Review: A Merry Montgomery Christmas by Samantha Chase

Dec 4, 2023 | 2023, Blog, December 2023, Samantha Chase

A Merry Montgomery Christmas by New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Chase is a must read this holiday season with a dash of spice, a dollop of sweet, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you are new to Samantha Chase or a dedicated reader this book is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. If you love your stories packed to the rafters with easy to follow details you’ll find that here. A plot that includes celebrations, holidays, and plenty of food and merriment for all – that too!

When the Montgomerys gather there is bound to be some shenanigans and mischief, especially if the patriarch William has just a toe in the room ;). A man devoted to his wife and family he wants everyone to be as happy as they are. Is it possible he’ll be able to leave his matchmaking days behind him while away for Christmas? Are you ready for another adventure? It’s time to pack your bags and get ready to discover who might find love this Christmas season in a winter wonderland of fun.

The attention to detail, the character and plot arcs, all those couples, not to mention the twists, and turns how did you keep it all straight Samantha?!?!?.  If you’ve never read a Montgomery Brothers book and want to know if there will be spoilers, that all depends. If you’re looking for a book that delves into a family that you’ll wish was your own and one that comes with a ton of adventure, mischief, and lots of love … do something different this holiday season and dive in to this holiday romance. Once you discover the Montgomerys and uncover how amazing they are, you will want to go back to where it all began and discover this series.

It’s time to enjoy the reunion, reconnect, or meet new beloved characters as they gather to reflect, share, and enjoy the holidays with their family. With so many Montgomery books you are guaranteed reading through the new year! Devoted fan, reader or just discovering Samantha Chase for the first time this is sure to satisfy and hopefully you will find that it captures all the feels of a holiday romance read. I enjoyed catching up with three generations of Montgomerys under one roof and was delighted that with all the couples the story moved at a fast pace and left me wanting more. I love a reunion book where we visit with old friends and find out what they’ve been up to and where they are now.

If you are new to this series to read as we count down to the end of the year, consider spending the holiday season with The Montgomerys. By the time you are finished you’ll wish you could be a part of this amazing family. I have a feeling there is so much more to come in the next year and I can’t wait!  A sinfully sweet, hotter than sweet with bedroom romance that tingles in all the right places, and a dash of spice to satisfy that slightly spicy craving.

I received an advance reader copy from Valentine PR and Samantha Chase for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“May I have everyone’s attention?” William called out and surprisingly, the room grew quiet quickly. “I’d like to say welcome to everyone. It’s not often we can get everyone at the same place at the same time, but except for Carter, we’re all here.”

He paused and nodded to the servers, who began passing out drinks.

“I really just wanted to take a minute to say what a blessing all of you are and I’m so thankful that you were all able to make the time to have us come together like this,” he went on. “You’ve all gotten the tour of the house, I know Monica has sent out at least a dozen emails detailing all the local attractions and activities, and I appreciate all the patience because we’re going to be putting in some work hours for the next several days.”

“As long as you keep it to only several days, we’ll keep being patient,” Monica teased and everyone laughed.

“If everyone has a glass, I’d like to make a toast,” William said loudly. “To family. It does my heart good to see how much we’ve grown. To look at all these young faces and see this next generation just fills my heart with joy. I look forward to hearing all about what you’re doing with your lives and all the exciting things you’ve been up to!”

“Just don’t tell him too much about your personal lives,” Jason called out with a mischievous grin and again, everyone laughed. “He may look harmless, but he spent a lot of years playing matchmaker, so unless that’s what you’re looking for, be careful what you share!”

William didn’t let it bother him. He knew it was all said in fun and most of the kids here were too young for him to do any serious matchmaking.

That didn’t mean he wasn’t thinking about it, though…

“Yes, yes, yes,” he said once the laughter died down a bit. “All of your parents owe their happiness to me.”

There was a round of light arguments that went on for a few minutes, but all it did was make him smile. In this room were families that were started because he had been a little crafty. And if they all wanted to poke a little fun at him over it, he’d take it. Their smiles and laughter and the look of contentment on their faces spoke volumes.

“Anyway,” William finally interrupted, “I’d like to raise a glass to family. It’s everything. Here’s to a wonderful retreat and a wonderful holiday. Cheers!”

“Cheers!” everyone called out and then it became a bit of a free for all. The kids ran up to grab snacks and then immediately took their bounty down to the lower level. As much as William wanted to push a little for them to stay up here, it got noticeably quieter, which meant the adults could actually have a conversation.

Then he noticed that Lily was still up here. Kissing Monica on the cheek, he made his way over to his granddaughter.

“I thought you would have taken off with all your cousins,” he said, noticing the glass of champagne in her hands. “Should you be…”

She rolled her eyes while laughing softly. “Grandpa, I’m 22. I’m allowed to drink.” Then she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m glad I could be here for this. I’ve missed you.”

Was there anything sweeter than hearing those words from your grandchild? He wondered.

“I’ve missed you too,” he told her before leading them over to a sofa in the far corner of the room. “So, tell me all about dancing on a cruise ship. What was that like?”

Her entire face lit up as she tucked her legs under her and got more comfortable. “It felt like I was dancing in a Broadway show every night! The costumes were amazing, the music was awesome, and the audience always seemed to be having a good time.” Pausing, she took a sip of her champagne. “During the day we offered dance lessons on the different decks and sometimes we had to step in and help in other areas.”

“What areas?”

Now her face scrunched up a bit. “Serving in the lounges or restaurants.” She sighed. “I am definitely not a server. I dropped a lot of stuff and messed up orders, but I didn’t have a choice. It was one of the reasons it was so hard to get time off. They were always understaffed and guilted us into taking extra trips.”

“Well, that’s not very professional of them,” William chided lightly. “Are you going to go back after Christmas?”

“I don’t think so, but…I need to do something.”

“Lily, sweetheart,” he said with mild amusement. “I hardly think you need to be putting so much pressure on yourself. Your parents would love to have you home for a little while until you figure out your next move. And if you really want to work, we could always find a position for you at Montgomerys.”

The laugh was out before she could stop it. “Oh, Grandpa…” she began. “You know I am not a finance person or an office one. So, unless you’re suddenly hiring entertainment for the office, I am not someone you want behind a desk.”

Fortunately, William saw the humor in it as well. “I just thought…”

Reaching out, she rested her hand on his. “I know I can go home with Mom and Dad and it would be great. I could hang out with Sloane and Becca and just relax. But I feel like I need to be proactive. I want to audition for the Rockettes, but that’s not until April. There are some other possibilities, but most of them aren’t until May. Basically, I’ve got time on my hands and it’s bugging me.”

“A typical Montgomery trait, I’m afraid. We don’t like to be idle.”

“Exactly!” she said with a smile. “So, what about you, Grandpa? What’s new with you? I hear there’s a big merger and you’re all going to be working on it while you’re here, but is there anything else exciting going on?”

He glanced around before leaning in slightly. “Well, don’t tell your grandmother, but…I’m going to surprise her with a trip to Scotland for our fiftieth wedding anniversary.”

Her blue eyes went wide. “Seriously? That’s amazing! And totally romantic!”

“You think so, huh?”

“Oh, definitely!” She sighed. “You’re one of the good guys. I don’t think they make guys like you anymore.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I don’t know. It just feels like most guys don’t want to put any effort into a relationship. It’s kind of depressing.”

“Maybe you’re dating or looking to date the wrong kind of men,” he suggested. “Are you currently dating anyone?”

She nodded and smiled. “Ash. He’s a bartender on the ship, but he’s also one of the mechanics. He’s got an amazing motorcycle collection that he’s restoring when he has time off.”

“Interesting.”

Lily sensed a hint of disapproval. “He’s a nice guy. Really. He’s going to come here for New Year’s Eve, so you’ll get to meet him.”

“I believe the last boyfriend of yours I met was…”

“Gunner,” she replied. “He was a drummer in a band.”

William forced himself not to cringe. The boy had too many tattoos and a bad attitude. “Yes, I remember. And who did you date after him?”

“Hmm…there was…Troy—he was a skateboarding champion—and then Jett.” She took another sip of her drink. “He was a tattoo artist.”

He was beginning to see a pattern here.

“Maybe it’s the type of guy you’re dating that’s the problem, Lily,” he said carefully. “Perhaps if you went out with someone who…you know…works in an office or is a little more…I mean…or a little less…?”

Laughing softly, she squeezed his hand. “I get what you’re saying, but believe me, the last thing I want is to date a guy who reminds me of my dad. I’m not looking for the suit and tie guy. I want someone who’s edgy and fun and artsy and creative! I want someone who would jump up on stage and dance with me. Does that make sense?”

He nodded but refrained from saying anything. She certainly wasn’t going to make it easy for him to find someone suitable for her.

“William? Lily? Come have something to eat,” Monica called from across the room. “Lily, the stuffed baby portobellos are fantastic and I know how much you love stuffed mushrooms. Come taste!”

Before she stood, Lily leaned over and kissed William on the cheek. “Thanks for hanging out with me. I always love when it’s just the two of us. Remember when you used to push me on the swing in your backyard?”

Tears stung his eyes because he remembered it vividly. “I do.”

“Sometimes, I miss those days,” she said quietly, holding out her hand to him as they both got to their feet. “Now let’s go grab those mushrooms before they’re gone.”

***Excerpt shared with permission from Author Samantha Chase. Not to be copied without permission.

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Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot.  She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than eighty titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017!  She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 32 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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