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The Christmas Spirit

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SOMETIMES IT TAKES ONE BROKEN HEART TO HEAL ANOTHER.

Courtney Winston is a writer on a deadline. Eager to finish her book and get over a recent break-up, she ditches Christmas with her family and retreats to a secluded cabin in the mountains.

Appliances rarely work, and cell service is spotty, but Courtney senses there is more to her rustic rental—something dark and haunting.

Then Peter, the attractive Stone Mountain Lodge owner, and a meddling cook, Mrs. Finn, keep coming around, shattering her peace and offering advice on how to fix her heavy heart.

Courtney grows closer to Peter, but Mrs. Finn warns her of his troubled past. Undaunted, Courtney sets out to win him over. But being with the brooding stranger may end up costing her more than she ever imagined.

230 pages, ebook

Published October 27, 2020

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About the author

Alexandrea Weis

51 books1,105 followers
Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans.
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To read more about Alexandrea Weis or her books, you can go to the following sites:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Jasmine.
458 reviews878 followers
October 28, 2020
***Actual Rating: 4/5 Quirky Stars***

First thing first, The Christmas Spirit is quite an interesting and totally enjoyable read. I picked up this book simply because of its intriguing and full-of-Christmassy-vibes synopsis and the fact that there’d potentially be some swoony romance, which has become my most favorite genre recently.

Judging from its blurb, I could easily picture the main characters having some lovely moments in the remote mountain cabin and all that getting-to-know-each-other jazz. What took me by surprise was the SUSPENSE. Kinda romantic suspense. Never in a million years would I expect something deliciously suspenseful coming from this book and you know what? I delightfully enjoyed all the tantalizing mysteries regarding the creepy fairy tales about the Christmas Spirit.

Undoubtedly, the characters were unforgettable and the stories each one of them shared were equally memorable. There were indeed some thought-provoking meanings behind all the folklores, however nonsense they might seem. Besides, the coincidence you’d find in the end of the book was an icing on the cake and that was what made this book stand out.

All in all, I’d recommend The Christmas Spirit to everyone, especially those who are looking for a unique reading experience with some wicked protagonists and supernatural creatures. *wink*

***Thanks to the author and Xpresso Book Tours for the review opportunity.***
Profile Image for Patty .
1,141 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2020
Wow. This book is unlike anything I have ever read before. This book is mysterious, romantic, scary, tragic and inspirational. I experienced so many emotions while reading this book. A beautiful story that is extremely well written and flows so smoothly.

Courtney is having a tough holiday season. Recently dumped and not wanting to spend Christmas with her family, she uses a deadline on her new book as an excuse to ba hum bug the season.

Alone in a secluded cabin at a lodge in Gatlinburg, she begins to experience unusual things. She learns ancient traditions and begins to write a beautiful book. But all is not candy canes and sugar plum fairies. Strange things happen and she becomes lost, upset and even confused at times. Will she survive the Christmas or will she go insane and lose herself and her soul?

Like I said before, this book is unusual and very intriguing and mysterious. The characters are strong and developed perfectly. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Happiness, sadness, fear and even love. I really enjoyed this different take on Christmas romance. It was mesmerizing and I just could not put it down.

I loved the mystery written in the story and trying to figure out who’s who. I would love to read more from this author. I believe she has a way about her stories that will surprise you and make you a believer.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
7,049 reviews181 followers
October 29, 2020
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT by Alexandrea Weis focuses on accountant/ author Courtney Winston in the days prior to the Christmas holiday.

Courtney Winston’s manuscript had been accepted by a big name publisher but in an effort to get the book ready for a new year push, our heroine had to spend the holidays making revisions she didn’t want to make. A secluded cabin in the Smoky Mountains was the ideal spot for our story line heroine but strange noises and even stranger visitors began to push Courtney out of her comfort zone. If not for the frequent visits by a black cat, the lodge owner Peter Morris, and cook Mrs. Finn, Courtney believes she never would have made it through the holidays or finished her book. From Austrian folklore and mythology about tragedy, spirits and the Christmas holidays, Courtney would find herself at a crossroads between the real world, and the ethereal world of spirits and ghosts.

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT is a story of good vs evil; loss, heart break and romance, hope and love. Alexandrea Weis pulls the reader into a transcendent story of dark and light, spirits and ghosts, love and happily ever after.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Mary Ting.
Author 48 books2,154 followers
October 27, 2020
Alexandrea is my go-to author. She never disappoints. The Christmas Spirit is a beautiful love story, full of emotions and a perfect read. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kassandra Blake.
106 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2020
~4,7*~

I discovered this book thanks to another book from the same publisher, "The Magic Ingredient" by Lindy Miller, and which I was looking into their website and their future releases.

It'is the summary that made me want to read this title. We can guess that there is a fantastic side to the story, but I was completely taken by surprise by the way we discover it.

The characters are interesting, pleasant to follow or even surprising. Although we suspect some things given their behavior, the end surprised me. I didn't see it coming.

I was able to enrich my vocabulary with a few new words and I find that reading in English is getting easier and easier.

It's a beautiful end-of-year story, a bit like the Christmas TV movies that I love every year. This is why this year, I made a little personal challenge to read six books on the Christmas theme.

Alexandrea Weis also wrote "Sisters of the Moon" which tempts me well, but also other titles.

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

https://www.englishparadisebook.com/2...
Profile Image for anie.
1,095 reviews47 followers
October 29, 2020
When I first opened up the book, I expected a fluffy Christmas romance. I was dead wrong. :)

The story is still romantic, just in a different way and empowering, magical. It's about healing a broken heart, following your heart, and believing in yourself.

Courtney is an accountant, who writes books on the side. She long to write full time and her agent assures her that her next book will get her there, she just has to do about a million changes to her story, till new years.

She reluctantly agrees and instead of going to her mom's for Christmas, she rents a remote cabin in the wood. But there is something off about that place. The owner comes around all the time, wearing strange clothes, and the self-appointed cook shares her vies on love, all the time. With a black cat as her only companion, she dives into work.

The more of the story she uncovers, the more she is confused. There is something strange about that place. :)

In the end, she writes a story, not the one she set to work on, and helps a friend on the way.

The story is set in a magical place, in a lone cabin, surround by wood, snow, and strange things. :) And the characters are awesome. Courtney has an awesome story arc, in the beginning, she is broken-hearted, defeated, with a hard past and she comes out stronger, free, and ready to let people it.

And the writing is extremely good. The story just flows, once I started reading, I couldn't stop. :)

It's seriously one of the best Christmas stories I've ever read. Highly recommend it!

received from Xpresoo Book Tours
Profile Image for Jessica Bush.
145 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2020
Awesomeness

I loved it. I am a huge fan of Christmas. And I really liked how the book came together. Just the right amount of drama, hoilday spirit and romance. Was very unique and reads like a fresh kind of book.
Profile Image for Erin Forys.
31 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2020
When you want Christmas, folklore, a smidge of romance, mixed with mystery, and finding yourself amid everyone’s expectations, this is the perfect read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend to someone that wants a good Holiday read without it being a Hallmark explosion.
Profile Image for Teresa Keefer.
Author 43 books276 followers
November 12, 2020
Mysterious and Seductive

From the beginning, this story grasped me with its beckoning storyline. The characters were enticing with a life of their own. Who doesn’t love a romantic ghost story with an end carrying a twist. I know I did!
19 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2020
Love with a twist

I really loved how the people seemed so real and how life problems were thoughtfully brought to the front of the mind to be realigned and lived again beautiful story thank you for bringing it to an agreeable ending
Profile Image for Brandy Stuart.
30 reviews
November 11, 2020
A spellbinding tale you won’t be able to put down! I loved how the characters draw you in from the first page. The heartbreak is palpable from the beginning and the twists are to die for!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews84 followers
October 28, 2020
Whenever a relationship ends it is always difficult but for Courtney being that happened right before the holidays makes it even more difficult. She isn’t up to the happiness and cheer of spending the season with her family, so she decides to spend that time alone in a secluded cabin to meet her writing commitments.

With the help of a few guests that she wasn’t expecting and a few surprises she didn't see coming this Christmas is about to become one that she will never forget as the author takes us on a journey of hope, love and healing.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
10 reviews
January 9, 2021
This was an enjoyable Christmas read full of surprises. It full of romance, mystery, intrigue and certainly kept me guessing all the way to the end. I was not disappointed at all and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a "different" kind of romance read for the holidays.
Profile Image for Kelly-Jo Sweeney.
1,111 reviews16 followers
October 27, 2020
The Christmas Spirit is really about two types of 'spirit' Firstly, our heroine Courtney is not feeling the Christmas spirit herself. After splitting up with her boyfriend and not looking forward to her mother's fully on Christmas celebrations, she's only too happy to lock herself away to work on her book and spend Christmas alone. It soon becomes obvious that she isn't completely on her own, even though her cabin is very isolated. Every day she sees owner Peter, the cook Mrs Finn and a black cat.
Although this is a romance, it isn't one in the way that most romances are. The story is as much about taking risks and finding out who you are. All is not as it seems in this out of the way cabin and Courtney has to embrace Christmas and the chance of love while she is there.
This is quite an unusual story with a few twists and turns. I did guess where it was heading before we got there and there are a few clues on the way. I really enjoyed it though, a perfect festive read.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,221 reviews33 followers
November 26, 2020
The Christmas Spirit is a beautifully unexpected journey that many will easily relate to and completely fall under it's mystifing spell. This is an entirely surprising and undoubtedly stunning tale that is sure to leave your heart full and your mind buzzing with joy.

Courtney is at a crossroads in her life. She is facing a heart-breaking season with no signs of true happiness and good change heading her way. Instead, she finds herself on the precipice of a dangerous cliff. Will she continue walking a dark path to a harrowing fate, or will take a harder path that will test and challenge her at every step and yet leave her better and whole? We are the ones in charge of our future, but will that future be one full of hope and love or bitterness and regret?

Courtney surprised me in many ways. She was strong willed and stubborn but only beautiful if the heartache she hid from the world. She couldn't even admit the full extent of pain to herself let alone anyone else. She was the reason I was pulled into this story head first. I saw myself in her so clearly, and yet I wanted to see how she would react to what was happening around her. Sometimes things that seem like a huge distraction are those that will ultimately being us back to life. We have to endure the dark and hard times in order to savor and cherish the good times we walk through.

Alexandrea Weis shocked and delighted me with her unique and unusual story that showed me the true meaning of this holiday season. She showed me how I felt better than I could ever articulate, and gave me a choice that only I could make. Life is utterly complicated, and this fabulously talented author showed me that the good parts are most definitely worth the fight. Weis is one author I will be keeping an eye out for. She has wicked talent, and she will not leave you unscathed or untouched her by her powerful words.
Profile Image for Joanna Olson.
633 reviews11 followers
December 3, 2020
This book had such a beautiful concept to it. Courtney is an accountant who is a writer on the side. When her publisher tells her she has to rework the whole storyline of her new book before the new year Courtney decides to skip Christmas with her family and focus on her book. She plans on disconnecting entirely and finds a remote cabin for rent in Tennessee. Courtney doesn't plan to meet the resort owner Phillip and spend a great deal of her trip with him instead. Through their time spent together they learn about love, grief, family, being yourself, and learning to live again after heartbreak. Alexandrea Weis does a fantastic job painting a picture of who Courtney and Phillip are. The imagery in the story is beautiful and I could picture the resort, the cabin and all of the details described in the book. The Christmas Spirit is a unique romance because there is also a paranormal aspect of the book that came together beautifully. I particularly love that their were no loose ends in the story. It was wrapped up perfectly, just like a gift! This book really got me in the Christmas Spirit (no pun intended!).
Profile Image for Jeremy Craig.
Author 1 book15 followers
December 2, 2020
A beautiful return to an old Christmas tradition

I have a deep love for the holiday seasons and find a visit from the spirit of the season to be particularly welcoming as it is also a difficult time of year when we tend to lose the joy and feeling amid the bustle and rush of life as we juggle professional obligations, family and tradition. This book hits close tome in that regard and is a wonderfully written story that is just perfect for this time of year. It has a delightful elegance and grace to it, as page by page it draws the reader in and ever lets go as the Author brings to life a story that is well worth the read, and ends in a way I did not expect.

I can't recommend this book any more to perspective readers if I tried.
December 28, 2020
SO UNEXPECTED. I grabbed this book looking for a simple love story, but what I found was a paranormal mystery thriller with deep self reflection that often found its focus on love. A true page-turner, I devoured this book that had me reeling from the constantly shifting mystery. The book was filled with countless sweet and heartwarming moments that were quickly followed by a "wait what?" Just enough was revealed to keep you following along and left the rest to be continually turned over in you head as you read. I enjoyed it so much I am reaching for another by this author.
Profile Image for Monique Snyman.
Author 27 books129 followers
December 12, 2023
The Christmas Spirit by Alexandrea Weis emerges as a fresh deviation from the conventional holiday tales that saturate the market around this time of year. Courtney Winston, the protagonist of the story, is an accountant in Nashville and a writer in her spare time — although, like most aspiring authors, she hopes to make writing her full-time job.

Courtney, however, is grappling with a broken heart, has a looming deadline to her agent, and yearns for solitude so she can make the necessary changes to her manuscript in the hopes of receiving a publishing deal. As a result, she chooses to forgo the traditional family Christmas and retreats to a secluded cabin in the Smoky Mountains, which sets the stage for an unconventional and riveting paranormal romance that will keep readers glued to their seats from beginning to end!

Not happy about the extensive revision required by her prospective publisher, Courtney heads to a remote cabin near the ghost town of Elkmont to write. There she meets the enigmatic lodge owner, Peter Stoneridge, and the meddling yet endearing cook, Mrs. Finn. She also makes friends with an unusual black cat who comes and goes as she pleases. It’s here readers finally realize that this is not your typical Christmas love story, but rather a tapestry of mystery, sorrow, hope, and even danger lurking in the woods. As Courtney navigates the challenges of her rustic retreat, she is forced to make peace with her past, come to terms with her present, and make difficult decisions about her future. Furthermore, the plot takes unexpected twists and turns, injecting an element of suspense that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

Inspired by Austrian folklore that introduces readers to Perchta, the seamless blend of paranormal elements and romance that adds layers to the tale are a testament to Weis’s storytelling prowess, which will make fast fans of her work.

Seeing as this is not my first rodeo with Weis’ work, I can confirm that she crafts characters that resonate long after the final page is turned and leaves you wanting more. Courtney Winston, with her determination to heal a broken heart and meet her writing deadline, becomes a relatable and resilient protagonist. Peter and Mrs. Finn both add depth to the narrative, but also suspense, especially since it’s difficult to figure out what their motives are in the grand scheme of things.

In a literary landscape dominated by predictable holiday romances, The Christmas Spirit stands out as a paranormal gem that readers can return to year after year. With its mystery, feel-good moments, and deep conversations, Alexandrea Weis’s ability to seamlessly blend a myriad of genres creates a magical read that transcends genre boundaries.

So, get ready readers, because this is not just a Christmas love story; it’s an exploration of the supernatural, a celebration of second chances, and a testament to the enduring power of hope and love. It’s a must-read for those seeking a unique and delightful holiday novel and for those who enjoy more depth—and twists—in their Christmas romances.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 2 books101 followers
January 6, 2024
And Now for Something Completely Different

This is an unusual holiday romance because the couple at the core of the modern-day romance actually spend very little time together, just a little at the beginning of the book and slightly more at the end. The book has a strong paranormal element, though the heroine doesn't notice it for most of it! We, the readers, can see it way before she does! I felt myself getting frustrated with the heroine at times, as she would often run out into the elements (imagine snowy, remote mountain) and do dangerous things with little forethought. The olden-time love story is sweet and tragic, and it resolves beautifully. The author didn't accurately reflect what writing/publishing is like today. The heroine is an accountant who has published a few books and is sequestering herself at an out-of-the-way cabin to shape up her latest book to a publisher's standards. The author makes it seem as though this is a make-or-break decision for this author when that couldn't be further from the truth because of how the publishing world is these days. So what if she doesn't get a major publisher? She can easily self-publish. And it's hard for me to fathom any relatively new writer getting a nearly six-figure advance. In your publishing dreams! This book not only has the paranormal aspect but a mild horror aspect as well that was never quite explained or resolved, which seems a little lazy of the writer. In the subtitle, the author calls this romance "uplifting and heartwarming"; frankly, it's a stretch to call it a romance, and it's a bit too dark to call uplifting and heartwarming. If you're going into this book expecting it to be a traditional holiday romance—as the cover suggests—you will be disappointed. If you're looking for something a little different, with elements of the paranormal and horror and where the couples spend little on-screen time together, you may enjoy this interesting book.

I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Ashleah.
457 reviews22 followers
December 20, 2023
(3.25/5 stars)

The Christmas Spirit by Alexandrea Weis is a holiday romance with paranormal and suspense elements.

I liked this book but didn't love it. It feels a bit like a Hallmark movie. There were some Austrian folklore elements that I really enjoyed.

I initially picked it up because some reviews compared it to A Christmas Carol. While there are some thematic similarities--most notably being set around Christmas and involving spirits--I think that comp is a little heavy-handed.

We have a bit of an unreliable narrator with Courtney, a writer whose publisher has given her a strict deadline to update her latest book with their notes, but her heart is not fully in it. To find enough quiet to do so, she books the last remote cabin that she can find in the Smoky Mountains. She makes some strange decisions from time to time which occasionally pulled me out of the story, like how many times she leaves the cabin on her own for various reasons.

The prose is well written throughout. I wish there was a bit more meat to the story. Added depth and development to the plot could have changed this from a like-it to a love-it for me.

If you're looking for a romantic holiday novella that has some paranormal elements (with a bonus black Norwegian forest cat), this might be the book for you.

I received a copy of this book to review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, Bluesky, Facebook or Twitter.
498 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2021

I expected this book to be about a traditional cozy family enjoying the holidays with the true spirit of Christmas. Instead, the Spirit in the title referred to many spirits that were trapped on earth (earth-bound). However, reading the book, you didn’t know that the ‘alive characters’ were frequently interchanged with the former generations spirits who had yet to cross over.

It was a very unusual book that was hard to follow. It wasn’t until the last 2 chapters, when the author’s housekeeping made it clear what had occurred in this story.

I had great difficulty continuing this book. I am a spiritual person and believe that our spirit lives on when our bodies passes. However, the way that spirits were portrayed in this book, was hard to absorb. I respect the attempt and the book was well written, but I couldn’t make myself like the book no matter how hard I tried.

I think that younger readers may be more drawn to this paranormal fantasy genre’ combination. I wish the author best wishes and success in the future.

I received this advanced reader’s copy for free from Book Sirens and the author. This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.
178 reviews2 followers
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October 23, 2021
Courtney wants to be a writer. She has a book deal with a soon to be deadline. She is also going through a resent breakup and doesn’t wish for Christmas with her family this year.

Instead of her typical family Christmas she chooses to rent a cabin to finish her book. The cabin is at Stone Mountain Lodge and Peter is the owner.

Courtney can’t quite figure out Peter. He has been generous, accommodating and concerned. Once settled into her cabin, although Still concerned and generous he seems much more broody.

An odd lady, Miss Finn, Courtney assumes Peter sent to help with meals. Talking to them both neither likes the other.

Courtney has spotty cell phone service, her appliances rarely work and she is really thrown off by the oddities if the people surrounding her.

This is an intriguing paranormal Christmas story. The ending was fantastic! I couldn’t wait to see how it came together and I was surprised and pleased!!

I received a free copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
676 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2024
3.5* ARC Review – Christmas Escape to the Smoky Mountains
This is a new author and a very different genre for me. Thought it would be an interesting Christmas themed story for the season. This is the story of Courtney Winston, a corporate accountant who is also trying to be a writer. Since it is just before the holidays and she has recently broken up with her boyfriend, she is convinced by her agent to go away to make the changes requested to her book. The place she finds is isolated in the Smoky Mountains with limited cell phone service.
When Courtney arrives, she meets the handsome lodge owner, Peter, who warns her of the isolation, but ends up sending her a cook to help out at the cabin. While there she learns of the history of the area and absorbs the Austrian folklore that plays a large part in the region. As she goes to make the changes that were requested, Courtney becomes more interested in the stories around her and starts to write another book entirely.
195 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2020
Courtney has been given an ultimatum by her publisher to make changes to her latest book which causes her to take a last option cabin in the snowy mountains. Things aren’t always what they seem when her cabin turns out to be not so remote. The Christmas Spirit is about second chances and finding your true path in life.
This book was very much like a myth but had a constant back and forth that I often found confusing and frustrating. What is happening and who should she trust? This book has a supernatural component that I normally don’t mind but the back and forth and constant confusion from Courtney distracted from what was happening with Peter. The confusion caused me to miss the magic of Christmas and new beginnings. I wanted to like this but it didn’t work for me unfortunately.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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