Christmas Alabama

by Susan Sands

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publication Date: October 26, 2017
Series: Alabama Series, Book 4
Print Length: 326 pages
Publisher: Tule Publishing

Photographer Rachel Prudhomme has finally settled in Ministry, Alabama. Sure, the pace is slower, and she’s had her heart blessed more times than she can count, but putting down her roots where her family is feels right, if only the town’s new doctor and now neighbor weren’t so hot and constantly igniting her dreams. How can she keep her vow to steer clear of men when he keeps sauntering across her path?

For Dr. Nicholas Sullivan to get his dream job in Atlanta, he must fill in at Ministry General, where they’re short staffed for the holidays. He never expects to fall for his beautiful next door neighbor, Rachel.

Soon, Nick and Rachael make a deal. They’ll pretend to date so Rachael can avoid the scrutiny from her family to “find a good man” and Nick can avoid the single lovelies in town who take his short stay as a challenge. Amidst the carolers, Christmas lights, and an unlikely Alabama snowstorm, Nick and Rachel can’t help but notice the powerful emotional and physical attraction between them. Will a Christmas miracle be all it takes to make all of their dreams come true? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon)

In Christmas Alabama, the story follows Rachel Prudhomme’s new life in Ministry. After all the suffering due to her father’s behavior, she is now trying to overcome her fears in order to trust men again. Dr. Nick. Sullivan arrives in this podunk town and is surprised not only by the people’s generosity and friendliness but also by the hospital’s efficiency. Moreover, “destiny” gives him a chance to be the neighbor of the beautiful town photographer, and from the very start, he thinks she could be the woman of his life, but first, she needs to let down her guard and confide in him.

Christmas Alabama is the fourth extraordinary book in the Alabama Series. Once again, Susan Sands captivates our emotions with her delightful prose.

We have the chance to both revisit characters we know and meet new ones very well described and rounded. I really appreciate the author’s ability to represent gracefully realistic stories and analyze some psychological traits of the characters. This book highlights Rachel’s fears. In fact, although she is an independent woman, a talented photographer, and devoted to her family, she also needs time to heal from the pains of her childhood and try to finally forgive her father.

“So, her deep, bitter disappointment at discovering his betrayals was existentially shattering to Rachel. She’d begun to heal now, but it was likely going to take the rest of her life to truly forgive her father, and not to doubt the motives of men, in general, after what he’d done to her mother and their family.”

In Christmas Alabama we can observe how love, family, and forgiveness are the keys to happiness, and enjoy the company of these beautiful characters in a warm and positive Christmas spirit.

If only her life could transform so beautifully and quickly. If only someone like Nick had come here to stay, and Rachel could find the kind of peace and happiness Sabine had with Ben. If it happened for other people, why not her? Christmas made Rachel believe—believe in magic and miracles. 

I’m happy to recommend this book, which in my opinion deserves five out of five stars.

I was provided a copy from Readers’ Favorite in exchange for an honest review.

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