Just Say Christmas

Escape to New Zealand, Book 13

By: Rosalind James

Narrated by: Emma Wilder

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

There are all kinds of Christmases and all kinds of families. The family you’re born into. The family you make. And the family you choose.

Christmas means summer in New Zealand and All Blacks wedding season, too. Plans made and plans changed, because no matter how well you plan, life happens. Especially if, say, you’re marrying your late husband’s brother, you’ve got a couple of kids in the mix, and everybody’s talked too much about all that already.

And then, there’s the rest of the family. A stepbrother who’s carried too big a secret for 30 years and needs to lay that burden down. Another whose romance with the maid of honor went south, for reasons neither of them quite understand. A sister who wants her teenage romance to stick. The man who wants to make that happen. 

From the beaches of New Zealand’s Far North to the shadow of the Southern Alps, Christmas brings family tensions and family bonds, secrets revealed, and promises kept, including the most important promise a person can make: to be there. 

Note: You will enjoy this book even more if you’ve listened to Just Say (Hell) No and Just Come Over, books 11 and 12, respectively, in Escape to New Zealand series.

©2019 Rosalind James (P)2020 Rosalind James

Just fall in love again!

Let me begin my review by saying that I am a Rosalind James superfan! I buy all of her books on Kindle and Audible and tend to like/love most, if not all of what she writes. That being said, this book definitely is my favorite in her Escape to New Zealand Series. I agree with another reviewer who called it an "epilogue on steroids!" Nearly all of the All Blacks couples from the prior books make significant appearances in this book. The center of the story is the looming wedding of Nyree and Marko, but we are also treated to the first Christmas of the newly blended family of Zora and Rhys, and the still-blooming young love of Tom and Ella, the possibility that Kane and Victoria might mend their broken hearts, and we get to check in on the growing family of Kevin and Chloe, too. There is also a sweet and heartwarming story of love and reconciliation with Hayden, Zora's brother, and Luke, Kane & Nyree's brother. This m/m romance and the support of their friends is really touching. There were so many themes throughout this book that touched my heart - LGBTQ issues, blended families, aging parents/grandparents, infertility, divorce, infidelity, respect, communication. I cried a few times listening and laughed out loud, too. You probably would get the most out of the story if you have read/listened to the other books in the series. There are a few sexy scenes in the book, so I would suggest it for adults, only. I whole-heartedly recommend this book. You'll love it!

Just Listen to this Book

Unabashedly sentimental, unapologetically romantic, absolutely sexy and totally “Happily Ever After,” Rosalind James’ Just Say Christmas (Escape to New Zealand: Book Thirteen) Is a sure-fire winner, especially to fans of the long running series. This entertaining novel warms the heart while exploring the many different definitions of family and the varied forms love can take. Rosalind James has a gift for writing easy flowing and engrossing books with underlying messages and memorable characters as this book clearly demonstrates. I have long been a fan of Ms James and this book will ensure that I will continue to be so for quite some time.  I consider this book to be a not-quite-standalone novel. While it can be enjoyed without having previously read other books in the series, to be fully appreciated, I recommend that the reader at least read the two most recent Escape to New Zealand books. That said, I recommend any reader new to the series to go to the beginning, Just This Once, Escape to New Zealand, and then read all the books. This is a wonderful series and well worth listening to or reading in print.  Emma Wilder’s narration of the book is sure and steady and adds an added depth to the written version.  When originally released in print, this book was a Christmas present for fans of the series, bringing back many characters from recent books, a few from earlier books and then adding a few new couples, as well. It is an absolutely feel good and five star listen to anyone that is a fan of the series. I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated nor required to write a positive review.  The opinions stated are solely my own.

A Wonderful Visit With Old Friends!

I loved this story. We visit so many of my favorite characters from the Escape to NZ series. Each still exuding what made their characters special to us such as Kate and Koti or Nic and Emma. A wedding for Marco and Nyari as our favorite artist races to finish a deadline and her marriage. Rhys and Zora still as special as ever with Casey and Isiah keeping us informed. And a wonderful romance for Hayden and Luke, that old saying " When you least expect it..." Emma Wilder's narration is spot on as always. I loved everything about this audiobook!!

Wonderful story for a wonderful time of year

Rosalind James does what she does best, tells the stories of her beloved characters with all of the heart and soul she has to give. This story brings back some of our favorite characters from previous books, Rhys, Zora, Marko, Nyree and so on. I also liked that we met some new characters, like Kane and Victoria. Everyone gathered together to celebrate Marko and Nyree's wedding. This gave us the opportunity to see what has happened with their lives since we last heard about them. There are secrets to be told, romances to reignite and fun to be had. Rosalind James tells these stories and describes her characters with the utmost precision. She makes you want to know these people in real life. I have listened to several of her books, and thoroughly enjoyed this one simply because we got to reconnect with former characters, as well as connect with new ones. I read/listen to Rosalind's books to "escape" from my everyday world at times. She takes her readers on such journey's with each new book. I truly enjoyed this story of family, friendship and, most importantly, love. Emma Wilder does another fantastic job at bringing each character to life. The way that she can switch her voice from character to character is just amazing. And, I love the way she does the children's voices - so sweet and innocent.

Great characters, fun, touching storyline

Loved this audiobook. The narrator does a great job and loved the wrap up for so many great storylines in this book. Touching, made me laugh and cry! Can’t wait for the next one!

A whirlwind catch-up that delights!

Just Say Christmas is one of those books that gathers all the ribbons of prior stories and weaves them together into a triple-decker epilogue. There's another chapter for Marco and Nyree, Ella and Tom, Zora and Rhys (and Isiah and Cassidy) and a bit more to surprise you. You will want to have read some of the more recent Escape to NZ books to really enjoy this one. There's a lot of poignancy, new understanding and painting you wish you could actually see! Enjoyable reading by Emma Wilder, too. I always enjoy a Rosalind James book!

Wow, Just Wow

I can never say enough good things about Rosalind James and Emma, they are a great combination. Great story telling from Rosalind and Emma does a fantastic job conveying it to the listeners. Just Say Christmas is one big happy story. Many characters from past books show up and have their stories continued. This was such an emotional book I could just feel the characters feelings with Emma reading. She does the children's voice so well. So much in this book, family, love, relationship struggles, fear and happiness. It's a must listen This will be on my replay list. I received a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

A Happy Christmas Story

Rosalind James writes the best stories. This one brings past characters back into the light with wedding love, challenges with children and an interesting bridal shower. Emma Wilder is the best in the business with her audible books. This is a must read romance that brings in a very happy ending.

I so love the Excape to New Zealand series

Emma Wilder does an amazing job with the characters and I seriously fall into the stories they are so well written. Rosalind James makes these characters come to life and you want to go to New Zealand to meet them in person. Thank you for such a wonderful series

Wonderful Epilogue for Escape to New Zealand Fans

For the record, I am an official Escape to New Zealand Fan, and I’ve devoured every Kindle and Audio version of the entire series. Like “Just Once More”, this book involves all of the characters from the previous books, especially the last two, Books 11 & 12. I would not recommend starting with this audiobook as an intro to this series, as it is a sort of extended epilogue for so many stories. And is really is fun to re-visit beloved friends and couples, and families, but difficult to follow in parts. There are just so many characters and stories. The narration truly carried me through this audiobook because Emma Wilder is simply outstanding. I love the kids and this promoted me to go back to listen to “Just Come Over” (Book 12) to enjoy again. Definitely better if you’re current with the series. Even if you’re a bit stale though, Rosalind James will make you laugh out loud, and tears will fill your eyes, and you’ll be sad when the book ends, wanting it to just keep going. I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I was not compelled to write a positive review and these thoughts are mine alone.

Great Listen

I have read the kindle version and while it is a Christmas story it was a delight to delve back into this story and its characters. A really great story with plenty of family drama and fun. It is not overly focused on Christmas. So than shouldn't put anyone off listening to it all year round! Great link in with the previous 2 books. Weddings, children and mother in laws and some smoking hot rugby players thrown in.Great all round story that Emma Wilder really brings to live. Well worth a listen.