The Wishing Well: a small town, a magical well and the healing magic of Christmas

The Wishing Well is the first book in the HollyWell Springs series by Vivian Porter. After losing her parents around Christmas as a child, Hannah Grayson rejects the holiday. Her one joy is her green thumb and her career as a writer for a national foodie magazine. When her boss sends her on assignment to HollyWell Springs, a small town in Montana where Christmas is celebrated all year long, Hannah is not excited. With no choice, she decides to finish the assignment with minimal involvement. However, the moment she arrives in town, she locks eyes with Brodie Fisher, who runs the local Christmas tree farm, who seems to love plants more than she does. As she experiences that magic of Christmas and the town’s love for the holiday, Hannah finds the ice around her heart starting to melt and begins to question what she remembers about the past. At the center of it all, a wishing well which seems magical healing for a wounded heart.  

I looked forward to this book as the premise sounded interesting. I love Christmas and enjoy the magic and hope of the season. However, a town whose whole identity is Christmas was a bit much for me. Everything about the town was in a Christmas theme, even the names of the businesses. And the magical wishing well was interesting and the story had a mystery around the well that never is fully explained. Hannah as a grinch or scrooge made sense for me and I understood that she didn’t want to talk about why; but she never tells her best friend?!?! The constant description of Brodie as a “Greek God Cowboy” was so repetitive early on that I was over it quickly. Overall, I enjoyed Hannah’s healing from her traumatic past; however, I closed the book with a “what did I read?” I doubt I will be continuing the series. If you would enjoy a story about a town who celebrates Christmas year around with a magical well, you may enjoy The Wishing Well. 

The Wishing Well is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Christmas at Yuletide Farm: a grumpy-sunshine romance with the magic of Christmas

Christmas at Yuletide Farm by Megan Squires is a story of two very different people falling in love at Christmas time. For her news section, On the Job, Kate Carmichael follows a local business, works in the field and learns the trade. The newest assignment is learning how to run a Christmas tree farm. However, Deacon Winters, the farm’s owner, thinks she is there simply as a hired seasonal farmhand and doesn’t want the cameras around and certainly doesn't want to be interviewed. He is too gruff to be a man whose livelihood revolves around Christmas. Little does she know that Deacon carries the weight of his family’s legacy and he reluctantly agrees to allow Kate to work the farm; hoping the publicity generates new customers. Kate’s joyful attitude chips away the icy around his heart that he finds himself hoping for a merry-ever after. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is a sweet, clean, grumpy-sunshine romance. I loved the fun banter and the feel of the Christmas season. I enjoyed Deacon who hides a painful broken heart and Kate’s willingness to try any task, the growth in their relationship was fun to read. I also enjoyed his commitment to his family’s farm and his determination to see it thrive. Kate’s sunshine attitude certainly melts Deacon’s grumpy demeanor. Of course, the reason behind his broken heart is revealed and causes plenty of drama. I loved all the aspects of Christmas, the snow, the gingerbread houses and hot cocoa. I swear I could smell the pine scent of the trees. There’s even fun moments with a lovable puppy. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were smiles, laughs and great romantic moments. If you enjoy Christmas romances, I highly, highly recommend Christmas at Yuletide Farm. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is available in paperback and eBook

The Unfinished Gift: a war time Christmas story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles

The Unfinished Gift is the first book in the Homefront series by Dan Walsh. December 1943, Ian Collins is an old man who has lost his beloved wife and is estranged from his only son. Patrick Collins recently lost his mother in a horrible accident and his father is a bomber pilot fighting in Europe. Grandfather and grandson are put together as the only family each other has. Ian isn't prepared to care for the seven year old and Patrick only has three Christmas wishes: he wants his father to come home, he wants to leave his grandfather’s house and he wants the dusty wooden soldier he found in the attic, the one he has been forbidden to touch. As Christmas Day approaches, and with the help of Miss Katherine Townsend, the kindhearted social worker and Mrs Fortini, Ian’s formidable Italian neighbor, can grandfather and grandson come together and find the magic in hope and faith of Christmas? 

Dan Walsh is a retired pastor and now full time writer with The Unfinished Gift is his first novel. The Unfinished Gift is a story of a family in need of forgiveness and hope. The story is an engaging story that the small things can lead to powerful change in our hearts. It is an emotional and heartwarming story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles. Ian is a gruff man who hides a grieving heart. Patrick is a little boy who prays for his father’s return. I also loved Katherine Townsend and Mrs Fortini who fall in love with the little boy and want Ian to love him too. There were many emotional moments where my heart broke and I cried tears of sadness and joy. Overall, I could not put this story down as I wanted to see if Patrick gets his Christmas wishes. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I highly, highly recommend The Unfinished Gift. 

The Unfinished Gift is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Calm & Bright: can the miracle of Christmas bring this family back together?

Calm & Bright is the first book in the Huckleberry Lake series by Autumn Macarthur. Brad Hughes hopes for some Christmas magic as he hopes he can convince his ex-wife that he has changed and is ready to be the husband and father he needs to be. Maddie came home to Huckleberry Lake, Idaho to care for her ailing grandmother. She sent Brad the divorce papers as he was a workaholic city boy and she wanted to stay in her hometown community. As he comes for the holidays for their son, Jacob, he only needs to convince Maddie that he has changed. Will Maddie take that chance again? Will Brad’s career once again come between them? Will God help them heal their broken marriage and hearts for a deeper relationship and faith? 

The Huckleberry Lake series is advertised as stories of the trials and joys of love, deepening faith and living happily ever after. I expected a heartwarming, inspirational story of faith, hope and love. Right off the bat, I did not care for Maddie. I found her to be childish, self-centered and expected Brad to be a mind reader. She was unhappy with their marriage and living situation, understandable. Does she even attempt to tell him she was unhappy? Divorce was her first and only option? The lack of communication bothered me. Overall, I did not care for these characters or this story. I usually enjoy a good second chance romance, however, I did not enjoy Calm & Bright. I will not continue with this series. I do not recommend Calm & Bright. 

Calm & Bright is available in paperback and eBook

So This is Christmas: the magic of Christmas is shattered by a horrifying crime

So This is Christmas is the eleventh book in the best selling Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. The small town of Hart’s Ridge is glowing with holiday magic as the quaint town is decked with festive lights and holiday cheer that draws visitors from all around. However, this year, Deputy Taylor Gray hopes for a quiet holiday as she recovers and learns how to enjoy her new role as the family celebrates. However, in another part of town, the peace and quiet of the Christmas spirit is shattered when four bodies are discovered. Detective Shane Weaver must solve this crime without Taylor as she becomes torn between her promise to Sam to stay out of the investigation and focus on her recovery and her sworn duty to keep the town safe. Who would do such a horrendous act at Christmas? And can Taylor keep her promise? Will Shane leave her out of it? 

The Hart’s Ridge series just keeps getting better and better! To say that I enjoyed this story would be an understatement. Inspired by real life crime stories, So This is Christmas takes readers on a journey into the unthinkable and asks the question what would drive someone to commit such a crime. So This is Christmas opens with the shocking crime as a family is gunned down and keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the twists and turns come at a fast pace. Intertwined with the case, Taylor is faced with a decision: when will she realize that taking time for yourself and your health isn’t selfish but necessary? It is a question that many caregivers must face. What will be Taylor’s breaking point? If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend So This is Christmas! If you have not yet started the series, I highly, highly recommend it. 

So This is Christmas is currently available in eBook

His Christmas Wish: rediscovering the joy and magic of Christmas after a loss

His Christmas Wish is the first book in the Mountain Rescue Romance series by Melissa McClone. Carly Bishop loved Christmas until tragedy struck that left her distraught and grief-stricken. Unable to stay in the small town of Hood Hamlet after the deaths of her brother and fiancé, Carly packed up and moved as far away as she could. Now, six years later, her family needs her. She reluctantly returns to help with her niece and nephew, hoping to survive the days until she can leave Hood Hamlet behind once again. Jake Porter is a Bishop family friend and a volunteer mountain rescue climber. He lives with the guilt that he could not save his two friends on that fateful day and the heartbreaking loss that Carly carries. When she returns to town, he is determined to make amends. As Jake and Carly help give the kids the best Christmas ever, can he help her rediscover her love of Christmas? Can he also help her open her heart again to love? 

His Christmas Wish is a sweet, emotional Christmas romance. It is a brother’s friend, second chance romance with hard hitting emotions. Melissa McClone does a beautiful job handling the sensitive topic of grief and guilt as life moves on. One of my favorite quotes sums up the story beautifully, “Life is about taking risks…and love makes those risks worth it even if we end up disappointed or hurt.” I loved Jake and Carly. They have a beautiful history together as they grew up together and have past crushes on each other that they never acted on. I loved their supporting characters, especially the niece and nephew as children can bring the infectious joy and magic of Christmas. There were a few tears as Carly confronted her grief. There are great moments of smiles and heartfelt connection between Carly and Jake. I loved this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a Christmas romance with heart and real emotions, I recommend His Christmas Wish. 

His Christmas Wish is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Firefighter's Christmas Gift: a small town Christmas romance

A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift is the first book in the Holidays in Heart Falls series by Vivian Arend. Bradley Ford is the new fire chief in the small town of Heart Falls . He returned to help his father, Patrick, after an accident and what he didn’t expect is to have Hanna Lane catch his eye and his heart. Hanna is a single mom and her only concern is taking care of her eight year old daughter. She is looking to date but something about Brad keeps drawing her in. When a fire destroys their home, Hanna and Crissy are left  homeless weeks before Christmas. Brad offers them shelter on his family’s homestead under the guise that he needs help with his injured father. As they settle into their routines, Brad and Hanna find themselves drawn more and more together. There is no denying their chemistry but can Brad convince Hanna they have a future? 

A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift is a sweet Christmas romance with a happy ending. The chemistry and interaction between Brad and Hanna was sweet. Especially Brad as he seems to understand that she is gun shy and hesitant for a relationship. He is determined to show her he wants a future, not just a fling. There isn’t much drama or tension in the story other than Hanna’s own self doubt. My main issue with the story was Hanna’s daughter, Crissy, is supposed to be eight years old; however, I feel she behaves and speaks more like a six year old. It was a bit distracting. Overall, it is a nice Christmas romance. It was a quick and entertaining read. However, I felt no real connection to the characters and I probably will not be continuing the series. If you love small town Christmas romance, I recommend A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift. 

A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Christmas Window: a sweeet, cute and clean Christmas romance

The Christmas Window is the first book in the Silver Falls series by Melissa McClone. Callie Andrews has found her passion running a doggy daycare in the small town of Silver Falls. The town has a holiday window display contest that she is determined to win. To prove to her parents and older brothers that she is thriving on her own. Brandt Winslow has reluctantly returned home to Silver Falls. He left many years ago after being betrayed by someone he trusted. He hopes to spend his vacation avoiding the past and quietly checking off the days. When his well meaning, matchmaking aunt has decided that her nephew needs to find love, Brandt finds himself spending time with Callie and discovering hope and magic in the holidays. Is there enough magic to find love under the mistletoe? 

The Christmas Window is a sweet, cute and clean Christmas romance. I enjoyed Callie and Brandt as they met on the wrong foot and through forced proximity, they find common ground and a growing friendship and eventually love. I also enjoyed Brandt’s aunt and the other residents of Silver Falls. They were great support for Callie and Brandt. This story also brings the importance of standing up for yourself, for your passions and dreams as well as confronting the past in order to move forward. The story flowed smoothly and I enjoyed reading Callie and Brandt’s romance that I read well into the night. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy small town romance with a Christmas atmosphere, I highly recommend The Christmas Window. 

The Christmas Window is available in paperback and eBook

A Winter Cabin Christmas: a cozy Christmas romance

A Winter Cabin Christmas by Megan Squires is a romance story with the magic of Christmas, Samantha Day is a talent agent who loves lining up the perfect gig for her clients. When a job requesting a look-a-like Santa and Mrs Claus, she knows her parents are the perfect choice. When they arrive in Cedar Crest, Samantha finds a different challenge. Noah Jensen is determined to turn his family mountain hideaway into a Christmas destination. He is willing to try anything, even a commercial. Noah is drawn to Samantha’s endearing nature and begins to fall for her. When Samantha realizes that the commercial is in trouble before filming even begins, she calls in her ex-husband and business partner in to help. Is Samantha’s relationship with her ex-husband truly in the past? Is there enough Christmas magic for Noah and Samantha? 

A Winter Cabin Christmas is a cute, quick and enjoyable Christmas romance. It is a clean romance with a few sweet kisses. I loved Samantha. She is bubbly with a positive attitude despite challenges she faces. I also loved Noah as he is determined to save his family’s legacy. It was evident early on that Noah and Samantha would be drawn together and I loved the growth of their relationship. I also enjoyed the side characters and their role in encouragement for Noah and Samantha. Even the bit of sibling drama between Noah and his older brother felt authentic and natural. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was able to finish it quickly as the story was engaging and enjoyable. You enjoy a great cozy weather read with a Christmas romance, I highly recommend A Winter Cabin Christmas. 

A Winter Cabin Christmas is available in paperback and eBook

Blessings on State Street: the healing magic of Christmas

Blessings on State Street is the first book in the Blessings Bay series by Rachael Bloome. Abigail Preston wants nothing to do with Christmas. Since her husband’s tragic death, she cannot face another holiday without him. When she discovers that her late husband owned a waterfront home in Blessings Bay, she realizes it’s the perfect hideout that she needs. Little does she know that her life is about to change. Former US Air Force pilot Logan Matthews has lived as a caretaker for his friend’s property after his medical discharge. Left brokenhearted after his fiancée broke off their engagement, he settles into a reclusive life. Abigail and Logan agree to be roommates for the duration of Abigail’s stay with two conditions: stay out of each other’s way and no celebrating Christmas. When a chance encounter with a little boy, Logan and Abigail find their agreement harder and harder to uphold. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Rachael Bloome’s Poppy Creek series and when I heard she had a new series, I jumped at the chance to read it. Blessings on State Street is so sweet with lots of smiles and fun encounters with the quirky residents of Blessings Bay. It also is filled with tears and emotional moments as Abigail and Logan open up about their painful pasts and current struggles. I also loved the residents who interact with Abigail and show her the true magic of a small town. It was a quick read as I was pulled into the story. I could not put it down! After I finished this book, I immediately added the next books in the series to my wish list and I can’t wait to read them. If you enjoy small towns, chance encounters, romance and the healing magic of Christmas, I highly, highly recommend Blessings on State Street. 

Blessings on State Street is available in paperback and eBook

A Soul as Cold as Frost: a twist on Christmas and winter characters

 A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf is the first book in the Winter Souls series. Sixteen year old Helen Bell knows tragedy. She knows what it is like to be bullied and fight for all she has. She thought she was prepared for anything, however, she wasn’t ready for what was coming next. When a strange girl gives her a crystal orb, Helen’s eyes are opened to the realm of Winter, a world that intersects with the real world. A world where monarchs rise and fall and the name of The Dead King is forbidden to be spoken. Helen is summoned to The Crimson Court to participate in The Quarrel of Sword and Bone, a traditional duel to the death performed in front of one thousand witnesses, with the deranged Queen, a queen with a cold soul. She must find a way out or die in the wintry world. 

I saw this book come highly recommended on BookTok and other sites. I was intrigued by the premise of a series that “blends action and warm Christmas traditions” with “new and grittier versions of famous characters out of holiday legends, folklore and myths.” I was excited to start reading this story as the opening prologue was poetically written. However, I was quickly lost and bored. While I get that as a first book in the series, there would be a lot of world building going on; however, it felt disjointed. I also didn’t believe Helen as a 16 year old. She acts more like a child, than a teen. The book is marketed as a young adult novel; however, it doesn’t read like it. Overall, I was disappointed as it was not the story I was expecting. However, if you enjoy fantastical stories, you may want to try A Soul as Cold as Frost. 

A Soul as Cold as Frost is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Santa Trial: a great Christmas love story with all the sweetness, heartwarming goodness of the season

The Santa Trial: A Christmas Short by Tess Thompson is a tale of wonder and romance against the backdrop of Christmas. The story opens as Morgan Scott, a young girl, makes a video letter to Santa asking for his help. She wants her dad to meet someone and she has a list of requirements. Cut to Rena Burke who is not happy about missing work for jury duty. As she lists and prioritizes bills to pay with what income she has left, she notices that her “pretend boyfriend” Ryan is also on the jury. The man she has admired from afar is now sitting next to her. Ryan Scott is also not happy about being on jury duty, especially days from Christmas. His To-Do list gets longer by the minute. Soon Rena catches Ryan’s eye and maybe jury duty isn’t so bad after all. The case at hand is John Smith, a man who believes himself to be Santa Claus and makes it his mission to help the kids whose parents cannot afford to be Santa themselves. Is Mr. Smith THE Santa Claus? Is Rena the Christmas gift Morgan has asked for?

The Santa Trial is the Hallmark holiday romance movie on the page. It was short (very short, only 80 pages), sweet, heartwarming as any Christmas movie. It had a very Miracle on 34^th Street feel which is awesome because it is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Some might call it cheesy as most Christmas romance movies are, but it was enjoyable to sit back and read for a couple hours and read a story filled with love, hope and the miracles of Christmas. I laughed. I smiled. I sighed. I closed the book feeling all warm and fuzzy. I loved the interactions between the characters and what is the holiday without a little magic? If you enjoy holiday romance stories, you will enjoy The Santa Trial.

 

The Santa Trial is available in paperback and eBook