Review of Silver Bells by Anne Shaw

 

Welcome to the review tour for Silver Bells by Anne Shaw! Today I'm sharing an excerpt and my thoughts about this contemporary romance novel. You can find out more people's thoughts as you follow the tour. Be sure to let the author know what you think in the comments! And best of luck entering the giveaway

Alice had to act, and she had to act fast: a girl’s life depended on it.

A series of coincidental events leave Alice with more questions than answers. Could the sick little girl in need of a bone marrow transplant be the daughter she gave up for adoption ten years before? To become close to the girl without revealing her identity, Alice develops a plan to cast the girl’s uncle, a chocolatier, as a contestant on a live Christmas Eve show.

A television cooking competition was never in Niko’s plans, but when his sick niece expresses her wish for him to compete on the show, he reluctantly agrees. His past as an MMA fighter taught him to guard himself from punches being thrown his direction, but he wasn’t prepared for the fallout of letting his emotional guard down for Alice.

When sparks fly between Alice and Niko in and out of the kitchen, will the secrets Alice keeps shatter the budding relationship?

Read an excerpt:

Alice moved around the kitchen, enjoying the cadence of Niko’s voice and the enthusiasm behind it much more than she should. She’d been upset when he’d flouted her plans for a one-on-one sit-down interview, but she was glad he’d made this into an educational session. He was a natural in front of the camera, down to earth and charming. “I’m done. What’s next?”

“Come over here and close your eyes.”

“What?” she asked, the question coming out more of a whisper.

His husky laughter played across every nerve ending in her body, and she stiffened at the unwelcome sensation.

“Because chocolate plays on more than your palate,” he said. His gaze fell to her lips.

She fought the instinct to swallow. Then he met her eyes again, and the spark of telling light in the depths sent her heart thudding.

“This is a PG show,” she reminded him and herself. She was engaged to Richard.

Yet you’ve ignored his every phone call.

“Chocolate isn’t a four-letter word. Now close your eyes, and smell the flavor.”

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**My thoughts**

I was drawn to this story because of the plot involving Alice seeking her daughter she had given up for adoption 10 years before, and hoping that she can help save her biological daughter's life. And honestly, that was the part that I focused on the most while I was reading this book. The romance was more a part of the background for me. That's not to say that there was anything wrong with the attraction between Alice and Niko, who also happens to be the uncle of the little girl. 

I admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Alice at first. I had to warm up to her. But as you learn more about her background, it makes a lot of sense why she comes off as more abrasive in the beginning. But you have to really admire her tenacity and desire to help this little girl. That was the Christmas miracle I took away from this story.

The scenes from the TV show were probably my favorite parts. I could actually see all of the action playing out in my head. I don't watch a ton of those cooking contest shows, but I felt like I was right there on the stage observing and participating. And I have had a serious craving for chocolate since about halfway through the book. I really want to try that last one in real life!

I appreciated this novel for not being your typical holiday romance. In fact, she describes it more as a contemporary romance. It just happens to take place during the Christmas season. But miracles still do happen, just as you would expect. And I do think that this would make for a fun made-for-TV holiday movie.

Thank you to the author and to Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author:

Anne Shaw is the author of both contemporary and historical romances. She lives in western Washington with her four-legged friend Larry, a quirky cat who stares at her for hours on end while she loses herself in a world where a sexy hero, and bold heroine face unsurmountable odds to reach the ultimate goal, a happily-ever-after. If you like rom-dramedies, then visit www.Anne-Shaw.com. 

Website: https://Anne-Shaw.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.shaw.501151

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anneshawcom1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1423794.Anne_Shaw

Anne Shaw will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 

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