Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm: a sweet romance filled with the hope, love and luck of Christmas

Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm is the first book in the Elliotts of Montana series by Kaylie Newell. Jim “Lucky” Elliott is the ultimate country boy next door. Charismatic, ruggedly handsome and charming, he catches the ladies’ attention wherever he goes. However, the beloved family farm is in trouble, he drops out of vet school to rescue his grandparents’ sleigh ride business and family farm. He needs a plan to drum up business when a flyer catches his eye. Rachel O’Rourke has dreams of making her podcast a full time job. She holds a contest for the best first kiss story to feature on her podcast as well as free advertisement for a local business. When she reads Lucky’s submission for his grandparents’ story, it is exactly the story she is looking for. As Lucky and Rachel begin to spend time together, Lucky revisits a dream he has had for a long time. However, to follow that dream would mean putting another dream aside. 

Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm is a cute, sweet romance filled with the hope, love and luck of Christmas. It is a quick read, perfect for the holiday season. I loved Lucky as a man who will do anything for his family, even put aside his dreams to help them. But when his ultimate dream could mean a future for the farm, will he have the strength to take that risk? Enter Rachel. I loved Rachel as a woman who has had her share of broken hearts but still believes in love, even if it may not be in the cards for her. Lucky and Rachel together were cute and inspirational as they encouraged each other to take that leap to pursue their dreams. I loved the small town setting with a great cast of supporting characters. I enjoyed this story and will continue the series. If you love small town romance with a Christmas setting, I recommend Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm. 

Christmas at Sleigh Bell Farm is available in paperback and eBook

Barefoot Season: a brighter future with the magic of friendship

Barefoot Season is the first book in the Blackberry Island series by Susan Mallery. Michelle Sanderson appears to be the hardened army vet, a strong independent woman. However, deep inside, she is still deeply wounded by the past she left behind on Blackberry Island. After the death of her mother, Michelle returns to the island to claim her inheritance, the Blackberry Island Inn, and recover from a battlefield wound. The only winkle in her plan is the person who occupies the owner’s suite. The last person she wants to see. Carly Williams and Michelle used to be inseparable until a betrayal destroyed their friendship. As a single mother, Carly has had to weather rumors, lies and secrets. With her young daughter, she is finally in a place with a future. Until, that is, Carly is implicated in the financial disaster facing the inn. To save the inn and their futures, Michelle and Carly must find a way to work together. Will the summer bring a bit of luck and the magic of friendship? 

Barefoot Season is the first book by Susan Mallery I have read. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed by the characters and the story. It was supposed to be a light, beach read about friendship and forgiveness. I was sympathetic toward Michelle for her battle wounds and the after effects of her military experiences. However, she was a hard character to like especially after reading what she did prior to leaving the island for the army. Carly is a little easier to like as she is trying to make it on her own with her daughter. But she was a little too naive to be dubbed like she was. Even after all the years and their experiences, these women, as well as others, revert back to high school pettiness. It was irritating. Overall, the story is very slow moving and I was bored. Unfortunately, I didn’t care much for this book and most likely will not finish the series. However, if you are a fan of Ms. Mallery’s work, you may enjoy Barefoot Season. 

Barefoot Season is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.