Tag Archives: Holiday

The Christmas Project by Christi Barth – a Review

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The Christmas Project by Christi Barth – a Review

 

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Description:
Can they forgive the past and pull off a Christmas miracle?

Mariana Vasquez has always adored the historic waterfront Brampton Mansion, but the beloved building has succumbed to years of neglect. When Baltimore City inherits it, there’s only one chance to keep it from being demolished. Mariana plans to earn the mansion a second chance and the money to pay for its upkeep with a designer Christmas showcase.

A mix-up on Scott Ashford’s last renovation job has shaken his confidence and harmed his business. He needs a fresh project and great publicity to caulk over his disgrace. Donating his expertise to save a historic property sounds perfect…except the opportunity is dangled by an old friend. Well, ex-friend, since he abandoned her ten years ago…

Mariana has too much pride to ask Scott to return to Baltimore for her, but she’s desperate enough to ask him to come back to save the mansion. There’s barely time to finish all the restorations, so Mariana’s sure she won’t have any time to fall for Scott again. But maybe the mansion isn’t the only thing that deserves a second chance this Christmas…

 

 

 

Review:

The Christmas Project by Christi Barth is another one of her wonderful standalone romances. Mariana Vasquez, our heroine, lives in Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently in charge of restoring the historic Brampton Mansion.  The mansion has fallen apart over the years, and Mariana is determined to give the mansion a second chance to bring it back to what it once was; using top designers to fix the mansion before Christmas to have a showcase.  But just when only a few weeks are left, one of the designers is injured falling through the steps, unable to return to the mansion.  Mariana is desperate, since the town will demolish the building, if it cannot be fixed in time; her boss is putting pressure on her, and she makes a decision to bring back an old friend, to finish the job; but it has been 10 years, and she has not forgotten that he walked away from her.

Scott Ashford, our hero, is surprised when he receives a gift basket in his New York office, from a friend he hasn’t seen in years.  Scott is coming off a bad project, and when Mariana asks him to help her finish the restoration of the famous Brampton Mansion, he is thrilled and jumps at the chance to work at the mansion, as well as to see her again, including rebuilding his confidence

Mariana is happy Scott accepted the pro bono work he will do, as he is one of the best designers. She tries to keep the past in the background, as her reputation is also on the line. In a short time, Mariana and Scott renew their friendship, as they work closely together, especially with the time element.  At dinner one night, she confronts him why he walked from her, never to be seen again.  Scott apologized, but told her what actually happened and how his move was a lifetime opportunity that helped make his career; he says he regrets leaving her and thought about her often,   

Mariana learns more about Scott’s becoming a major interior designer over the last 10 years, as well as knowing more about his family. They spend more time together, as they attend fundraisers to promote the upcoming Christmas showcase, and some of their old sparks ignite.  Can Mariana trust Scott?

The Christmas Project was a delightful, sweet, heartwarming friends to lover’s romance, with wonderful appeal of the holiday season. Christi Barth gives us another fabulous holiday themed story, that was very well written. If you enjoy pure romance, second chances and a wonderful couple, you should read The Christmas Project.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery – a Review

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The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery – a Review

 

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Description:
The Somerville sisters believe in love, but they’ve lost faith it will happen for them. Reggie hasn’t been home since the end of the world’s shortest engagement. When her parents decide to renew their vows, she buffs up her twinkle to help with the Christmas wedding. Unexpectedly, Toby, her first love, is back too, and the spark between them shines as brightly as ever. In the spirit of the season, will they let go of past hurts and greet the New Year together?

Done waiting for the one, Dena is pregnant and on her own—on purpose. But then a gorgeous, sad-eyed songwriter checks in to a room at her inn. Micah, unable to write since he lost his wife, finds inspiration in Dena’s determination to be a mom. One snowflake-speckled kiss and he’s a goner. But Dena is afraid to believe that a rock star could fall for a cookie-cutter small-town girl like her.

As the Christmas wedding draws closer, these two sisters just might unwrap the most treasured gift of all—love.

 

 

Review:

The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery is a wonderful delightful holiday novel.  The story centers on the Sommerville Sisters, Reggie & Dena, who both have given up on finding true love.  

Reggie works and lives in Seattle, and when she learns her parents are renewing their vows, she agrees to return home to Wishing Tree, Washington for the holidays (Thanksgiving/Christmas) to help. Reggie has not been home for a year, since her bad breakup (short engagement), avoiding the gossip in her home town; she drives back to Wishing Tree with her wonderful dog Belle (Great Dane). Dena is the oldest sister, and very well-liked teacher in Wishing Tree, who is also pregnant (artificial insemination), since she had no hope of finding the right man for her; though she is suffering early pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea.    Dena is also the owner of a B&B she inherited from her grandmother (Reggie got money); having a great manager and a wonderful chef.

It was wonderful to see the closeness between Reggie and Dena, and the wonderful friends they shared.  Reggie runs into her former high school boyfriend, Toby, who has a sweet 8-year-old son, whom Belle (Reggie’s dog) falls in love with.  Their friendship and attraction resumes, though Toby having had issues in the past, is afraid of any kind of permanent relationship.

Dena finds herself attracted to one of the guests, who is not only a hunk and charming, and to her surprise, a famous singer/songwriter.  Micah enjoys Dena’s company, and even though she is pregnant, he finds himself falling for her. Dena also feels the attraction, but tries not to fall for him, as she has no confidence that he would be interested in her, especially being pregnant.

What follows is a delightful, heartwarming, fun romance, with a fantastic group of characters; two wonderful couples; a fantastic dog, who had cute holiday outfits; girls friends, who were great; mother & father; Harrison (Toby’s cute son), etc.  I loved both sisters, who were terrific. Micah finds his inspiration again, knowing that Dena was the one for him.   Toby knows he has to get past his past issues, and with help from his son and Reggie, true love will prevail

The Christmas Wedding Guest was a fabulous holiday story, filled with family, love, friends, dogs and second chances.  This was very well written by Susan Mallery. I suggest you read The Christmas Wedding Guest.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives―family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

 

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-mallery
Mailing List: https://susanmallery.com/join-mailing-list.php

 

 

 

 

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Snowy Ever After by Samantha Chase/Stefanie London-review

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Wedding Wonderland (Snowy Ever After  Anthology) by Samantha Chase/Stefanie London-Review 

ebook ONLY 99¢ USD Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 16, 2021

What could be better than a holiday wedding?
How about two?

Join bestselling authors Samantha Chase and Stefanie London for a whole lot of love this holiday season with Snowy Ever After!

With some of your favorite Magnolia Sound and Patterson’s Bluff residents, we can guarantee you’ll get all those small town, holiday feels with guaranteed happily ever afters and I Do’s!

WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase:

SAVE THE DATE!You are cordially invited to the wedding of Mia Kingsley and Austin Coleman.
Or you will be if a snowstorm doesn’t blanket the town with piles of fresh snow, making the trip to the chapel near impossible.
But the Coleman family is not about to let a measly little storm ruin Mia and Austin’s perfect day. After all, Magnolia Sound is just the place for a perfect wedding wonderland.

DESTINED FOR FOREVER by Stefanie London

Romantic comedy screenwriter, Lily Dunn, watches her life go from happily ever after to crappily ever after when she gets dumped on live television.

Facing her overprotective family at her cousin’s wedding is not ideal. They think she’s not cut out for cutthroat Hollywood. How can she prove she’s moved on? Pretend to have a new man, of course. The only rule is: keep it fake.

But the chemistry with her former high school crush burns hotter than an open fire. Can two bruised and battered hearts find the kind of love that only happens in the movies?

••••••

REVIEW:

NOTE: My review covers WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase

WEDDING WONDERLAND by Samantha Chase is a contemporary adult romance story line, a part of the author’s MAGNOLIA SOUND series, found in the SNOWY EVER AFTER anthology. This is author Mia Kingsley and Austin Coleman’s continuing story line. Mia and Austin’s story begins in THE WAY THE STORY GOES (Magnolia Sound #7).

NOTE: Several characters from Samantha Chase’s Magnolia Sound, Meet Me at The Altar, and Enchanted Bridal series cross over into the current story line.

Told from third person perspective WEDDING WONDERLAND focuses on the preparation for a holiday wedding for our story line couple. Unable to settle on a date, a deadline looming for her latest novel, and her mother all but taking control, Mia struggles to make time for what should be a happy event. Frustrated by his beloved’s inability to settle down, Austin suggests a Christmas wedding, a wedding with only a few weeks to plan. With the help of family, friends, and local business owners, Mia and Austin’s wedding in Magnolia Sounds is all set to go until a snow storm puts a stop to everyone’s plans.

WEDDING WONDERLAND is a quick read; a fast paced, enchanting and heart warming story of romance, family, friendships and love-the perfect read for the holiday season.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Twitter / Website / Facebook

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40’s to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

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Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
Three fan-favorite Jill Shalvis novellas are together for the first time in this holiday anthology!

One Snowy Night
It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to her family. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, her long-time crush, and his big, goofy, lovable dog. A long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past…and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

Holiday Wishes
When Sean O’Riley shows up for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, the last person he expects to see is Lotti Hartford, the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago. As the weekend continues, Sean realizes he wants to leave his hook-up life behind, but can he convince Lotti to open her heart to him again?

Mistletoe in Paradise
Years after their secret fling ended, Hannah isn’t eager to see James during their families’ annual joint holiday-themed yacht adventure. But when they’re the only people who show up, James and Hannah are stuck together on the high seas for days. As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize the best things in life can’t be planned, and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around. 

 

 

Review:

Holiday Ever After by Jill Shalvis is a holiday bonanza with three novellas (from Heartbreaker and Wildstone series).

One Snowy Night
We meet our heroine, Rory Andrews, as she needs a ride home for the holidays, and is surprised when her friend asked Max Stranton to give her a ride home, since he doesn’t live far from Lake Tahoe.  She reluctantly accepts the ride, and Rory gets a kick out of Max’s dog, Carl; since she is a dog groomer and she knows Carl loves her. Cute.  Rory did see Max lately, as he worked in the same building as her, and she usually groomed, Carl.
 
Rory and Max were friends in high school, but though she had a crush on him, nothing ever developed, and she left home at the age of 17, rarely coming back.  Along the way home, they run into a blizzard, which will allow them to get to rekindle their friendship, and get know each other more. In a very short time, the chemistry between them heats up.  I found it nice that Max stood up for Rory when they arrived at her home, especially since she hasn’t been home for a long time.  This was a fun cute story, and a couple we rooted hard for to stay together.

 

Holiday Wishes
Sean O’Riley had planned his brother’s bachelor/bachelorette weekend, and the entire group of friends (boys and girls) arrive at the Bed and Breakfast to enjoy the weekend before the wedding. Sean is surprised to recognize the person in charge of the Inn. Lotti Hanfield runs her family’s B&B, and is shocked to meet the boy (now man), who broke her heart, and has never seen him since then.  When she ignores him, his brother and friends tease him that this woman wants nothing to do with him.  Sean has always been a playboy, but lately when seeing all his friends begin to settle down, he feels the change in wanting to find someone to spend forever with.

Lotti has been hurt before, and is not interested in Sean’s attempts to show her that he is a changed man.  Lotti has made plans to close the B&B for two weeks for a vacation, but the nasty blizzard will change things.  Everyone is very pleased with how Lotti has arranged everything for the group (events and food). But now that no one can leave, Sean convinces Lotti to help him set up an impromptu wedding at the B&B; but with a food shortage, she was able get some stuff from local neighbors, and they all worked together to decorate the wedding.  Being stuck at the inn for a couple of more days, was just perfect for them to fall for each other, as they had great chemistry.  This story was lots of fun and enjoyable, and also great to see so many of our favorites from previous books. 

 

Mistletoe in Paridise
Hannah Banfield, our heroine, is a workaholic as a health care advocate, with little time to spare.  But with Christmas close, she agrees to join her father on their annual Caribbean yacht trip; but she also knows her mother is not coming, and Hannah needs to give her father her mother’s divorce papers.  To her surprise, her father also invited James, who was Hannah’s love years ago. 

James Webber, our hero, was happy to see Hannah, but both are surprised when the yacht starts moving with only the two of them (James’s family also used to attend the annual trip), as well as her father and another person.  While stuck together for a few days, James and Hannah talk about their lives, and how both are buried in their work.  They talk about the death of James’s brother, and how it changed their lives.  James sees Hannah constantly interrupted on her cell for work, and learns how she is now working in health care, especially since the death of Jason.  James also explains he needs to change his life, as he has his own business (expedition company), but also works overtime to handle his father’s company.  He plans to tell his father that he is quitting and work only on his business. 

When Hannah’s father leaves them at a stop for a day or two to spend time alone, both James and Hannah realize that they still love each other.  It was sweet and wonderful to see them work past the issues that have kept their lives at a standstill, and needed to open themselves to being happy.  I really loved James and Hannah together, and their eventual happy ever after.

Holiday Ever After was fun to read, as all three novellas were great.  No surprise here, as Jill Shalvis is one of the best at writing wonderful sweet romances. If you have not read her books, you are missing a gem of an author. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major – a Review

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Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major – a Review

 

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Description:
Spend the holidays in Magnolia, North Carolina, where two lonely hearts find exactly what they need for Christmas.

Anji Guilardi needs a man for Christmas—at least, according to her mother. What she really needs is to grow her fledgling catering business. Partnering with Magnolia’s Wildflower Inn holds promise, but when her mother falls ill, Anji’s drawn back to the responsibility of the family restaurant. Balancing work and her eight-year-old son, she has no time for romance…until Anji runs into Gabriel Carlyle.

Temporarily helping at his grandmother’s flower shop, Gabriel doesn’t plan to stick around, especially after he bumps into Anji, one of his childhood bullies. Sure, she’s all grown up and gorgeous now, and when they find themselves under the mistletoe, their chemistry is undeniable. But it’ll take more than a Christmas miracle for Anji to break through the defenses of Gabriel’s well-guarded heart and find a love built to last.

 

 

Review:

Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major is the 2nd book in her The Carolina Girls series. I have become a big fan of Michelle Major, having enjoyed her Magnolia Sisters series, and the first book of her Carolina Sisters.  Mistletoe Season continued this trend, as it was a wonderful story, with a terrific couple, and great secondary characters.

Anji Guilardi, our heroine, loves working at the Wildflower Inn, but with her mother recovering from an illness, Anji is stuck helping at the family restaurant. She is working overtime, between both places, trying not to leave her new friends (Emma and Mariella) in a difficult position (Anji does all the cooking for the Inn); and also help out at the restaurant, not to mention taking care of her young son, Drew.  Anji’s mother makes things difficult for her, putting pressure on her handling the restaurant, even though her heart and new recipes are with the Inn.

Gabe Carlyle, our hero, is back in Magnolia to help out his grandmother run the flower shop.  Gabe knows his mother wants to sell the shop and house they live in, but since she is far away, he ignores her, and puts most of his time with his grandmother.  Years ago, when the was young, he had a crush on Anji, but things broke up.  Now when he meets her at his shop, and despite his coldness toward her, he can still feel the chemistry between them; especially when they are forced to kiss under the mistletoe, and the sparks sizzle.

Between Anji’s mom, she pressures her to find a husband, and her son, Drew, who has become close to Gabriel, a bond begins to form.  Anji asks Gabe for help to be her fake boyfriend, to get her mom off her back. Drew had become very close to Gabe, which brings him closer to Anji.  Their relationship turns into a full-blown real romance, after they are both asked to run the town Christmas festival, and spend lots of time together.  Gabe is also there for Anji, when he sees how much she loves working at the Inn, but is pressured by her mother to stay with the restaurant.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story with both Anji and Gabe dealing with their issues (both mothers). Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. Mistletoe Season was written so very well by Michelle Major, with a great couple, and so many wonderful characters, many of the townsfolks, and the cute animals. I suggest your start this series, and if you have not read The Magnolia Sisters, you should start that one too, then read Wildflower Season, before you move to Mistletoe Season.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber – a Review

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Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber – a Review

 

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Description:
Lindy Carmichael isn’t feeling particularly joyful when she returns home to Wenatchee, Washington, for Christmas. The man she thought was “the one” has cheated on her with her best friend, and she feels completely devoid of creativity in her graphic-design job. Not even carolers or Christmas cookies can cheer her up–but Lindy’s mother, Ellen, remembers an old tradition that might lift her daughter’s spirits.

Reading through a box of childhood letters to Santa and reminiscing about what she’d wished for as a young girl may be just the inspiration Lindy needs. With Ellen’s encouragement, she decides to write a new letter to Santa, one that will encourage her to have faith and believe just as she’d done all those years ago. Little does Lindy know that this exercise in gratitude will cause her wishes to unfold before her in miraculous ways. And, thanks to some fateful twists of Christmas magic–especially an unexpected connection with a handsome former classmate–Lindy ultimately realizes that there is truly no place like home for the holidays.

In Dear Santa, Debbie Macomber celebrates the joys of Christmas blessings, old and new.

 

 

 

Review:

Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber is another one of her heartwarming Christmas novels.  We meet Lindy Carmichael, our heroine, at the start when she returns home to her parents’ house, in Wenatchee, Washington for the Christmas Holidays.  Lindy works and lives in Seattle, and waiting to see if her project was accepted; she has been feeling a bit down, after discovering that her boyfriend and best friend were secretly together.

Lindy’s mom decides to try and cheer her up, by giving her a stack of letters she wrote as a child to Santa.  After reading things she wished for back in the day, her mother convinces her to write a letter to Santa now, giving her some faith and hope.  In a short time, Lindy runs into her childhood friend, Peggy, whom she has not seen in a long time, and their friendship happily rekindles.   Lindy also runs into a boy who constantly teased her as a child, but who is now a handsome hunk. 

Billy Kincaide, our hero, has always had a crush on Lindy, even if she thought he was her nemesis back in those days.   Billy owns the successful local restaurant, The Wine Press, and it is there that he runs into her.  What follows is a wonderful romance that builds between them, with sizzling chemistry.   But Lindy is concerned, as she needs to go back to Seattle after Christmas, since she is hoping her project is accepted.  Will she be able to walk away from her feelings towards Billy?

I really enjoyed the Christmas spirit between family, friends throughout the book.  Lindy’s friendship with Peggy, and two other new friends, gives her happiness to move on past losing her friend whom she felt betrayed her.  Most of all I loved Billy and Lindy together, as they made a fantastic couple.   I also got a kick out of Santa, giving us the feeling that he knew her wishes and dreams, and made sure to read all her letters over the years.  Sort of a magical feel during Christmas.

Dear Santa was a sweet, delightful, heartwarming romance that was so very well written by Debbie Macomber.  If you love romance, and a magical holiday story, I suggest you read Dear Santa.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Lord Grantwell’s Christmas Wish by Diane Gaston – Dual Review

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Lord Grantwell’s Christmas Wish by Diane Gaston – Dual Review

 

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Description:
He wished to never see her again

Now he wishes she’ll stay…

Lord Grantwell hasn’t seen Lillian Pearson since she betrayed him years ago. So when she arrives on his doorstep looking for sanctuary, he’s not inclined to offer it! But when the two orphaned children in his care ask if she can stay for Christmas, how can he refuse? Grant and Lillian discover an intense attraction still simmers between them, and Grant starts to wonder if he has done her a grave injustice…

 

Barb’s Review:  Lord Grantwell’s Christmas Wish by Diane Gaston is a stand-alone historical novel.  We meet our hero, Lord Grantwell (Grant) from the start, as he watches the snow build up outside his mansion. With the death of his brother, Grant is now the Viscount, and just recently been saddled with two young children (William and Anna) that belonged to his brother’s wife from a previous marriage.   Grant is in the process of getting a governess for the children, and is surprised when he is told that someone just arrived to ask about the position.

Grant is shocked to see Lillian Pearson, our heroine, who arrives to ask for help; he tries to send her away, as he feels she betrayed him years before.  But with the weather so bad, and his need for a governess, Grant agrees that she can stay until Christmas.  He learns from Lillian that she is on the run, being falsely accused of killing her husband, and if they find her, they will take her back to hang her.

Lillian takes over the care of William and Anna, and slowly they begin to trust her, and become very close.  Grant watches how well she is with the children, an also feels the old attraction for her; but he has not forgotten her betrayal, even though she insists she is innocent.

I loved the children, and how Lillian was so great with them.  With Christmas coming closer, the planning to make presents, decorate, food for the holiday was fun to watch, with the entire staff also taking part.  Most of all, we watch and see how Grant also begins to help Lillian and children, which was very sweet and well done.  Grant and Lillian finally succumb to their relationship from the old days, and despite his anger of the past, he knows he still has feelings for her. Will Grant allow himself to have Lillian stay and forgive her?

What follows is a heartwarming and fun story that becomes suspenseful as we reach the final ¼ of the book.  Lillian will find herself in a bad situation when she is discovered, and her life on the line.  Will Grant allow them to take Lillian away or find out what is the real truth. It was very exciting and tense.

Lord Grantwell’s Christmas Wish was a wonderful sweet story, with two precious kids, and a couple that were destined to be together. I really enjoyed this story, as it kept me glued to the book.   I suggest you read Lord Grantwell’s Christmas Wish, which was very well written by Diane Gaston.


Vickie’s Review: Lord Grantwell’s Christmas Wish begins with Lord John Grantwell, known as Grant to his friends, pondering the fact that he was now Viscount Grantwell.  The title had been inherited by his brother, but he and his wife had been killed in an accident.  Unbeknownst to Grant, his sister-in-law had two children (from a previous relationship) whom he had known nothing about.  The children had been stashed away with their grandfather and upon his death, the children were brought to Grant.  He had no idea how to raise children and had turned their care over to one of the maids.

Grant’s butler enters the room to tell him that someone is here about the governess position for the children, and he tells him to show her in.  However, Grant was not in the least prepared to face the woman who waltzed into his study.  It was a person with whom he had had a passionate relationship with long ago only to have her betray him……Lillian Pearson. 

When Lillian tells Grant that she needs his help and a place to stay, his first inclination is to tell her no.  With the snowstorm raging outside, he thinks better of it and has her take care of the children until he can hire a proper governess and the roads become passable.  Lillian is immediately taken with the children, as they are with her.

It doesn’t take long for Grant and Lillian to realize that the children have only truly ever had each other, and they were desperate for a family to love them and who doesn’t hide them from visitors.  It also doesn’t take them long to realize that the feelings they once held for each other have never really gone away.

As those who are chasing Lillian make themselves known, Grant finds himself wondering if he had it wrong all along and Lillian was telling the truth about never having betrayed him.  He also finds himself wondering what he has wished for is right in front of him.

Lord Grantwell’s Christmas Wish is a wonderfully written story.  The characters are well written and the worldbuilding pulls you in immediately.  Lillian and Grant’s chemistry is palpable from their first encounter, which, for me, is rare these days.  Their backstory is told in a way that isn’t repetitive and gives you just enough so that it adds to their chemistry instead of detracting from it.  The secondary characters are also written well, however, I wish that I had more information about the children’s background.  For me, there is no greater praise than when you can “see” the snow and “smell” the fire in the hearth while you’re reading.  This story does just that.  If you’re a fan of the genre, and even if you’re not, this one will pull you in from the first words.  Well done, Diane Gaston!  Very, very well done!

 

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A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow – a Review

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A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow – a Review

 

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Description:
This Christmas season, love comes where you least expect it. 

For Jessica Connolly, there is no better place than her coastal hometown of Blue Moon Bay. She has a wonderful family, supportive best friends, and a successful bakery on Main Street. Unfortunately, every time she designs one of her ex-boyfriends’ wedding cakes, she’s reminded just how unlucky she is with love…and that she’s a good luck charm for men to find their happily ever after. With someone else. The minute they break up.  So she’s decided to be done with love.

Dr. Mitch Jameson is more comfortable traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders than staying in one place. He just needs to survive the holidays in his small hometown before he can leave again. The beautiful, intriguing bakery owner with an aversion to dating might be just who he needs to occupy his restless heart.

From sipping hot chocolates at the local festival of lights to early morning dessert deliveries, Jessica and Mitch rediscover the spirit of the holidays. But when the 25 days of Christmas are over, will their romance be over, too?

 Each book in the Blue Moon Bay series is STANDALONE: 
* A Lot Like Love
* A Lot Like Christmas

 

 

Review:

A Lot Like Christmas by Jennifer Snow is the 2nd book in her Blue Moon Bay series. A Christmas story in September! But if you read it, you could easily swap it for any season. I can see me picking this book up again and again, it has fun, it has humour and it has heartbreak (like any good romance) and it has a couple of intimate moments (might want to read those at home) ? 

* A Lot Like Christmas  is sweet small-town romance with a happy ending. However, the story includes elements  that might not be suitable for all readers. Depression, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD appear in the novel, and a child’s illness and death are relayed through a character’s backstory. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.*

Poor Jessica, I felt so sorry for her! Couldn’t imagine how she must have felt to design a cake for a man she could have married! It feels like a curse, she meets the man of her dreams…. It doesn’t work out…. He then meets and marries someone else! That happens a few times!! I’d call it a curse! So although she doesn’t begrudge them, it’s enough to make Jessica swear off love. 

Mitch isn’t looking for long term, he’s not looking to stay long at all! Being a doctor is all he’s wanted to do, fulfilling his dream of being a Doctor without borders has been exhausting but rewarding. Coming home before jetting to another place that needs him, Mitch needs a little quiet time then he’s gone, back to saving the world…..

When Mitch and Jessica meet, sparks of interest between both the couple is evident. And when Mitch tells her it’s only for a few weeks, Jessica assures him that’s fine with her. Both fight their feelings for one another, but I hope the feeling Jessica was invested a lot more than Mitch, yes they both were having fun, but I truly believed Mitch would walk away!! 

There is a part in the book I was totally going to hit the guy with a cake!! And then scream at Jessica to not let him get away!! 

I’ve not read the previous book, and it’s not necessary either, but I’ve added it to my (never ending) TBR (To Be Read) list. It’s written really well, and it captures the charm of the little town of Blue Moon Bay (which if I could I’d love to climb into the pages and explore the coastline) characters come to life as you witness Jessica’s love of Christmas and family. Shake your head at Mitch’s decisions not to have ties, and then cry into your tissue as secrets, and decisions will pull this couple apart!! 

So is it just a Christmas romance? Is it just Mitch wasting time until his next adventure calls? Or will Jessica be able to prove that you can have just as much adventure in a small town as you can anywhere else? Or will she have to bake a fourth cake? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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