more important than the event. Michelle also faces some family tensions when her dad shows up with a girlfriend. I'd love to visit the Kringle Kitchen for some eggnog waffles, though I think I'd stay away from the peppermint mocha eggnog. I smiled at seeing the teenager David enjoying his job there and his obvious culinary bent.
I loved the idea of the Christmas museum and using a previously abandoned building for it. I enjoyed Hannah's many ideas for displays and how she involved the entire town. I ached for her when Mr. Cooper showed up and pitched a fit about how the old factory was used. Nothing she did made a difference to his attitude. Saving the museum looked like an impossible dream. At the end, the matter was tied up in a nice neat bow, and Evergreen had another feather in its Christmas hat.
#netgalley
hannas_heas47's review
5.0
Review is of an audiobook edition, narrative is done by
Kathleen McInerney.... Who did fantastic job! This book will get you into the holiday spirit! The narrator had excellent inflection and it was just like listening to a movie.
What did I like? I love Hallmark movies! This book gave you a great holiday story with some fun characters. A town designed with Christmas in mind. From theme related restaurants to the tinker shop. The story stars Elliot and Hannah, a young couple brought together by a broken snow globe. It was an easy listen and a fun cast of characters!
Would I recommend or buy? This is one book that will easily put you in the holiday spirit. The book is cover to cover holiday inspiration. I really hope I get to see the movie of this book this holiday season. Five stars! I really enjoyed it!
I received a complimentary copy to listen and voluntarily left this review! Super job!
Kathleen McInerney.... Who did fantastic job! This book will get you into the holiday spirit! The narrator had excellent inflection and it was just like listening to a movie.
What did I like? I love Hallmark movies! This book gave you a great holiday story with some fun characters. A town designed with Christmas in mind. From theme related restaurants to the tinker shop. The story stars Elliot and Hannah, a young couple brought together by a broken snow globe. It was an easy listen and a fun cast of characters!
Would I recommend or buy? This is one book that will easily put you in the holiday spirit. The book is cover to cover holiday inspiration. I really hope I get to see the movie of this book this holiday season. Five stars! I really enjoyed it!
I received a complimentary copy to listen and voluntarily left this review! Super job!
cruchotzke's review
3.0
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this advanced audiobook copy to review.
This book was delightful. It was exactly what I needed, a sweet story with a guaranteed Happily Ever After. I loved it. It was sweet and charming. My only criticism is there didn't seem to be a lot of romantic chemistry between our two main characters. They were definitely best friends, but the 'zing' just wasn't really there.
I would definitely read the other books in this series as this was my first. 3.5 stars
This book was delightful. It was exactly what I needed, a sweet story with a guaranteed Happily Ever After. I loved it. It was sweet and charming. My only criticism is there didn't seem to be a lot of romantic chemistry between our two main characters. They were definitely best friends, but the 'zing' just wasn't really there.
I would definitely read the other books in this series as this was my first. 3.5 stars
shannanh's review
4.0
This was a feelgood, warm and fuzzy read about love and the holiday season. Although I haven't read any of the other books that are related to this one, nor have I watched the corresponding movie, I really enjoyed the book. The story focuses Hannah, who can't seem to say no to anything while also trying to coordinate her brother's wedding.
This book fits right in with the holiday season and I can see why it was made into a holiday movie. It gave me all the holiday feels.
I received a copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book fits right in with the holiday season and I can see why it was made into a holiday movie. It gave me all the holiday feels.
I received a copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
annarella's review
5.0
Christmas in Evergreen stories represent my idea of the perfect Christmas story: sweet but not too sugary, festive and entertaining.
This one is no exception as I thoroughly enjoyed and loved it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This one is no exception as I thoroughly enjoyed and loved it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
melmo2610's review
4.0
Cute Christmas read that was lots a fun. A quick easy read perfect for drumming up some Christmas spirit.