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lolasreviews's review
3.0
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I was excited to return back to the Barlow Sisters series for a bit with this sweet holiday novella. The Christmas Gift tells the story of Roman and Rahn, two side characters from the trilogy. They already are in a relationship now and this novella is about their first Christmas together. It's a sweet novella with a bit of holiday cheer and a surprising gift.
This was a fun read, it's pretty sweet and Roman and Rahn make for a great couple. I liked the start and how they struggled because Rahn's parents didn't approve, I felt for them and it was so obvious they were good together I felt sad Rahn's parents didn't see that. Then Rahn leaves and there is a bit of mystery/ tension when you wait to find out why.
At first I couldn't understand why she left, especially as even from her point of view you don't find out the truth, which was a bit frustrating, but it makes sense once the truth comes out. I hadn't expected that twist. I don't really care about the topic and had some troubles relating to Rahn and Roman's emotions, but I think it was lovely to see how they both handled it.
I enjoyed being back in this series for a bit again, even tough it was only a novella. It was fun seeing the familiar characters again. We see most of the main characters from the trilogy and there are quite some scenes with them in it. I just found this novella a bit short, it definitely is long enough for the story it wants to tell, but I would've loved to see how they fell in love instead as now that felt a bit missing as all the novels cover that part of each characters relationship.
Rahn and Roman were both great characters. And while we don't get to see as much about them as I would've liked, it was a great read and I liked spending time with them. The focus is on their struggles, Rahn leaving and their Christmas. It's about how they fight for their future and how good and sweet they are together. I remember Rahn more from the main books, but it took me a bit more time to remember who Roman was. I liked seeing Rahn's uplifting, open minded and happy personality and also from her perspective her friendship with Chloe. I felt a bit sad how Roman thought he wasn't good enough for her, but he sure proved that he was perfect for her.
This novella also serves as a bit of a set-up of the author's newest series. Rahn observes some surfers when she's at the beach and the location seemed like a great setting for the author's next series and I am excited to read that.
To summarize: this was a fun and sweet holiday novella. It was fun to return to the world of the Barlow Sisters for a while and I liked seeing familiar characters again. It also serves a bit as a sort of introduction to a new series the author is writing. I liked Rah and Roman and they are great together. The focus is on their romance and their struggles, which works great and it also has a bit of a Christmas theme. I wasn't quite sure what the Christmas gift would be be, but I was surprised by the twist. It isn't my favorite topic to read about, so that part caught my attention a bit less. The ending is great and I liked how it ended on a happy, but also realistic tone. And I am excited for the author's next series!
I was excited to return back to the Barlow Sisters series for a bit with this sweet holiday novella. The Christmas Gift tells the story of Roman and Rahn, two side characters from the trilogy. They already are in a relationship now and this novella is about their first Christmas together. It's a sweet novella with a bit of holiday cheer and a surprising gift.
This was a fun read, it's pretty sweet and Roman and Rahn make for a great couple. I liked the start and how they struggled because Rahn's parents didn't approve, I felt for them and it was so obvious they were good together I felt sad Rahn's parents didn't see that. Then Rahn leaves and there is a bit of mystery/ tension when you wait to find out why.
At first I couldn't understand why she left, especially as even from her point of view you don't find out the truth, which was a bit frustrating, but it makes sense once the truth comes out. I hadn't expected that twist. I don't really care about the topic and had some troubles relating to Rahn and Roman's emotions, but I think it was lovely to see how they both handled it.
I enjoyed being back in this series for a bit again, even tough it was only a novella. It was fun seeing the familiar characters again. We see most of the main characters from the trilogy and there are quite some scenes with them in it. I just found this novella a bit short, it definitely is long enough for the story it wants to tell, but I would've loved to see how they fell in love instead as now that felt a bit missing as all the novels cover that part of each characters relationship.
Rahn and Roman were both great characters. And while we don't get to see as much about them as I would've liked, it was a great read and I liked spending time with them. The focus is on their struggles, Rahn leaving and their Christmas. It's about how they fight for their future and how good and sweet they are together. I remember Rahn more from the main books, but it took me a bit more time to remember who Roman was. I liked seeing Rahn's uplifting, open minded and happy personality and also from her perspective her friendship with Chloe. I felt a bit sad how Roman thought he wasn't good enough for her, but he sure proved that he was perfect for her.
This novella also serves as a bit of a set-up of the author's newest series. Rahn observes some surfers when she's at the beach and the location seemed like a great setting for the author's next series and I am excited to read that.
To summarize: this was a fun and sweet holiday novella. It was fun to return to the world of the Barlow Sisters for a while and I liked seeing familiar characters again. It also serves a bit as a sort of introduction to a new series the author is writing. I liked Rah and Roman and they are great together. The focus is on their romance and their struggles, which works great and it also has a bit of a Christmas theme. I wasn't quite sure what the Christmas gift would be be, but I was surprised by the twist. It isn't my favorite topic to read about, so that part caught my attention a bit less. The ending is great and I liked how it ended on a happy, but also realistic tone. And I am excited for the author's next series!
lexee9's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this story! I was so happy that we finally got Rahn's story! We see her in all three books of the Barlow Sisters series and so I was so happy to see her happy ending. We also meet Roman in that series and it is great to see them together and working things out. This is a little bit of a shorter story but it doesn't feel like you are missing anything. I loved the characters and the way that things were dealt with. It drew me in from beginning to end! I would love to come back to this world and catch up with the Barlow sisters, their men, and Rahn and Roman!
leanner's review
4.0
This novel was short and sweet and I really want to know what happens to these characters next. These two young characters were meant for each other. From different cultures it was never going to be easy. His past and her parents, will these issues stand in their way? I could see what was coming, it was relatable, so young and their lives about to change...for better or worse, you be the judge. I enjoyed it and recommend this series for the lives of the other characters.
lenoreo's review
4.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/11/14/the-christmas-gift-by-jordan-ford/
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — OMG, I loved Rahn and Roman…they were so cute together. I love sweet characters, and both Rahn and Roman fit that bill. I just wanted to hug them both, and I LOVED the way they loved each other.
I did NOT expect the storyline at all! It threw me totally off-guard, though I did guess before it was confirmed, I just wasn’t expecting that particular conflict. I also thought it was an interesting look at the difficulties Christians can have with their beliefs leading to judgements…and that it dealt with that really well, not making religious people look bad, just flawed…but not without hope to be better. Without giving away spoilers, I can’t really get into much more. But I thought that the subject matters it tackled were dealt with fairly well, trying to show the difficulties of reality a bit.
And I loved seeing cameos of all our favourite characters from the series! They didn’t take over the story, but were there enough to satisfy Barlow sister fans. I especially loved seeing the Hales again…those are some good parents.
So yeah, I loved this little Christmas novella. I was one of the fans that wanted to see Rahn get a story, and it was just made better that her beau was Roman. <3
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4 stars — OMG, I loved Rahn and Roman…they were so cute together. I love sweet characters, and both Rahn and Roman fit that bill. I just wanted to hug them both, and I LOVED the way they loved each other.
I did NOT expect the storyline at all! It threw me totally off-guard, though I did guess before it was confirmed, I just wasn’t expecting that particular conflict. I also thought it was an interesting look at the difficulties Christians can have with their beliefs leading to judgements…and that it dealt with that really well, not making religious people look bad, just flawed…but not without hope to be better. Without giving away spoilers, I can’t really get into much more. But I thought that the subject matters it tackled were dealt with fairly well, trying to show the difficulties of reality a bit.
And I loved seeing cameos of all our favourite characters from the series! They didn’t take over the story, but were there enough to satisfy Barlow sister fans. I especially loved seeing the Hales again…those are some good parents.
So yeah, I loved this little Christmas novella. I was one of the fans that wanted to see Rahn get a story, and it was just made better that her beau was Roman. <3
bobosbookbank's review
5.0
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT? is a novella set in the Barlow Sisters series. No worries if you haven't read any previous books, though, this is a standalone.
We've met both Rahn and Roman in the original series. Rahn is Chloe's best friend (Foul Play Book 3). Roman is best friends with Cairo (Strike Out Book 2). This is the quintessential opposites attract; boy from the wrong side of the tracks gets the good girl story. Rahn is struggling with her parents' disdain for Roman. Roman is battling with the feeling of not being good enough for Rahn. When another complication is thrown into the mix, Roman and Rahn find themselves on the brink of breakup. Is their relationship strong enough to withstand this huge obstacle?
I read and loved the entire Barlow Sisters series and I'm super happy that Roman and Rahn find their happy ever after in this sweet, light drama. Yes, there's a twist in the story that threatens to tear these two apart but it's also plain to see how much Rahn and Roman adore each other. Novellas are always tricky for me because I often find myself trying to connect to the characters. This one? Nope! I had no problem at all relating to both of these incredibly sweet and REAL individuals. I loved being able to see Rahn and Roman's strengths as well as their vulnerabilities. Things weren't easy for them but they preserved together and I enjoyed their journey.
This is an hour or two diversion if you're looking for a well written story about two young but committed lovers and how they overcome diversity and personal hurdles. Told from dual POVs with a happy, Christmas miracle ending. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
We've met both Rahn and Roman in the original series. Rahn is Chloe's best friend (Foul Play Book 3). Roman is best friends with Cairo (Strike Out Book 2). This is the quintessential opposites attract; boy from the wrong side of the tracks gets the good girl story. Rahn is struggling with her parents' disdain for Roman. Roman is battling with the feeling of not being good enough for Rahn. When another complication is thrown into the mix, Roman and Rahn find themselves on the brink of breakup. Is their relationship strong enough to withstand this huge obstacle?
I read and loved the entire Barlow Sisters series and I'm super happy that Roman and Rahn find their happy ever after in this sweet, light drama. Yes, there's a twist in the story that threatens to tear these two apart but it's also plain to see how much Rahn and Roman adore each other. Novellas are always tricky for me because I often find myself trying to connect to the characters. This one? Nope! I had no problem at all relating to both of these incredibly sweet and REAL individuals. I loved being able to see Rahn and Roman's strengths as well as their vulnerabilities. Things weren't easy for them but they preserved together and I enjoyed their journey.
This is an hour or two diversion if you're looking for a well written story about two young but committed lovers and how they overcome diversity and personal hurdles. Told from dual POVs with a happy, Christmas miracle ending. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.