Tag Archives: Christmas

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb-review

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🎄Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb-review🎄

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2024

December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father’s Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.

As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—are unexpectedly reunited by the occasion. Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn’t go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously.

Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, Jack has abandoned his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition.

As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything.

Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver…

••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is a historical, fictionalized story co-authored by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb focusing on American chef Jack Devereux, and journalist Olive Carter.

Told from three first person perspectives (Jack, Olive, Queen Elizabeth II) covering approximately twelve years, CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN follows the friendship and building relationship between American chef Jack Devereux, and journalist Olive Carter. At the end of the second World War British born Olive Carter would meet American Navy man Jack Devereux, and having spent one night together, would never see one another again for close to seven years. In 1952, Jack Devereux will be invited to Sandringham Palace for the Christmas holidays where he will work in the royal kitchens for the new Queen and her family, while Olive Carter, now working as a part time reporter for the BBC, finds herself on assignment covering the royal family holiday preparations, wherein she will become Queen Elizabeth confident for her annual Christmas speech. For the next five years, Jack and Olive will come in and out of one another’s lives, always reconnecting at Sandringham with the royal family for the holidays but life has changed for both Olive and Jack, love, loss, grief and moving forward find our couple circling one another, never quite connecting two broken hearts.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is an historical, fictionalized story interspersed with a little bit of reality history including the ascension of the young queen. A thought-provoking romantic story of love and loss, CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN is a heart warming yet somewhat tragic saga with animated and impassioned characters. Jack Devereux, a Cajun chef from Louisiana is struggling with a painful loss; Olive Carter has a secret that only a few people know.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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My Christmas Biker(Saints Outlaws MC) by Nikki Landis-review tour

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My Christmas Biker (Thirteen Bikers for Christmas/ Saints Outlaws MC) by Nikki Landis-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

Ginger(snap):
Stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve, I have zero options and no available flights to reach home.
The weather decides to dump a snowstorm on my holiday plans when the layover leaves me stuck in Denver, Colorado.
In tears, exhausted, and losing hope, I never expected to receive an offer I couldn’t refuse.
A tattooed, bearded hunk of a man promises to get me home and swears he’s not a creep.
His striking blue eyes sparkle with honesty, and his beard, peppered with gray, gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
A kiss under the mistletoe, a Harley ride bundled against my leather hero, and a hot cocoa later, I’m wondering if Santa is delivering my Christmas present early.
Until he kidnaps me, and all the questions left unanswered from my childhood become crucial to my survival.

Brick:
When one of my brothers in the club needs a ride to the airport on Christmas Eve, I don’t hesitate to help him out.
On the way out, I spot a gorgeous redhead with familiar features I can’t quite place.
Before I can stop myself, I’m offering her a ride.
She’ll have to trust a stranger if she wants to reach home in time for Christmas.
But things turn dangerous and deadly when an old enemy follows us.
I end up kidnapping her and heading toward a safe house to keep her protected.
No amount of Christmas cheer can wipe away my secrets or mistakes, but I want to try for her.
I have to get this sweet girl home and drop her off before my past ruins her holiday.
All I want this Christmas is to make everything right and give my Gingersnap a present she’ll never forget.

A Saint’s Outlaws MC: Las Vegas, NV Prequel Novella. Part of Thirteen Bikers for Christmas.

••••

REVIEW:MY CHRISTMAS BIKER by Nikki Landis is the contemporary adult novella set in the multi-authored SAINTS OUTLAWS MC erotic romance world. This is twenty-seven year old Ginger Bedford, and forty year old, Saints Outlaws MC Las Vegas SAA Brick Mayfield’s introductory story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Brick and Ginger) MY CHRISTMAS BIKER follows in the wake of a snow storm in Denver Colorado on Christmas Eve. Ginger Bedford needs to get home to Las Vegas, but all of the flights have been cancelled. With the help of two Saints Outlaws members Ginger finds herself on the road but all is not well when Ginger and Brick are targeted by an unknown assailant. Desperate to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love, Brick and Ginger go into hiding, in an effort to stay ahead of the demons from the past.

The world building focuses on the reconnection between Ginger and Brick. Brick, and Ginger’s father Hesh were once best friends but the death of Ginger’s father, comes with too many memories from the past. When the enemy sets their sights on our story line couple, Brick declares himself guardian and protector of our story line heroine.

The relationship between Brick and Ginger is one of immediate attraction between two ‘former friends’. Ginger had a crush on Brick years earlier but the death of her father pulled our hero out of her life. Fifteen years since they last saw one another, culminates in a declaration of forever for our story line couple. The $ex scenes are passionate.

We are introduced to fellow MC members President Judge; treasurer Midas; Dagger ; and Brick’s mother Nancy.

MY CHRISTMAS BIKER is a fast paced, quick read focusing on family, friendships, vengeance, protection and love. The premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are desperate and dynamic. MY CHRISTMAS BIKER ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW:Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Amazon Author Page / Website

Nikki Landis is the USA Today & International Bestselling, Multi-Award-Winning Author of over 50 romance novels in the MC, reverse harem, paranormal, dystopian, and science fiction genres. Her books feature deadly reapers, dark alpha heroes, protective shifters, and seductive vampires along with the feisty, independent women they love. There’s heart-throbbing action on every page as well as fated mates and soul bonds deep enough to fulfill every desire.

Sign up for Nikki’s Newsletter and get a FREE book: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/tlr47up53q

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Holding Out for a Holiday Hero by Cynthia Eden-review

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Holding Out for a Holiday Hero by Cynthia Eden-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2024

A holiday romance with a dash of romantic suspense and a former military hero who is so not feeling the festive spirit…

Bah humbug. Bounty hunter Jake Hale hates Christmas. He doesn’t do twinkling lights, festive packages, and you definitely won’t ever catch him singing Christmas carols. What he will do? Track down the worst of the scum out there. The former special ops soldier makes merry by tossing the naughty into prison cells and getting a grand pay day. Ho, ho, ho.

Then a ghost from Christmas past walks through his door.

True Blakely is always at the top of the nice list. Beautiful, sweet, with an innocence that—yep, he might have been tempted to destroy once or twice—she’s there to hire him. There have been a string of dangerous accidents in her life, and True fears that someone is trying to kill her. Not at all the sort of case that Jake would usually take—he hunts down the criminals after they jump bail, not before they’ve even been arrested. But one look into True’s bedroom eyes, and he can’t refuse. Maybe he still is a bit too tempted by the girl who got away…and surely one nice act won’t kill him? For her, he can play the hero.

He’ll close the case and be home in time for Christmas dinner.

Except, on the first morning of his investigation, he finds a dead body. One waiting underneath True’s glittering Christmas tree. The attacks are real, and it’s clear that someone is gunning for True. But Jake is on the job now, and no one is going to hurt her. His protective instincts are in overdrive…and so is the desperate desire that he’s always felt for True. This time, he’s done fighting that desire. He’ll finally show True just how fantastic it can be when you aren’t nice. Welcome to his naughty list.

•••

REVIEW:HOLDING OUT FOR A HOLIDAY HERO by Cynthia Eden is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romantic suspense story line focusing on former special ops soldier turned bounty hunter Jake Hale, and museum curator True Blakely.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (True and Jake) HOLDING OUT FOR A HOLIDAY HERO focuses on the protection of our story line heroine. Approximately one year earlier, museum curator True Blakely returned to her home town in the wake of her divorce. Fast forward to present day True believes she has a stalker, and local law enforcement refuse to investigate in the wake of no solid evidence and a perception of coincidence. With no other choice, True contacts a former high school acquaintance, a man who knows how to track people down. Enter bounty hunter Jake Hale, the man with whom True will fall in love. Jake struggles with his reaction to the woman in question, the woman who controls all his fantasies and dreams but when they find a dead body under True’s Christmas tree, all bets are off, when Jake becomes True’s guardian, protector and happily ever after. Jake doesn’t believe himself a hero but he is the only line of defense between True, and the person taking aim at our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on the protection of True Blakely, and the search for a killer. Strange incidents , all placing True in dangerous situations, forces Jake to claim our heroine as his own but with no potential suspects , everyone in True’s radar becomes a suspect until the killer is caught. Jake has never considerer himself a hero but as he story line progresses, more than one person is witness to his true acts of heroism.

The relationship between True and Jake is an opposites attract. Jake dislikes the Christmas holidays, a Grinch by observation, and True is all about the decorating and celebration. Unable to return home, Jake demands True remain by his side, including staying at his place for the foreseeable future. A lifelong confession by Jake finds our heroine falling for the man who has stolen her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include several co-workers and security at the local museum, as well as over extended and over worked Detective Harris Avery, True’s ex-husband Richard, and Jake’s intrepid and eager professional assistant Perry Cornwell.

HOLDING OUT FOR A HOLIDAY HERO is a story of betrayal and vengeance, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, dramatic and captivating; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are desperate, charismatic and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely-review tour

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My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

Wanted: hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous by kissing me under the mistletoe at holiday parties. Bonus if you make him cry.

To my surprise my billionaire boss is more than up for the challenge of coming down the chimney as my holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one at a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and I’m the maid of honor.

And since my ex is in the wedding party too, my boss and I team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season, including during the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

But soon staying up late to string the best popcorn balls ever turns into a scorching night in his arms where the chestnuts aren’t the only thing roasting on the open fire.

Can all these winter wonderland nights seeking revenge turn into the real thing when we return to the office? Or are we destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s?

••••••••

REVIEW:MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE by Lauren Blakely is a contemporary, adult, erotic, holiday romance story line set into the author’s LOVE AND HOCKEY series. This is Designer Fable Calloway, and billionaire real estate magnate and football team owner Wilder Blaine’s story line. MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Fable was first introduced in The Boyfriend Goal and The Romance Line, books one and two of the author’s LOVE AND HOCKEY SERIES.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fable and Wilder) MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE follows the fake relationship between designer Fable Calloway and billionaire real estate magnate / single father Wilder Blaine. At the Wilder’s annual Thanksgiving celebration Fable Calloway will discover Brady, her boyfriend of four months found something better to do, the party caterer Iris, and with the hope of not embarrassing those in attendance, Fable keeps the information to herself when at the same Thanksgiving dinner Fable and billionaire Wilder Blaine are asked to be the maid of honor and best man at Charlotte and Leo’s wedding.Working for billionaire Wilder Blaine comes with many perks including an invitation to the Evergreen Falls Annual Best in Snow Winter Competition in Lake Tahoe at Wilder’s Lake Tahoe resort wherein the wedding of Leo and Charlotte will take place but both Wilder and Fable are in need of a plus one, and refusing to be set up or going alone, Wilder and Fable agree to a fake relationship, a relationship that will become all too real with their days and nights spent together. As the wedding and Best in Snow Winter Competition draws near, Wilder and Fable find themselves fake dating, facing an end date, and the reveal of their mutual lie.

The world building follows the fake but building romance and relationship between Wilder and Fable. Wilder is a single father, a billionaire real estate magnate and football team owner who hasn’t had a real relationship in years. With his aunt Bibi always angling to find Wilder someone to love, Wilder is desperate, and makes Fable an offer in the face of her recent break up with Leo’s cousin. Fable is a designer, and is hoping to one day set up her own jewelry store but Fable refuses to let a little heart break stop her forward momentum including falling for our story line hero.Meanwhile Wilder is struggling with his father’s life choices, choices that are costing Wilder both money, and respect from the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Fable and Wilder begins as a business arrangement as Fable ‘works’ within Blaine Enterprises, designing merchandise for the football team but Fable is unaware that Wilder has already lost his heart to our story line heroine refusing to cross the invisible line of workplace romances. As one another’s plus ones , Wilder and Fable are required to ‘team up’ for the Best in Snow Competition, a competition that will bring out the competitive nature of everyone, including our story line couple. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced Fable’s sister Charlotte and Wilder’s best friend Leo, Wes and Josie (The Boyfriend Goal), Max and Everly (The Romance Line); Wilder’s eleven year old daughter MacKenzie; Wilder’s aunt Bibi; Fable’s ex and Leo’s cousin Brady, caterer Iris, and several close members of Wilder and Fable’s extended yet somewhat dysfunctional families.

MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is impassioned, encouraging and inviting; the romance is hopeful, sexy and spicy; the characters are quirky, and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Boyfriend Goal
The Romance Line

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

“Bossy,” she mutters.
I smirk. “Does this surprise you?”
“Not in the least.” Then she murmurs under her breath, a little sensually, “Sir.”
Well, then. That’s a whole lot of info delivered in that tone. I can’t not ask: “So not only does it not surprise you, it sounds like you don’t mind it either?”
She tips her chin up at me, challenging me with, “What do you think?”
I don’t think. I do. I slide my thumb along her pretty chin. God, it feels so good to touch her again. “That you like to give me hell. That you like to keep me on my toes. And that you love to give me a hard time.”
She leans into my touch, almost like she’s saying with her body don’t stop. “And I think you love all those things too,” she says in a husky voice that gives a little hint of her desire.
My thumb travels up to her cheek. She moves with me, her breath gusting across those gorgeous lips. “You’d be right,” I say, heat flaring inside me.

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In October she’ll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

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A Yuletide Toss of the Dice by Collette Cameron-review

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A Yuletide Toss of the Dice (Ladies of Opportunity 1) by Collette Cameron-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters/Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2024

They never realized just how thin the line between hate and love could be…
until they tumbled over it.

Aubriella Penford is used to being an outsider in Regency London’s High Society. Her love for science and lack of social graces set her apart from the other ladies of the ton, making her the odd one out at every glittering ball. So when her lifelong rival—and her brother’s best friend—unexpectedly offers to help her through a Christmas house party, she’s skeptical. Can she really trust the man who’s vexed her since childhood? Even more surprising is that she accepts, setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday romance.

Jackson Matherfield, a self-made gentleman, has always preferred hard work to the frivolities of society. Having clawed his way out of poverty to support his family, he’s not one for festive gatherings or small talk. He certainly never expected to be intrigued by Aubrie’s sharp wit and keen intellect at a holiday party. Yet here he is, captivated by the very woman he’s always sparred with.

A scandalous wager, an unexpected snowstorm, and a daring rescue reveal a deeper connection than they ever imagined. As the season of joy unfolds, will their newfound bond lead to a Christmas happily ever after, or heartbreak? Escape into this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers Regency romance filled with festive cheer, sizzling chemistry, and a touch of holiday magic.

••••

REVIEW:New series by one of my favourite historical romance authors.

This one set in the regency romance genre. And you can’t be Collette for a good drama. Enemies to lovers, this pair have known each other for years. Brother’s friend, who sees her as nothing more than a nuisance.

Collette writes sweet/clean/slow burn romance. And after some of the dark romances I’ve read recently, this is my palate cleanser. A great plot with lots of drama And it’s a Christmas story, so getting into the spirit (slowly 😉)

Aubriella “Aubrie” isn’t your usual debutante. She’s happier studying science than attending balls and idle chitchat. It makes her awkward and uncomfortable in these social situations.

Jackson “Jack” didn’t come from a rich family. He’s worked hard to be where he is today. Looking after his family has been his priority, he has no time for dances and fending off matriarchs wanting their daughters married off! But that’s not to say he hasn’t had his share of dalliances.

Aubrie and Jackson have that spark that lights up the page. They might antagonise one another, but I got that vibe as soon as they come together.

So how does the relationship develop? Well… A house party starts out as a friend helping out, but watching the lovely young lady has Jack seeing Aubrie in a different light. So setting his sights on capturing this fascinating creature, Jack uses all of his charm and wit. But Aubrie isn’t going to make this easy. She doesn’t trust him as far as she can throw him! A cad surely doesn’t change overnight?!

There were several moments that caught me off guard. Loved the ladies circle. We also meet the couple that will be in the next book. The banter had me laughing m, and the gossiping ladies circle made me want to join them for tea and chat.

If you like your romance with mystery/suspense/and soulful kisses, then this one just might fit the bill.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

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That One Time on Christmas Eve by LP Dover-review tour

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That One Time on Christmas Eve by LP Dover-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 29, 2024

Lydia Scott has always put love on the back burner while she focuses on running her family’s art gallery and caring for others. But as she sees everyone around her moving on to the next chapter in their lives, Lydia can’t help but feel left behind. With Christmas approaching, all she wants is to find love and start her own happily ever after.

Little does she know, her wish is about to come true in the most extraordinary way. Transported back in time to two different Christmas Eves, Lydia meets two men who are inexplicably connected to her life.

With mistletoe and holiday magic at play, anything is possible for Lydia. But when it’s all said and done, she must make the ultimate decision – which man truly holds her heart? Will this choice change the course of her future forever? Find out in this heartwarming holiday tale filled with love, laughter, and a touch of Christmas magic.

•••••

REVIEW:THAT ONE TIME ON CHRISTMAS EVE by LP Dover is a contemporary, adult, somewhat paranormal, time travel romance story line focusing on thirty year old, gallery owner Lydia Scott in the days and weeks before Christmas.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lydia and Jake) THAT ONE TIME ON CHRISTMAS EVE follows gallery owner Lydia Scott in the approach to the Christmas holidays. Lydia has watched from the sidelines as her friends found love and moved on with their lives, and Lydia had always thought she would have found someone special but living in Blowing Rock means the choices are few and far between until a wish with the toss of a coin finds our heroine facing the possibility of three potential suitors, one of which she has known most of her life. With the ‘help’ of a Christmas angel, Lydia is transported back in time where she will re-experience the previous two Christmas Eve’s, meeting the men who quite possibly may change her life.

THAT ONE TIME ON CHRISTMAS EVE is a sweet and playful story line of finding love. There is little to no conflict except Lydia’s rapidly evolving love life and the three men who take an interest. We are introduced to Lydia’s sister Violet; Lydia’s best friend Hailey, and Hailey’s brother, professional golfer Jake Reynolds; university professor Max Harper, photographer Ben Davis, Lydia’s nana, Max’s grandfather John, and Margaret Grant.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Made for Mistletoe by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

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Made for Mistletoe by Nan Reinhardt – a Review

 

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Description:
This Christmas he has big plans until he meets a beautiful distraction….

Army reservist Cameron Walker loves everything about the holidays in River’s Edge—celebrating with his big family and carving out more time to work on his custom design furniture in his studio. But when he meets a visiting artist and niece of a family friend, he’s eager to break his work plans for play. He knows first-hand life’s short.

Teacher and artist Harper Gaines is bowled over by the handsome and friendly finish carpenter she meets during her vacation. His admiration for her art and his enthusiasm for life light her up, and remind her of how much she’s been missing since her soldier husband’s death. But when she discovers Cam’s also a soldier, she retreats, unable to risk another loss.

Cam has never felt such a strong connection, and he won’t give up without a fight. But will Cam’s persistence and the magic of Christmas be enough to convince Harper to take a chance on them?

 

 

Review:

Made for Mistletoe by Nan Reinhardt is the 3rd book of The Walkers of River’s Edge series.  We meet Harper Gaines, who lost her husband, stationed in Kuwait, in a truck accident caused by a major sandstorm.  Harper is still grieving almost 2 years later, and decides to leave her home town to drive away, and ends up in River’s Edge, where her two Aunt’s live.  Mary and Dot Higgins are happy to see Harper, and they offer her to stay at their place; though she is close to her aunts, all she wants is to be left alone to continue to grieve. Mary and Dot are determined to help her overcome her intense grief and learn to live her life again.

Cameron Walker loves everything about River’s Edge, always celebrating with his huge big family, as well as carving more of his custom design furniture at his studio. Cameron wants to find someone who can paint a chest for his mother for Christmas, and when he meets Harper, who is the niece of a family friend; he is determined to convince her to help him paint the chest. At first, Harper refuses to paint a chest, as she is not really familiar working on furniture. In a short time, Harper agrees to help, and they become fast friends.

As their friendship grew, Cam made it his goal to help Harper learn to live life again, and remind her what she is missing.  Cam knew he was falling hard for Harper, and hoped she would overcome her grief.  Cam was the prefect one for her, always happy with his life, and eventually winning her over with his kindness and heart. The people in River’s Edge were great, and slowly Harper began to feel accepted; meeting new women friends, such as Jazz, Anna, meeting all of the Walker family, getting an apartment over Mac and Carly place (giving her a place to sketch and paint). I loved seeing Harper begin to blossom and slowly find love with Cam, and making many new friends in River’s Edge. 

Made for Mistletoe was a wonderful addition to this wonderful The Walkers of River’s Edge series. Made for Mistletoe was a sweet romance, wonderful couple, fun, great secondary characters, and learning to move on from intense grief.  Once again, Nan Reinhardt gives us another wonderful story in River’s Edge, which was so very well written.  No surprise, as I love all of her previous books.  If you enjoy romance, great couple, wonderful secondary characters, and fantastic small town, I suggest you read this book.  Can’t wait to see what is next.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne – a Review

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The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne – a Review

 

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Description:
The magic of Christmas—and a second shot at romance—is in the air in Shelter Springs this holiday season…

Amanda Taylor isn’t a fan of Christmas, but as the owner of a local soap shop, ignoring the holiday season isn’t an option. To forget the pain of Christmases past, Amanda focuses on making the season bright for her customers at the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market. But when her beloved grandmother, Birdie, starts dating the dashing new resident of the Shelter Inn retirement community, Amanda smells trouble. Fortunately, Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie’s charming suitor, is equally dubious of the match. Unfortunately, he’s just as fiery as his grandfather—and Amanda has zero interest in getting burned.

As a single father, paramedic and assistant fire chief, Rafe has more than enough on his plate. Sure, he and Amanda share a common goal in keeping their grandparents apart. Still, that doesn’t mean he should allow himself to feel as drawn to her as he does. Even if she is great with his young son. Even if she does help the burden of his own painful past feel a little lighter… But when their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for.

 

 

Review:

The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne is a sweet romantic Christmas story that takes place in Shelter Springs. We meet Amanda Taylor, who owns the local soap shop, in the town of Shelter Springs, Idaho.  Amanda wasn’t always a fan of Christmas, due to the past in her childhood, especially with her bad father. She runs her store, The Lucky Goat, as well as being the head of the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market during the Christmas holidays.  Amanda keeps tabs on her grandmother Birdie, and goes out of her way to help the community of Shelter Springs. Amanda worries when she notices her grandmother has been hanging around a new resident in the Shelter Inn retirement village.

Rafe Arredondo, is the grandson of Birdie’s suitor, as he is somewhat concerned, though not as much as Amanda is worried.  Rafe has an adorable young son, Issac; as well as being the assistant fire chief and being a paramedic. After an accident on the job, Rafe is told to take a month off, with his broken arm; which finds himself becoming friends with Amanda; and young Isaac is so adorable, with Amanda totally loving him.  Both Rafe and Amanda have had heartaches in their past lives; Rafe having lost his wife due to a drug overdose, and Amanda losing a boyfriend due to a tragedy. 

In a short time, Rafe has strong feelings for Amanda, as they spent a lot of time at the Christmas market together; but Amanda refuses to admit that she is attracted to Rafe.  Both Amanda and Rafe have hard times with emotional issues in their lives, but their attraction continues to keep their paths intertwining.  Isaac was so cute, and he always invited Amanda to come to events, which brings Rafe too.  😊

The December Market was a wonderful, heartwarming romantic Christmas story.  I really like both Amanda and Rafe, and hoped that they would finally give into their love for each other.  The December Market was so very well written by RaeAnne Thayne.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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