The Christmas Village by Annie Rains is the second book in her Somerset Lake series. In this book, we follow the story of Lucy Hannigan and Miles Bruno.

Lucy and Miles go way back. Sadly, Miles broke her heart and perhaps with their story as it unfolds can be summed up to the right person, wrong time. Only this time, he’ll have to convince her, even though time has passed, that he’s worth a second chance.

Upon return to Somerset Lake, with the death of her mother lingering in the back of her mind, Lucy Hannigan is trying to sort things out approaching the first holidays without her. Luckily after joining a book club, with the support of some wonderful girlfriends, being alone has been easier to deal with. As her mother’s financial woes continue to reveal themselves, her advertisement for a renter had gone unnoticed until an unfortunate situation happened to someone that became the answer to her dilemma. Only one problem, her only candidate was none other than Miles Bruno.

Alright, there’s more to the story about him breaking her heart before you hate him from the start. To begin with, considering currently her financial status, she can’t be selective. It’s not that they are enemies, just friends at a distance. He’s a great guy who thought he was doing the right thing before considering his circumstances then. When Lucy agrees to the rental, she lays down some rules to guard her heart and their peace. While it’s easy to forgive, she can’t forget their past. Little does she know; he wants to do all in his power to make it up to her.

When an unexpected visit from the HOA brings bad news, Lucy is overwhelmed with the possibly of losing all that she has left. With the holidays coming up, not feeling the spirit, Lucy decides she’s not up to continuing her family tradition of decorating her home. Every year her mother entered the competitive Merriest Lawn decorating contest. When it’s discovered that the winner gets a cash prize, Miles convinces her that is the answer to all her problems and is determined to help her win. As she starts to warm up not only to the holiday but opening her heart to the possibilities, will Lucy allow heart to be open for a second chance?

The journey between these two really was emotional and embodies everything about getting it right the second time around. They were the right people at the wrong time. The ups and downs, revelations and forgiveness of the past made their story worth the read. I love the friends in this series because with these two, they are very supportive and make you feel good. You just want to be friends with them also. There is always something nostalgic about the holidays and when love finds you again, there’s a pure joy in the sentimentality a redemption love story. It concludes with a sweet hea and fun epilogue.

Just on a side note, this can be read as a standalone but for continuity, I would read in order. In case you haven’t found this wonderful series, start with The Summer Cottage then move unto this book, The Christmas Village which is the second book in The Somerset Lake series. Please make sure to continue with the next book, The True Love Bookshop.

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