The Lodge on Holly Road

The characters of The Lodge on Holly Road meet at the festive Lodge at Holly Road to celebrate Christmas—all seeking something. James was recently widowed and “kidnapped” by his daughter, Brooke, for this vacation. Brooke is looking for a change, as is single mom, Missy, whose children have her own dreams. John is there having planned to propose to his emotionally distant girlfriend. Even lodge owner Olivia and her sons are searching to fill a void. Will Christmas at the lodge deliver?
This is an unconventional romance, not of one couple finding their destiny together; everyone has a chance at fulfillment. The sensory details of small-town Christmas are appealing.

True, the plot is, to this reader, a bit saccharine. The characters’ problems are too easily resolved; love too easily found, excessive gifts, such as pets, too readily given to near-strangers. John quickly finds new love on the way to the lodge after being stood up at the last minute. He is a kind, attractive guy; it strains credulity that his girlfriend would rather stay home alone—at Christmastime—or that he wouldn’t get the message. Similarly, James suddenly snaps out of mourning after meeting someone new. Difficult life issues seem to evaporate at the lodge—which is all right. If you’re up for happily-ever-after, this is it.