Review of Christmas Promises (Sugarville Grove #4) by Tess Thompson

 

Laney Gray thought she had her life all figured out—until her fairytale wedding turned into a public betrayal. Jilted at the altar and humiliated by the very people she trusted most, Laney flees the city for Sugarville Grove, the picturesque small town where she once spent her happiest summers. Seeking solace in her aunt’s charming bookstore, Laney hopes to piece her life back together in time for Christmas.

What she doesn’t expect is to run into Nolan Hayes—the quiet, bookish boy who stole her heart one magical summer. Now an English professor with a steady presence and a smile that still makes her knees weak, Nolan is no longer the shy teenager Laney remembers. But as their paths cross amidst twinkling lights and snow-covered streets, the connection between them feels as familiar—and as powerful—as ever.

Laney may be a city girl out of her element in Sugarville Grove, but as she works to rebuild the bookstore’s holiday traditions, she finds herself drawn not only to the town’s simple charms but also to Nolan’s quiet strength. Yet, both carry scars from the past—hers from a shattered engagement, and his from a heartbreak he’s never shared.

Can the magic of Christmas help Laney and Nolan find the courage to take a second chance on love? Or will old wounds keep them from the happy ending they’ve been waiting for all along?

Heartwarming and full of small-town charm, Christmas Promises is a cozy holiday romance about healing, hope, and the unexpected gift of a second chance.

Available on Amazon (KU!)

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Sugarville Grove series by Clara Pines and Tess Thompson!

**My thoughts**

Christmastime is a great time for second chances and true love. Laney was supposed to be married, but it blew up in her face in the most obnoxious way. I can't blame her for wanting to run away and find something that brings her peace and happiness. This is my fourth trip to Sugarville Grove, and I have to say I could use a break there, myself! Even better is when you run into your long lost love from those younger, happier days. You'd be surprised how often that unrequited love will return in your favor, especially in these small towns!

Laney and Nolan fall right back into each other's lives, like they had never been apart. You know that it's meant to be. It's understandable that others may have some reservations about them rekindling so quickly, especially since Laney just escaped a doomed wedding. Nolan has his own past devastating heartbreak. But when you know, you know, right?

I admit that I was fully cheering them on, while also thinking, slow down a bit and make sure this is really what you want and need! I mean, you know that it is, but I've gotten a bit more apprehensive in my old age. Simultaneously, I'm a bit envious of her having the chance to start over, to find a new path in life that has love and success. I really want my own Sugarville Grove!

And can I just say that I need a spinoff that features Aunt Edna and more details about her long lost love, Max? That story thread definitely had me sighing. 

I love these families and I love this town. It's going to be hard to wait for the next installments, but I'm sure looking forward to them!

Review of Sweet Surrender (Sugarville Grove #3) by Clara Pines

 

Becca can handle his rambunctious twins in the classroom. But teaching their dad to open his heart would take a Christmas miracle…

Zane Lawrence doesn’t need anything but the family dairy farm and his seven-year-old twin boys for his life to be complete. The single dad works hard all day and chases the boys around the farm all night. His life is a little chaotic – but there’s a delicate balance to it.

So when a pretty young teacher at the boys’ school tries to interfere with some big ideas about their education, Zane isn’t about to let her throw their world off-kilter. After all, she’s new to the school and Sugarville Grove. And it’s bad enough that she’s meddling in his business, but the fact that he’s desperately attracted to her makes him furious with himself.

New teacher Becca Hawthorne sees the Lawrence twins struggling despite their potential and reaches out to their dad right away, excited about her first opportunity to make a real difference. It's crystal clear how much Zane Lawrence loves his boys, so Becca doesn’t expect him to be so offended at her attempts to help. Anyone can see that the man has deep wounds, but his reaction to her feels almost personal. She’s not about to let it stop her from fighting for his kids, though.

When he finally relents, Becca is sure that her dealings with the single dad are over. But for some reason, she suddenly finds herself bumping into Zane Lawrence at every turn. Whether it’s the store, the post office, or the flurry of holiday events in town, she can’t seem to stop seeing the handsome cowboy everywhere she goes.

Did Santa send these lonesome souls a pair of holiday matchmakers for Christmas? And how long can they keep denying what seems so obvious to everyone else before they finally surrender?

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!

Available on Amazon (KU!)

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole series by Clara Pines and Tess Thompson!

**My thoughts**

I don't care what time of year it is. I'm always a sucker for a good Christmas small town romance. And I have truly fallen in love with Sugarville Grove as I've been reading through this series.

This one particularly caught my heart because Becca is a teacher. She has a unique insight into Zane's twin boys and what makes them tick. But of course, she is practically fighting an uphill battle with some people who think she is stepping out of place. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can catch something that everyone else hasn't yet seen! So her struggles in trying to help these twin boys are very familiar to me, having been in education for the past 30 years.

Only I've never had a hottie single dad like Zane be a part of the picture like this.

Life would have been more interesting had I found a Zane in my younger years!

And I completely understand why Zane is so cranky about people trying to help him out. Outside of his family, he has had to do so much on his own when it comes to his boys. I get that desire to just want to do it yourself so that you know it gets done the way you want. It's going to take someone special to be able to break through all of that. Of course, Becca is going to be that person.

This is another cold weather story that melted my heart and even may have sprung a tear or two. I'm still not a fan of super rushed romances, instead prefering an epilogue to flesh out what happens next. But I forgive it in this series because I like it so much. 

There are more Lawrences in the brood, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to each of them as this series continues. I hope it continues for a while!

I received a requested ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of Promise of Tomorrow (Castaway Christmas #2) by Tess Thompson

 

He’s the humble son of a chauffeur. She’s a prisoner in her father’s mansion. Can he break her free from her ivory tower or will darkness prevail?

Millicent Cashmere appears to have the life of luxury. But inside the walls of the Cashmere Manor darkness and family secrets permeate every aspect of young Millicent’s life. A prisoner in her own home, she’s forbidden to have friends or go to school. She has only books to keep her company.

For years Teddy Hill admired pretty Millicent from afar with no idea of the difficulties she endured from her abusive father and his evil housekeeper. When a tragic turn of events changes everything, Teddy must find a way to protect naïve Millicent from a world that wants to cast her aside.

Can these unlikely lovers forge a life together in the worst of circumstances? Historical romance fans will love this turn of the century story about forbidden love, family secrets and second chances.

In this second installment of the Castaway Christmas Series, readers will revisit old friends Wesley, Luci and Sadie as Teddy and Millicent find themselves in Castaway. A heartwarming tale of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and community!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Castaway Christmas series!

**My thoughts**

In this installment of this beloved series, we have another pair who come from opposite sides of the tracks, if you will, yet are completely drawn to each other. I had slight VC Andrews flashbacks with Millicent being forced to basically stay hidden in her room all the time and being abused by her father and his horrible housekeeper. Then we have the dear sweet Teddy, whose father is the gardener. The two meet by chance when they are young and instantly connect. Fast forward several years later and the unspeakable happens to Millicent. Teddy is determined to take care of this poor naive girl and so they make their way east to the town of Castaway and we reconnect with Luci and Wesley and their families.

One would assume that Millicent would be the worldly one, having grown up in a home of riches and that Teddy would have been more sheltered due to his societal status. In fact, it is the opposite. Millicent only knows of the world through books and is so naive otherwise. Teddy is the one who is able to introduce her to the simple things in life and has all the wisdom. He is so protective of her. I lean into his character as that sort of big brother that I always wanted. Millicent is the sweet girl I want to take under my wing. I'm so happy that they have found each other. They both really come a long way, with Millicent finding an inner strength that she never knew existed.

Plenty of other characters in this book will also tug at your heartstrings. And there are a couple of other bad eggs. A couple of twists and family secrets add to the intrigue.

There are so many other characters in this series whose stories I would love to catch up on. I hope one day Tess is inspired to come back it and tell them.

Read my review of Book 1: Come Tomorrow.

Review of Holiday Hideaway: A Short Story by Mary Kay Andrews

 

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews comes a charming holiday romance about a newly single thirtysomething whose unauthorized vacation rental turns into a hilarious game of hide-and-seek when the new owner unexpectedly shows up.

Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.

George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.

As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need.

Available on Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I wanted to love this short Christmas story. It had so much potential. And yes, I did greatly enjoy it. But there was one giant plot point that I just couldn't get past. Tilly is hiding in the attic of this house, okay. BUT SHE HAS HER DOG WITH HER. You cannot tell me that dog would have been silent enough to facilitate their stealth occupancy of the upstairs of this house. I do not know a single dog who would have stayed that quiet when a stranger entered the premises. And how would she really hide all evidence of a dog? *sigh*

Outside of that, I enjoyed the chemistry between Tilly and George. Other than the dog, it's a fun way for these two to almost literally stumble upon each other. There's a fun twist in their families' histories in the area that also brings them together. You could even flesh this story out into a longer novella or full book. It would make for a fun Netflix movie. But again, just not with the dog also hiding out upstairs.

Review of Come Tomorrow (Castaway Christmas #1) by Tess Thompson

 

Come Tomorrow

One chance meeting. A single act of kindness. Can young soulmates find each other in adulthood, or will hidden truths tear them apart?

1904 Twelve-year-old Luci Quick never forgot the boy who saved her life that fateful Christmas Eve. But when he disappeared without a word after bringing her food, she was forced to focus on raising her baby sister when her mother suddenly died. Now six years later and struggling to make ends meet with an alcoholic and gambling-addicted father, the poverty-stricken woman can’t believe her hero has returned… and he’s all grown up.

Wesley Ford’s world changed after helping the girl who still haunts his dreams. When he was whisked away to boarding school at fourteen, he feared he’d never see her again. But now free to come back following his father’s death, the wealthy heir is shocked to discover Luci and her sibling never escaped their rundown shack.

With fate dealing her another opportunity for happiness, Luci seizes the day when an offer of help turns into an unexpected proposal. But before they can settle into their future, Wesley must face painful family secrets that could tear them apart forever.

Can a Yuletide miracle make a wish for love come true?

Come Tomorrow is the first book in the uplifting Castaway Christmas historical romance holiday series. If you like feel-good tear-jerkers, engaging characters, and sweet magical realism, then you’ll adore Tess Thompson’s Edwardian rags-to-riches story.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Castaway Christmas series.

**My thoughts**

I've said it a hundred times, but Tess Thompson's historical romances are some of the only ones I will ever read. It has never been my favorite genre, but her books suck me in every time. And she has a special talent for bringing the magic to those Christmas ones. The Castaway Christmas series is one that I have reread every single year since this first book came out. Few books carry that distinction.

Wesley is fortunate enough to have grown up in a wealthy home, but his home life leaves a lot to be desired with an abusive father and rather absent mother. Somehow the young man still has maintained a heart of gold. So when he comes upon Luci in the woods, living with her own abusive father and a newborn sister for whom she cares since their mother died at childbirth, it's no surprise that he wants to do whatever he can to help them. Plus there's just something about Luci that draws him in. Soulmates of sorts?

Luci is an amazing young woman who has been dealt a terrible hand of cards. Her mother has just passed away shortly after giving birth to her younger sister. Her father is a raging alcoholic who is addicted to gambling and really couldn't care less about the family he has at home. And yet she strives to overcome the odds and learn how to be the adult in charge of her family. She also feels a connection to the young man who has figured out that they exist in the woods and wants to help. Few others who know of their existence want to help.

So many secrets and so much undue prejudice being foisted upon the teenagers forces them apart for a long time. True angels on earth become unofficial parts of their families and help pave the way for these fated partners to find their way back to each other again. It's a beautiful rags to riches story that somehow is even more beautiful than that phrase implies. And there are so many twists with all of the secrets in their pasts.

Their love story isn't the only one that unfolds in this novel, either. As often happens with Tess's holiday books, I needed a couple of tissues for this one.

And I have to give a special shoutout to the dog, Atlas. He needs his own tissue.

I just love this heartwarming series and also love the second book in it. I have dreams of there maybe being a third installment one day.

Read my review of Book 2: Promise of Tomorrow.

Review of Unexpected Gifts (Sugarville Grove #2) by Tess Thompson

Unexpected Gifts 

Abigail Parker just wants to get through the holidays, but fate has other plans...

After a year of unexpected twists, Abigail finds herself in the small town of Sugarville Grove, Vermont, as the guardian of her late cousin’s two young children. Leaving behind her bustling city life and dream job at a veterinary practice, Abigail’s only goal is to adjust to her new responsibilities and figure out how to be the mother they need. Falling for her rugged, no-nonsense neighbor is definitely not part of the plan.

Luke Hayes has his hands full raising his lively four-year-old daughter, Lily, while managing his family’s maple syrup farm. With his heart still scarred from being abandoned by Lily’s mother, Luke has sworn off romance. But when a broken fence and a mischievous dog bring Abigail into his life, he starts to wonder if maybe love isn’t as far out of reach as he thought.

As the holiday lights sparkle and the snow falls, Abigail and Luke find themselves drawn together, despite their differences. But with Abigail adjusting to her new life and Luke determined to protect his heart, it will take more than a little Christmas magic to bring them together.

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where holiday charm, second chances, and unexpected romance are always in the air. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to check out the rest of the series!

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Sugarville Grove series!

**My thoughts**

It's classic Tess Thompson at Christmas, tugging at the heartstrings with a festive backdrop. Small towns are her specialty. I felt Abigail's deep angst as she came to the rescue of her cousin's orphaned children. I felt Luke's loneliness while raising his daughter without her mother. We're taken deep into their thoughts and inner conflict as they both try to navigate new life situations. And while it may be an instant attraction, it's a nice slow burn of a love story that feels real. 

This book is the second installment of a four-book series penned by Tess Thompson and Clara Pines, taking place in Sugarville Grove. The two books are independent of each other in the sense that you don't have to read one to understand the other. But you will have nods to characters in Clara's book. And in another classic Tess Thompson move, there are links to other towns in her other series - a sort of Tess multiverse, if you will. I always love stumbling upon the Easter eggs.

So overall, this is another feel-good, clean love story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. You may even shed a little tear here and there - in a good way! 

Each author has one more book planned for this series, coming out in a couple of months. I can't wait to see what else unfolds in Sugarville Grove! 

I received a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Read my review of book 1: Sweet Surprises by Clara Pines

Review of Sweet Surprises (Sugarville Grove #1) by Clara Pines

 

Sweet Surprises

All this single dad wants is a quiet Christmas, but he’s in for a sweet surprise…

Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.

Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.

But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.

Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole Sugarville Grove series!

**My thoughts**

I admit that I hadn't heard of Clara Pines before this series came out. I was brought to her and this book because Sugarville Grove is a series that she is doing with author Tess Thompson, and I've been a fan of Tess Thompson's since the beginning of her writing career. So naturally, I had to give this one a shot! And I fell totally in love with the book and the characters.

Charlotte has had a rough go in life and is starting all over again by helping her best friend's family resurrect the family ice cream business. This cannot be an easy feat in a small Vermont town in the middle of winter! And yet, Charlotte is filled with great ideas and has a strong desire to learn as much as she can. It doesn't hurt that her best friend's older brother is easy on the eyes and has a grumpy nature that almost begs for someone to break through it.

Tag has also had a bit of a rough go, now raising his two children on his own. Chance was a mere toddler when he lost his mom and is now a four-year-old bundle of energy. I recognize and embrace his boisterous spirit, found in many of my favorite students over the years. Olivia is a teenager who still cannot wrap her head around not having her mom anymore. Her sullen nature makes her a tough nut to crack, but the right person will be able to penetrate that shell.

No one expected the level of healing that Charlotte's presence is able to bring - not just to Tag and his children, but also his family and other people in the town. That's the magic found in these small town stories at Christmastime. I could feel the magic all around them while I was reading this book and felt inspired to try to be a better person, like Charlotte. My only issue was the happy ending felt a bit rushed, considering where these two started in their emotional states.

Nevertheless, I am glad that I was introduced to this series and am looking forward to seeing how these two authors weave their characters and tales together in this new small town and continue the Christmas magic. And I am definitely going to check out Clara's other books!

I received a requested ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read my review of book 2: Unexpected Gifts by Tess Thompson.

Review of Only Santas in the Building (Under the Mistletoe #5) by Alexis Daria

 

Only Santas in the Building

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially for a comic book illustrator whose late-night naughty fantasies become real in a festive and spicy short story by bestselling author Alexis Daria.

All Evie Cruz wants for Christmas is a nap. And maybe some ornaments for her naked Christmas tree. And while she’s making a list, she wouldn’t mind unwrapping her sexy upstairs neighbor like a present. Luckily, the building’s Santa-themed party and a surprise sprig of mistletoe give her just the opening she needs to make all her wishes come true.

Alexis Daria’s Only Santas in the Building is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

This final installment in the Under the Mistletoe series was another great addition! Evie works from home as a comic illustrator and is often pressured to really dig in to make her deadlines. This leaves her little social time and definitely not enough time to dig out the holiday decorations for celebration. This has not gone unnoticed! Someone is leaving her cute little ornaments, but it's not who she thinks it is. (And seriously, this is not a spoiler. If you don't know who it is from the start, I don't know what to tell you.) And she is such a sweetheart for wanting to return the favor.

She also has a super hottie for an upstairs neighbor, who is all too eager to help her out whenever she is in need. And it feels like some others are also conspiring to help her with her needs. 

I love it when a geeky girl is able to discover her true inner beauty and can embrace it and get what she really wants. Christmastime is the perfect time to do this. This series ending had me wishing I could do some neighborly baking, too! I would love to have updates in their lives! 

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of Merriment and Mayhem (Under the Mistletoe #4) by Alexandria Bellefleur

 

Merriment and Mayhem

This Christmas, a hot fireman makes a holiday rescue and sparks fly in this sizzling holiday short story by bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.

When Everleigh Dangerfield’s baking disaster necessitates a call to 911, firefighter Griffin Brantley douses the flames in the kitchen, but the ones he stokes in Everleigh are an entirely different story. Unfortunately, Everleigh’s only visiting and doesn’t do casual hookups, no matter how smoldering the temptation. But Everleigh’s holiday mishaps have just begun. And Griffin is seemingly always on call. If Everleigh is game for a change of plans, he can give her the merriest Christmas of her life.

Alexandria Bellefleur’s Merriment and Mayhem is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

Now we're on to the 4th installment of this series and my favorite one so far. I completely relate to Everleigh and her accident-prone ways. If I haven't done one of her mishaps yet, it's quite likely that I would if I were ever in that situation. And seriously, who hasn't had fantasies of the hottie firefighter coming to her rescue? This was a short story that actually came together quite well in spite of it being short. You knew enough of where you were coming from and had pretty clear direction where the story was going to go, even after "The End." The supplementary characters added to the story. I loved their banter. I would absolutely love to visit this couple and this town again in the future!

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of All By My Elf (Under the Mistletoe #3) by Olivia Dade

 

All By My Elf

Secret crushes, spicy Christmas treats, heinous holiday traffic, and a fateful snowstorm bring good friends together in a funny, sexy short story by bestselling author Olivia Dade.

Nina and William are underpaid adjunct professors at the same university, where winter break is no break at all: ’tis the season to make extra money. When their holiday side hustle has them stranded by a blinding blizzard in the middle of nowhere, there’s nothing to do but cuddle up for warmth and play a hot and bothered game of Never Have I Ever to pass the time. But in the game of love, secrets never stay secret for long…

Olivia Dade’s All by My Elf is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

This one was another odd one in this series that I felt could have been better. Nina has had a crush on William for a long time, as they have been working together as adjunct professors at the university. They're now working together in this weird holiday gig with one of their friends and colleagues. Only Nina is completely convinced that William and Claudia have something going between them. I get being absent-minded professors and having doubt about a man's feelings, but had a hard time with her denial. And then, if Nina and Claudia were such good friends, why weren't they talking about it? I'm still not quite clear on what Nina thought she saw as evidence between the two of them. And if Claudia wanted Nina and William together so badly, why wasn't she playing up to both of them? Honestly, Claudia felt like an unnecessary addition to the story and was offloaded pretty quickly. I think this story would have had better flow without her. I also didn't quite buy super shy Nina suddenly letting loose in quite the way she did, but stranger things have happened. Another one that fell short of its potential, but still an easy read and not a total waste of my time.

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of Merry Ever After (Under the Mistletoe #2) by Tessa Bailey

 

Merry Ever After

A single mother working in a thrift store. A gentle giant farmer who can’t find jeans that fit. When opposites attract, they find themselves making alterations in more ways than one in this smoking-hot short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

Evie Crowe is starting over in a strange town with her newborn, and men are the furthest thing from her mind. If only the quiet, hulking farmer, Luke Ward, would stop coming into the thrift shop and piquing her reluctant interest. Evie wants to stay single all the way—she can’t trust anything more than friends-with-holiday-benefits. But Luke is in it for the long haul. He’s fixed on making this a Christmas Evie will remember forever. If she gives him a chance.

Tessa Bailey’s Merry Ever After is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Buy on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

**My thoughts**

I read the stories in this series in order. I knew to expect some heat, but WOW, was this a departure from the first book in the series! And it's totally not what I was expecting from Tessa Bailey. I felt like this one fell short for me and reminded me of why short stories are not my favorites to read. Evie and Luke went from 0 to 120 super fast and I didn't feel it coming. There wasn't enough time for much backstory and buildup. And then they went from being super shy around each other to the filthy talk that just felt out of character in a way. That being said, this story does have a lot of potential and I'd love to see it fleshed out some more. 

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of Cruel Winter With You (Under the Mistletoe #1) by Ali Hazelwood

 

Cruel Winter With You

For two former childhood friends, a blustery winter storm stirs some frosty—and scorching—memories in a delightfully sexy short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.

Ali Hazelwood’s Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances to warm the cold winter nights. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Available on Amazon

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Under the Mistletoe collection!

***My thoughts***

I've been curious about Ali Hazelwood's work for quite some time now, as I often see her riding the top of the Kindle bestseller lists. This seemed like a perfect opportunity! I know that I'll definitely be looking for more of her stories after this one.

This short story is the first in a festive collection of five by various authors. I really had a soft spot for this one out of the bunch. 

Jamie has known Marc since he was a newborn. Somehow, the two of them have always gotten along, even better than he gets along with his own sister, who happens to be Jamie's best friend. Marc has clearly had a crush on her forever, always looking out for her in a subtle way. Jamie has always had a soft spot for him. But is it enough to cross over that line?

This story falls into that proximity trope during a snowstorm, which is probably my favorite setting for this particular trope. Add into it the best friend's brother and almost a second-chance romance and you have the ingredients for a sweet and sexy romp that will leave you feeling all gushy inside. 

I'm not normally a fan of short stories, because I am always wanting more. This one did satisfy me enough, though I still would have loved to have had more. Maybe they'll reappear in another book or story at some point down the road?

Read all of my reviews!

1- Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

2- Merry Every After by Tessa Bailey

3- All By By Elf by Olivia Dade

4- Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

5- Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

Review of On a Snowy Night (An Anthology) by Debbie Macomber

 As you already know if you follow my blog, I'm a huge Debbie Macomber fan! This one is an anthology of two other stories that I have read and reviewed individually. Here are my overall thoughts on this collection.

Review of The Snow Bride by Debbie Macomber

 

Get snowbound with this classic holiday romance by #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber! A Christmas story for the keeper shelf!

Practical Jenna Campbell has done something impractical. She’s met a man on the Internet and now, a month before Christmas, she’s going to Alaska to marry him. Dalton Gray seems to be everything she wants in a husband—sensitive, gallant, romantic…

On the flight to Fairbanks, she has the misfortune to sit beside Reid Jamison, who obviously isn’t sensitive, gallant or romantic. However, he’s not impressed with her plan to marry Dalton, a man he detests (for good reason, as Jenna later finds out). So Reid takes it upon himself to change her destination—and her marriage plans.

Which is why Jenna ends up at Reid’s cabin in tiny Snowbound, Alaska. It’s currently a one-woman town (and the other woman’s out of town). That leaves Reid, a bunch of eccentric old men, a few grizzly bears—and Jenna. Kidnapped! And then there’s a blizzard. The two of them alone, stranded in Snowbound…

Maybe she’ll be a Christmas bride, after all!

Originally published in 2003

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

(affiliate links included in post)

Also found in the anthology On a Snowy Night

Amazon * BN

**My thoughts**

This is one of the craziest winter romances I have ever read with some super quirky characters. It made me enjoy it immensely and it needs to be nominated to be made into a movie.

Jenna has always been very level-headed and the grown-up in her relationship with her mother. So it's totally out of character for her when she announces out of the blue that she is moving to Alaska for a new job.

But she flies out there and essentially gets herself kidnapped by Reid, who started out doing her a favor but is also trying to protect her from the louse she has come to see.

I admit I get conflicted with that because it is sweet and a little creepy rolled in some comedy. And you know he is a good guy.

The few other people in the small town are an absolute riot. I'm not sure I'd want to live there, but definitely want to visit. 

Naturally, when Jenna and Reid get snowed in together, sparks fly. And then you have your usual outline of battling and making up that makes these stories fun. Add in Debbie Macomber's vivid descriptions and you'll find yourself whisked away to Alaska on a romantic, comedic adventure.

Click on a book title below to read my review of these other Debbie Macomber novels.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

The Christmas Basket

The Forgetful Bride

Friends -- And Then Some

On a Snowy Night (An Anthology)

The Perfect Christmas

The Snow Bride

When Christmas Comes

Review of Merry Me (A Holiday Romance Novel Book 1) by Amanda Siegrist

 

From USA Today bestselling author Amanda Siegrist comes a heartwarming holiday series that will fill you with the Christmas spirit and lots of love.

He never knew a simple gift left on his porch step would mend his wounded heart.

Hiding his dislike for the holidays isn’t easy, especially when Chief Elliot Duncan meets a woman who captures his attention with one sweet smile. Lynn Carpenter is beautiful, strong-willed, and hardworking, and he doesn’t know how to return her gift that was left on his porch by mistake. As Christmas approaches, it doesn’t take much for the holiday spirit to seep in, not when Lynn makes it so effortless with her excitement. The only thing he wants for Christmas this year is her heart. But between his meddling father and the need to take care of her, something she passionately resists, he knows it won’t be that simple. He’s up for the challenge, because losing Lynn is unacceptable.

The entire Holiday Romance series: (Each book can be read as a standalone.)
Merry Me (Book 1): Elliot & Lynn
Mistletoe Magic (Book 2): Aiden & Theresa
Christmas Wish (Book 3): Bentley & Emma
Snowed in Love (Book 4): James & Erin
Snowflakes and Shots (Book 5): Stu & Chasity
Holiday Hope (Book 6): Mase & Hope

Goodreads * Amazon

(affiliate links included in post)

**My thoughts**

Elliott hates the holiday season because it brings back the pain of losing his mother. So he tries to avoid it at all costs. And then fate steps in and introduces him to Lynn, a struggling single mom who still tries to give as much as she can. An accidental gift turns into the greatest gift of all for these two people who have given up on love.

I found this story to be quite heartwarming, which I especially love around the Christmas season. And their relationship seems a lot longer than it actually is. Bonus points for the wonderful characters of Gabriel, Elliot's father, and Lynn's lovely daughter Laura. 

For those concerned about love scenes, there is a little open door action, but not really a big deal.

Overall, this is a sweet story where dreams come true. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Review of Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

 

Curl up on a cozy winter night with this classic uplifting holiday story from New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. Also a Hallmark Channel original movie.

This Christmas, Emily Merkle (just call her Mrs. Miracle) is working in the toy department of Finley’s, the last family-owned department store in New York City. And her boss is none other than Jake Finley, the owner’s son.

For Jake, holiday memories of brightly wrapped gifts, decorated trees and family gatherings were destroyed in a Christmas Eve tragedy years before. Now Christmas means only one thing to him—and to his father. Profit. Because they need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat.

Holly Larson needs a miracle, too. She wants to give her eight-year-old nephew, Gabe, the holiday he deserves. Holly’s widowed brother is in the army and won’t be home for Christmas, but at least she can get Gabe that toy robot from Finley’s, the one gift he desperately wants. If she can figure out how to pay for it…

Fortunately, it’s Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others—and that includes a bit of matchmaking!

This Christmas will be different. For all of them.

Originally published in 2010

Goodreads 2010 Edition * Goodreads 2015 Edition * Christmas Collection Vol 1: An Anthology

Buy on Amazon

Buy as part of Christmas Collection Vol 1: Anthology

(affiliate links included)

**My thoughts**

I often say that Debbie Macomber books should be made into movies because they would play out well on the screen. This one has already been turned into a Hallmark movie, and it is no surprise.

You have the woman who has given up on love and is now caring for her nephew whom she doesn't know well while her brother is stationed overseas. You have the good-looking rich man who has written off Christmas because of a family tragedy. They have their meet-cute and are clearly destined to be together, but have some minor hiccups along the way. Then there are the other crotchety people in their lives.

To make everything better, there is the angel on earth, conveniently nicknamed Mrs. Miracle.

It's everything you need for one of those sappy inspirational love stories taht we love so much.

A bonus in the book is each chapter includes an inspirational quotation, many from Mrs. Miracle herself. Even better, Debbie Macomber has included some of her favorite recipes that are mentioned throughout.

And I will say that while I am glad this was made into a movie, I can promise you that some of the Mrs. Miracle insights are best delivered in book format.

And I promise the last couple of pages will put you in tears.

Click on a book title below to read my review of these other Debbie Macomber novels.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

The Christmas Basket

The Forgetful Bride

Friends -- And Then Some

On a Snowy Night (An Anthology)

The Perfect Christmas

The Snow Bride

When Christmas Comes

Review of When Christmas Comes by Debbie Macomber

 

Enjoy this classic Christmas romantic comedy that inspired the Hallmark Channel original movie Trading Christmas. Only from New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Through a website, Charles Brewster, history professor avowed grinch, arranges to swap houses for the holiday with Emily Springer, widowed mother of one. So Emily goes to Boston—but finds that her daughter has gone to Florida. And Charles arrives in Leavenworth to discover that it’s not the quiet prison town he thought it was—it’s a Santa’s village in Washington! The place is full of Christmas trees, Christmas music and…elves.

Meanwhile, Emily’s friend Faith Kerrigan travels to Leavenworth to visit her and instead finds Charles. Then Charles’s brother, Ray, shows up at his home in Boston to discover that he isn’t there—but Emily is.

Through all the mix-ups and misunderstandings, amid the chaos and confusion, romance begins to emerge in unexpected ways. Because everything changes at Christmas!

Originally published in 2004

Book Links

Goodreads * Amazon * BN * Google Play 

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

Oh, it's one of the super predictable Christmas books, but I don't care. I loved it! When Emily and Charles decide to escape their mutually miserable Christmas seasons, they have no idea what's in store. They're going to find friendship and love and mend some family fences. And there are plenty of quirky mishaps along the way that had me literally laughing out loud. 

Hallmark has made this into a movie called Trading Christmas. Though I haven't seen this movie, I knew right away while reading this that it was perfect for adapting.

Click on a book title below to read my review of these other Debbie Macomber novels.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

The Christmas Basket

The Forgetful Bride

Friends -- And Then Some

On a Snowy Night (An Anthology)

The Perfect Christmas

The Snow Bride

When Christmas Comes

Review of The Christmas Basket by Debbie Macomber

That summer—more than ten years ago, while they were still in high school—Noelle McDowell and Thomas Sutton fell secretly in love. Secretly because their mothers had been locked in a bitter feud for decades. But despite the animosity between Sarah McDowell and Mary Sutton, Noelle planned to elope with Thom. Until he jilted her.

This Christmas Noelle McDowell is home to celebrate the holidays with her family. (After all, December 25 is also her birthday.) Unfortunately, Noelle's feelings about home—or rather, her hometown of Rose, Oregon—were changed forever the day Thomas Sutton broke her heart.

This Christmas the feuding mothers find themselves working together to fill Christmas baskets for charity. What irony! And what an opportunity for reconciliation…if only they could see it.

This Christmas Noelle and Thom discover they're still in love. Regardless of their mothers' reactions, they want to be together. Is that possible? Can old rivalries be set aside? Will Sarah's Christmas daughter have a second chance with Mary's charming son?

Maybe she will…this Christmas!

Goodreads * Amazon

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I can always count on Debbie Macomber for a heartwarming romance that is going to give me a much needed escape in my day. And while I read this Christmas story on a warm summer’s day, I still felt the holiday spirit and all of those warm fuzzies.

Not only is this a story of a second chance romance, but a story of rekindling friendships. The McDowells and Suttons have had a roller coaster of a relationship over the past several years. Clearing up misunderstandings goes a long way in healing. The Christmas season is a great time to do so.

This one will have you laughing out loud and maybe cause a little misting in the eyes as well. I loved it.

Click on a book title below to read my review of these other Debbie Macomber novels.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle

The Christmas Basket

The Forgetful Bride

Friends -- And Then Some

On a Snowy Night (An Anthology)

The Perfect Christmas

The Snow Bride

When Christmas Comes