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Recommend this book:
Thistle in the Mistletoe
Margaret Izard
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Thistle in the Mistletoe by Margaret Izard is a holiday-themed novel that blends romance with historical intrigue. The story follows Roderick MacDougall, a laird torn between duty and desire, and Mary Comyn, a woman caught in a web of familial betrayal. Forced into an arranged marriage by an English king to end their clans' feud, Roderick and Mary must navigate mistrust and hidden dangers to find love and peace during a Christmas wedding. As betrayal threatens to unravel their fragile alliance, they must decide if love can truly conquer all.
Author Margaret Izard has crafted a dazzling combination of authentic historical tension and stacks of drama and romantic allure in a compelling narrative. The vivid descriptions immerse readers in the world of Scottish clan conflicts with rugged landscapes and atmospheric scenes that perfectly match the struggles that the central couple must undergo to find and strengthen their love. Izard’s ability to evoke deep emotional responses from her readers through the protagonists' internal struggles is impressive, with rich character development and narrative detail that lets readers into Mary's and Roderick’s deepest inner thoughts. There’s a great balance of period-accurate feelings, bound by duty, politics, and their roles at the time, but with a deeply human longing for love and connection that is universal to modern readers too. The message of love overcoming deep-seated rivalries is a powerful central theme that will keep readers hanging on to the very end to see what happens. Overall, Thistle in the Mistletoe is an exciting drama, and an ideal read for romance fans, especially in the holiday season.
Thistle in the Mistletoe by Margaret Izard is a holiday-themed novel that blends romance with historical intrigue. The story follows Roderick MacDougall, a laird torn between duty and desire, and Mary Comyn, a woman caught in a web of familial betrayal. Forced into an arranged marriage by an English king to end their clans' feud, Roderick and Mary must navigate mistrust and hidden dangers to find love and peace during a Christmas wedding. As betrayal threatens to unravel their fragile alliance, they must decide if love can truly conquer all.
Author Margaret Izard has crafted a dazzling combination of authentic historical tension and stacks of drama and romantic allure in a compelling narrative. The vivid descriptions immerse readers in the world of Scottish clan conflicts with rugged landscapes and atmospheric scenes that perfectly match the struggles that the central couple must undergo to find and strengthen their love. Izard’s ability to evoke deep emotional responses from her readers through the protagonists' internal struggles is impressive, with rich character development and narrative detail that lets readers into Mary's and Roderick’s deepest inner thoughts. There’s a great balance of period-accurate feelings, bound by duty, politics, and their roles at the time, but with a deeply human longing for love and connection that is universal to modern readers too. The message of love overcoming deep-seated rivalries is a powerful central theme that will keep readers hanging on to the very end to see what happens. Overall, Thistle in the Mistletoe is an exciting drama, and an ideal read for romance fans, especially in the holiday season.
Recommend this book:
Call Me Crazy
A Dickens Holiday Romance Book 31
Kathryn Hills
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Call Me Crazy: A Dickens Holiday Romance Book 31 by Kathryn Hills will appeal to fans of drama, contemporary romance, social issues, and holiday reads. A prominent businessman, Trevor Branstone, arrives in the cozy town of Dickens. He is looking for a peaceful Christmas break from his hectic life in New York. The local Animal Control Officer, Becca Gallagher, invades his privacy while trying to trap a stray dog. Trevor is intrigued by this dedicated woman helping animals day and night. Becca avoids romantic encounters as her job and the non-profit she runs consume all her time and energy. Trevor keeps finding unorthodox ways to support her on her mission, and Becca starts feeling more than just gratitude.
Kathryn Hills's Call Me Crazy is a beautifully written character-driven story. The author carefully develops the cast of endearing and complex characters. Becca is one of those unsung heroes, saving neglected and abused animals. At first, she seems harsh, but soon, we learn that she perceives herself with a healthy dose of humor. The bright and compassionate Trevor never judges others and instantly offers Becca a helping hand. Trevor good naturally spends time with a hospitable coffee shop owner and only chuckles when his overly caring personal assistant, Agnes, calls first responders, imagining he's in danger. Trevor and Becca seem so different, yet they have much in common. It's a pleasure to watch these two characters. The town's name promises a fascinating Christmas story, and Kathryn keeps us entertained and enthralled until the final heartwarming twist.
Call Me Crazy: A Dickens Holiday Romance Book 31 by Kathryn Hills will appeal to fans of drama, contemporary romance, social issues, and holiday reads. A prominent businessman, Trevor Branstone, arrives in the cozy town of Dickens. He is looking for a peaceful Christmas break from his hectic life in New York. The local Animal Control Officer, Becca Gallagher, invades his privacy while trying to trap a stray dog. Trevor is intrigued by this dedicated woman helping animals day and night. Becca avoids romantic encounters as her job and the non-profit she runs consume all her time and energy. Trevor keeps finding unorthodox ways to support her on her mission, and Becca starts feeling more than just gratitude.
Kathryn Hills's Call Me Crazy is a beautifully written character-driven story. The author carefully develops the cast of endearing and complex characters. Becca is one of those unsung heroes, saving neglected and abused animals. At first, she seems harsh, but soon, we learn that she perceives herself with a healthy dose of humor. The bright and compassionate Trevor never judges others and instantly offers Becca a helping hand. Trevor good naturally spends time with a hospitable coffee shop owner and only chuckles when his overly caring personal assistant, Agnes, calls first responders, imagining he's in danger. Trevor and Becca seem so different, yet they have much in common. It's a pleasure to watch these two characters. The town's name promises a fascinating Christmas story, and Kathryn keeps us entertained and enthralled until the final heartwarming twist.
Recommend this book:
Switched at Death
A Venus Bixby Mystery
Valerie Taylor
2025 Bronze Medal
332 Pages
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Switched at Death: A Venus Bixby Mystery by Valerie Taylor, the body of Mayor Simon Duffy was discovered beneath the stage set for the yearly tree lighting event. Initial reports indicated that the mayor had succumbed to cardiac arrest, but something felt off, prompting the state coroner to be summoned. The autopsy revealed that a lethal heart rhythm led to Simon’s heart ceasing to pump blood, suggesting he might have been electrocuted or murdered. Detective Oscar Donovan took on the case and suspected that there was more to the circumstances surrounding Simon's death than appeared on the surface. While Venus was at the funeral home, Bixby’s Dozen was vandalized, an act that seemed to be fueled by a passion for crime. Oscar requested Venus's help in uncovering any connections between Simon’s death and the vandalism at Bixby’s Dozen.
In Switched at Death by Valerie Taylor, the plot is intriguing and captivating. A great amount of action ensures that there is never a dull moment. With all the twists and turns, I could never predict what would happen next. I found myself engrossed in the story, eagerly flipping the pages so as not to miss anything. The characters felt authentic and relatable. Everyone in the community was familiar with one another, and there was the typical rivalry among them. Nothing hinted at the impending accident that would disrupt the entire community. This story was superbly crafted and contained all the elements of a great mystery. It far surpassed my expectations and was much more than I had anticipated.
In Switched at Death: A Venus Bixby Mystery by Valerie Taylor, the body of Mayor Simon Duffy was discovered beneath the stage set for the yearly tree lighting event. Initial reports indicated that the mayor had succumbed to cardiac arrest, but something felt off, prompting the state coroner to be summoned. The autopsy revealed that a lethal heart rhythm led to Simon’s heart ceasing to pump blood, suggesting he might have been electrocuted or murdered. Detective Oscar Donovan took on the case and suspected that there was more to the circumstances surrounding Simon's death than appeared on the surface. While Venus was at the funeral home, Bixby’s Dozen was vandalized, an act that seemed to be fueled by a passion for crime. Oscar requested Venus's help in uncovering any connections between Simon’s death and the vandalism at Bixby’s Dozen.
In Switched at Death by Valerie Taylor, the plot is intriguing and captivating. A great amount of action ensures that there is never a dull moment. With all the twists and turns, I could never predict what would happen next. I found myself engrossed in the story, eagerly flipping the pages so as not to miss anything. The characters felt authentic and relatable. Everyone in the community was familiar with one another, and there was the typical rivalry among them. Nothing hinted at the impending accident that would disrupt the entire community. This story was superbly crafted and contained all the elements of a great mystery. It far surpassed my expectations and was much more than I had anticipated.
Recommend this book:
All the Christmas Vibes
A Holiday Romantic Comedy
Melissa Baldwin
2025 Silver Medal
230 Pages
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
All the Christmas Vibes by Melissa Baldwin begins with Sophie, a dental hygienist from Texas, visiting Tennessee to spend the holidays with her close friend Blair. Blair has moved to be with her boyfriend, hockey player Cooper. While in Tennessee, Sophie meets Jake, the coach of the Tennessee Wolves, and is immediately drawn to him. Sophie also learns that Traci, Jake's ex-girlfriend, is part of Blair’s social circle, and has a complicated past with Jake. As Sophie and Jake grow closer, Sophie is torn between her developing feelings for him and the reality that her stay in Tennessee is temporary. Throughout her visit, Sophie considers her life back in Texas, her changing career path, her uncertain future with Jake, and Traci's desire to give a relationship with Jake another chance.
All the Christmas Vibes by Melissa Baldwin is a really wonderful, cozy, and lighthearted escape, perfect for the festive season. Baldwin's writing is fluid and I liked that the first-person point of view dances between Sophie and Jake. Sophie is likable, mostly because she is thoughtful about her feelings for Jake and the hurdles they're up against, but also because she is relatively sympathetic toward Traci. Outside the blossoming romance, I had loads of fun with the pop culture references. Now that I know Taylor Swift gifts are a thing, my entire Christmas wish list is in danger of being changed. This is a story filled with all the warmth and humor we look for in a Hallmark movie-style book, and is ideal for lovers of Kelly Clarkson holiday tunes and all things festive. Very highly recommended.
All the Christmas Vibes by Melissa Baldwin begins with Sophie, a dental hygienist from Texas, visiting Tennessee to spend the holidays with her close friend Blair. Blair has moved to be with her boyfriend, hockey player Cooper. While in Tennessee, Sophie meets Jake, the coach of the Tennessee Wolves, and is immediately drawn to him. Sophie also learns that Traci, Jake's ex-girlfriend, is part of Blair’s social circle, and has a complicated past with Jake. As Sophie and Jake grow closer, Sophie is torn between her developing feelings for him and the reality that her stay in Tennessee is temporary. Throughout her visit, Sophie considers her life back in Texas, her changing career path, her uncertain future with Jake, and Traci's desire to give a relationship with Jake another chance.
All the Christmas Vibes by Melissa Baldwin is a really wonderful, cozy, and lighthearted escape, perfect for the festive season. Baldwin's writing is fluid and I liked that the first-person point of view dances between Sophie and Jake. Sophie is likable, mostly because she is thoughtful about her feelings for Jake and the hurdles they're up against, but also because she is relatively sympathetic toward Traci. Outside the blossoming romance, I had loads of fun with the pop culture references. Now that I know Taylor Swift gifts are a thing, my entire Christmas wish list is in danger of being changed. This is a story filled with all the warmth and humor we look for in a Hallmark movie-style book, and is ideal for lovers of Kelly Clarkson holiday tunes and all things festive. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
 is a continuation of Tamara Ferguson’s engaging romance series set around Crystal Lake and its rehabilitation center for wounded military personnel. Sergeant Matt Johnston has returned to his family’s estate near Crystal Lake to search for something a blackmailer bel...){kind=link}
Two Hearts’ Christmas Surrender
Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 31
Tamara Ferguson
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Two Hearts’ Christmas Surrender (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 31) is a continuation of Tamara Ferguson’s engaging romance series set around Crystal Lake and its rehabilitation center for wounded military personnel. Sergeant Matt Johnston has returned to his family’s estate near Crystal Lake to search for something a blackmailer believes must be hidden somewhere in his family’s sprawling mansion. Singer Cara Naughton also has her reasons for coming to Crystal Lake; mostly to escape her hidden, dark past. When their paths cross, the attraction is instantaneous, and just maybe they have found the chance to move forward with their lives, together, without fear and shame. But some mysteries still need to be unraveled and solved first.
As an immense fan of Tamara Ferguson’s work, Two Hearts’ Christmas Surrender did not disappoint in any way. By setting this series in and around Crystal Lake, and with each new story including the usual supporting cast of characters that readers have come to know and love, picking up a new novel in the series is like receiving a warm hug from your loved ones when you return home. I particularly enjoy the stability and setting of each iteration, as those familiar characters from past works drift in and out of the lives of the central pair. Ferguson’s ability to create hot, steamy, sexual tension and release without resorting to crassness is one of the highlights of her novels and often is the climax of a long journey toward fulfillment. Her plotting and ability to tie everything back to a generational child sex-trafficking ring operating out of the area is what gives the whole series an air of continuity, and her salute to the brave men and women of the armed forces rings true throughout all the books. This is a wonderfully warm and sweet romance that I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Two Hearts’ Christmas Surrender (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 31) is a continuation of Tamara Ferguson’s engaging romance series set around Crystal Lake and its rehabilitation center for wounded military personnel. Sergeant Matt Johnston has returned to his family’s estate near Crystal Lake to search for something a blackmailer believes must be hidden somewhere in his family’s sprawling mansion. Singer Cara Naughton also has her reasons for coming to Crystal Lake; mostly to escape her hidden, dark past. When their paths cross, the attraction is instantaneous, and just maybe they have found the chance to move forward with their lives, together, without fear and shame. But some mysteries still need to be unraveled and solved first.
As an immense fan of Tamara Ferguson’s work, Two Hearts’ Christmas Surrender did not disappoint in any way. By setting this series in and around Crystal Lake, and with each new story including the usual supporting cast of characters that readers have come to know and love, picking up a new novel in the series is like receiving a warm hug from your loved ones when you return home. I particularly enjoy the stability and setting of each iteration, as those familiar characters from past works drift in and out of the lives of the central pair. Ferguson’s ability to create hot, steamy, sexual tension and release without resorting to crassness is one of the highlights of her novels and often is the climax of a long journey toward fulfillment. Her plotting and ability to tie everything back to a generational child sex-trafficking ring operating out of the area is what gives the whole series an air of continuity, and her salute to the brave men and women of the armed forces rings true throughout all the books. This is a wonderfully warm and sweet romance that I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Recommend this book:
Model Suspect
Backyard Model Mysteries, Book 1
T.K. Sheffield
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Model Suspect by T.K. Sheffield is part of The Backyard Model series and introduces Melanie Towers, who'd had enough of New York City. She headed back to Wisconsin and opened a craft mall, but the holiday season launched with a dead body – a social media influencer pinned beneath a door. The influencer had been poaching Melanie’s artists, which made Mel the prime suspect. The only way the real killer would be brought to justice is if Melanie did this herself. Immersing herself in village life, attending a week of holiday parties, and throwing herself into everything, Mel was determined to root out the killer and prove her innocence. Could she do it and would she find that Wisconsin was home for her now?
Model Suspect by T.K. Sheffield is a quirky Midwest cozy mystery that is a fun story with plenty of humor and action all the way. The story draws you in from the first page, and it introduces you to a series of characters that you might just recognize from your own life. They are real people, incredibly likable, and you’ll be behind the main protagonist all the way through. The kind of life described in the book, set in a small Midwest town, seemed enjoyable to me, and the descriptive style of writing made me feel as though I was there in the thick of it. This account has lots of twists and turns as we follow Mel in her bid to find the real killer, and it will have you guessing all the way through. A highly enjoyable book.
Model Suspect by T.K. Sheffield is part of The Backyard Model series and introduces Melanie Towers, who'd had enough of New York City. She headed back to Wisconsin and opened a craft mall, but the holiday season launched with a dead body – a social media influencer pinned beneath a door. The influencer had been poaching Melanie’s artists, which made Mel the prime suspect. The only way the real killer would be brought to justice is if Melanie did this herself. Immersing herself in village life, attending a week of holiday parties, and throwing herself into everything, Mel was determined to root out the killer and prove her innocence. Could she do it and would she find that Wisconsin was home for her now?
Model Suspect by T.K. Sheffield is a quirky Midwest cozy mystery that is a fun story with plenty of humor and action all the way. The story draws you in from the first page, and it introduces you to a series of characters that you might just recognize from your own life. They are real people, incredibly likable, and you’ll be behind the main protagonist all the way through. The kind of life described in the book, set in a small Midwest town, seemed enjoyable to me, and the descriptive style of writing made me feel as though I was there in the thick of it. This account has lots of twists and turns as we follow Mel in her bid to find the real killer, and it will have you guessing all the way through. A highly enjoyable book.
Recommend this book:
Holiday Star
A spicy Christmas celebrity romance
Melissa Dymond
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Holiday Star: A Spicy Christmas Celebrity Romance by Melissa Dymond is a sweet and spicy romance with plenty of humor to keep you entertained for hours. Dr. Gwen Wright wasn’t having the best time. She was housesitting for her mother and her new husband, Seth, believing she would have a quiet Christmas. Gwen wasn’t successful in love but she wasn’t looking for love either. With Pip for company, Gwen was ready for some downtime before Caleb Lawson came crashing into her mother’s home and into her life. The famous movie star was Seth’s nephew and was invited to stay at the house whenever he wanted. Gwen and Caleb had a rocky start, but things changed quickly. As sparks flew and the chemistry between them reached a fever pitch, Caleb and Gwen were left with having to answer some big questions. Was Gwen enough for the movie star? Was Caleb ready to fall in love?
I fell in love with Holiday Star the moment I began reading it. The cover art moved me to pick this novel up, but it was Gwen’s sass that made me stay. She was intelligent, proactive with reactions (hilarious!), and not very confident about herself. Caleb, on the other hand, was filled to the brim with confidence, charisma, and charm. It was too bad that it didn’t work on Gwen in the beginning. However, they spent time together, and that created the best kind of chaos. Melissa Dymond brought chemistry first before she introduced heat, and I truly appreciated that. Most authors would bypass everything and start with the spice. I personally don’t like that, so this novel was perfect for me. The spicy parts were tasteful and actually added to the storyline. Gwen’s character development and growth were gradual. She grew emotionally and was ready to accept love. The pace was fast, the descriptions were exciting, the plot was interesting, the dialogues were hilarious, and the overall feel of the novel was outstanding. This novel highly deserves its 5 stars from me.
Holiday Star: A Spicy Christmas Celebrity Romance by Melissa Dymond is a sweet and spicy romance with plenty of humor to keep you entertained for hours. Dr. Gwen Wright wasn’t having the best time. She was housesitting for her mother and her new husband, Seth, believing she would have a quiet Christmas. Gwen wasn’t successful in love but she wasn’t looking for love either. With Pip for company, Gwen was ready for some downtime before Caleb Lawson came crashing into her mother’s home and into her life. The famous movie star was Seth’s nephew and was invited to stay at the house whenever he wanted. Gwen and Caleb had a rocky start, but things changed quickly. As sparks flew and the chemistry between them reached a fever pitch, Caleb and Gwen were left with having to answer some big questions. Was Gwen enough for the movie star? Was Caleb ready to fall in love?
I fell in love with Holiday Star the moment I began reading it. The cover art moved me to pick this novel up, but it was Gwen’s sass that made me stay. She was intelligent, proactive with reactions (hilarious!), and not very confident about herself. Caleb, on the other hand, was filled to the brim with confidence, charisma, and charm. It was too bad that it didn’t work on Gwen in the beginning. However, they spent time together, and that created the best kind of chaos. Melissa Dymond brought chemistry first before she introduced heat, and I truly appreciated that. Most authors would bypass everything and start with the spice. I personally don’t like that, so this novel was perfect for me. The spicy parts were tasteful and actually added to the storyline. Gwen’s character development and growth were gradual. She grew emotionally and was ready to accept love. The pace was fast, the descriptions were exciting, the plot was interesting, the dialogues were hilarious, and the overall feel of the novel was outstanding. This novel highly deserves its 5 stars from me.
Recommend this book:
Banning Santa
Mikael Carlson
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
In Banning Santa by Mikael Carlson, it’s holiday time and parties are in full swing. But when a mall Santa goes bad, a video goes viral, providing a politician with everything she needs to get her face in front of the public, especially as the next election is coming up. Her plan is simple – ban all public Santa depictions, including mall Santas. However, rather than spoiling Christmas for everyone, two opposing representatives join forces to stop the legislation in its tracks. The “Save Santa” crusade only requires one thing – the right Santa to testify against it. Stowe Bessette and Wyatt Huffman are on the hunt for Santa, but they cannot stand each other. Can they put their differences aside to save Christmas?
Banning Santa by Mikael Carlson is a fun story with a political plot, something very different for the Christmas book market. This is political satire at its best, with an important message – perhaps Christmas is too commercialized and we should be celebrating it for what it is rather than what it can do for us. This book will teach you about how Congress works and have you in stitches at the political antics. The characters are amazing; real people with real lives and you can easily relate to them. This is about setting aside your differences to work together for the greater good and even has a bit of romance for good measure – what good holiday story doesn’t have romance? The narrative is crisp and descriptive, the dialog is easy to follow, and the plot is entirely captivating as it leads to a heartwarming ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this completely different holiday story and look forward to the next in the series.
In Banning Santa by Mikael Carlson, it’s holiday time and parties are in full swing. But when a mall Santa goes bad, a video goes viral, providing a politician with everything she needs to get her face in front of the public, especially as the next election is coming up. Her plan is simple – ban all public Santa depictions, including mall Santas. However, rather than spoiling Christmas for everyone, two opposing representatives join forces to stop the legislation in its tracks. The “Save Santa” crusade only requires one thing – the right Santa to testify against it. Stowe Bessette and Wyatt Huffman are on the hunt for Santa, but they cannot stand each other. Can they put their differences aside to save Christmas?
Banning Santa by Mikael Carlson is a fun story with a political plot, something very different for the Christmas book market. This is political satire at its best, with an important message – perhaps Christmas is too commercialized and we should be celebrating it for what it is rather than what it can do for us. This book will teach you about how Congress works and have you in stitches at the political antics. The characters are amazing; real people with real lives and you can easily relate to them. This is about setting aside your differences to work together for the greater good and even has a bit of romance for good measure – what good holiday story doesn’t have romance? The narrative is crisp and descriptive, the dialog is easy to follow, and the plot is entirely captivating as it leads to a heartwarming ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this completely different holiday story and look forward to the next in the series.
Recommend this book:
Staging Christmas
A Dickens Holiday Romance (Book 24)
Kathryn Hills
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite
Sometimes, what seems to be an impulsive and spur-of-the-moment decision turns out to be unexpectedly perfect and meaningful. Kendall Worthington wanted to reboot her life by relocating to Dickens, also known as New England’s Christmas Capital as a distraction from the heartbreak of her wedding being canceled because of an unfaithful fiance. Jamie Frisk is a burnt-out software engineer who decided on a change of scenery by impulsively purchasing an old historic ski lodge in Dickens, with a crazy plan of opening the place again to paying guests. Jamie overheard a conversation where Kendall pitched her skills as a sought-after home stager to the unimpressed store owner. Jamie offered her a job on the spot to help him renovate the ski lodge. Will their team be able to triumphantly revive the Iron Gate Lodge to its former glory just in time to host a wedding? And will the undeniable attraction between Kendall and Jamie be the start of a Christmas miracle?
Staging Christmas by Kathryn Hills is an engaging and delectable romance that features relatable major and side characters with multifaceted personalities to charm or amuse the reader. It’s a slow-burning yet well-paced romance and an enjoyable and easy read for fans of romance and feel-good novellas. The author occasionally throws some humor into her witty and descriptive writing in the chaotic and messy stages of the renovation of the ski lodge which also seems to align with the healing of the characters’ broken spirits. The story takes place during a festive season of hope, sharing, and togetherness that gives one numerous excuses to socialize or be cozy and warm with someone else. This novel is recommended for readers who love happily ever afters. It’s an endearing story that entertains and invites us to dip into something optimistic and satisfying, even for just a short time.
Sometimes, what seems to be an impulsive and spur-of-the-moment decision turns out to be unexpectedly perfect and meaningful. Kendall Worthington wanted to reboot her life by relocating to Dickens, also known as New England’s Christmas Capital as a distraction from the heartbreak of her wedding being canceled because of an unfaithful fiance. Jamie Frisk is a burnt-out software engineer who decided on a change of scenery by impulsively purchasing an old historic ski lodge in Dickens, with a crazy plan of opening the place again to paying guests. Jamie overheard a conversation where Kendall pitched her skills as a sought-after home stager to the unimpressed store owner. Jamie offered her a job on the spot to help him renovate the ski lodge. Will their team be able to triumphantly revive the Iron Gate Lodge to its former glory just in time to host a wedding? And will the undeniable attraction between Kendall and Jamie be the start of a Christmas miracle?
Staging Christmas by Kathryn Hills is an engaging and delectable romance that features relatable major and side characters with multifaceted personalities to charm or amuse the reader. It’s a slow-burning yet well-paced romance and an enjoyable and easy read for fans of romance and feel-good novellas. The author occasionally throws some humor into her witty and descriptive writing in the chaotic and messy stages of the renovation of the ski lodge which also seems to align with the healing of the characters’ broken spirits. The story takes place during a festive season of hope, sharing, and togetherness that gives one numerous excuses to socialize or be cozy and warm with someone else. This novel is recommended for readers who love happily ever afters. It’s an endearing story that entertains and invites us to dip into something optimistic and satisfying, even for just a short time.
Recommend this book:
A Midlife Holiday
The Midlife Trilogy Book 1
Cary J Hansson
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
We all joke about midlife crises; however, they are anything but funny. In A Midlife Holiday by Cary J Hansson, we meet three college friends, Caro, Helen, and Kay. All three are in different places when their fiftieth birthdays come along. Helen feels trapped in an unfulfilling marriage, unheard and unseen other than being the cook and cleaner. Kay has lost herself in the process of taking care of everyone else except herself. Caro is a professional career woman who did not have time to give to a husband or children. We meet them on Helen’s birthday and Caro invites Kay and Helen on a holiday to Cyprus. This holiday becomes cathartic in the lives of the three women. They realize the wealth of true, honest friendship as well as take a hard look at themselves and their respective lives and the decisions they have made and will make in the future.
A Midlife Holiday by Cary C Hansson is a fictional account of three women reaching their fifties. Many issues that women have to face in the modern world – from choosing between a family and a career to taking a stand against husbands and family members taking them for granted - are touched on with a hint of humor that makes the reader smile and say, ‘Yes, that is how it really is.' This is done with a humorous take on the situations and problems they deal with. It is a true midlife book that anyone around fifty will appreciate. The book is well written and easy to read and portrays what friendship and support mean. As the author says, 'Show me two women who haven’t come to blows over half a lifetime and I’ll show you two acquaintances, not friends.'
We all joke about midlife crises; however, they are anything but funny. In A Midlife Holiday by Cary J Hansson, we meet three college friends, Caro, Helen, and Kay. All three are in different places when their fiftieth birthdays come along. Helen feels trapped in an unfulfilling marriage, unheard and unseen other than being the cook and cleaner. Kay has lost herself in the process of taking care of everyone else except herself. Caro is a professional career woman who did not have time to give to a husband or children. We meet them on Helen’s birthday and Caro invites Kay and Helen on a holiday to Cyprus. This holiday becomes cathartic in the lives of the three women. They realize the wealth of true, honest friendship as well as take a hard look at themselves and their respective lives and the decisions they have made and will make in the future.
A Midlife Holiday by Cary C Hansson is a fictional account of three women reaching their fifties. Many issues that women have to face in the modern world – from choosing between a family and a career to taking a stand against husbands and family members taking them for granted - are touched on with a hint of humor that makes the reader smile and say, ‘Yes, that is how it really is.' This is done with a humorous take on the situations and problems they deal with. It is a true midlife book that anyone around fifty will appreciate. The book is well written and easy to read and portrays what friendship and support mean. As the author says, 'Show me two women who haven’t come to blows over half a lifetime and I’ll show you two acquaintances, not friends.'
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