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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Star Tangled Murder by Nancy J. Cohen is the eighteenth book in the Bad Hair Day Mystery series. History comes to life when Marla and her husband Dalton spend their holiday weekend on a trip to a village that recreates history. Their weekend takes a deadly turn when a re-enactment contains a real dead body which puts Dalton back on the clock and Marla onto a new mystery to solve. As Dalton tackles the case, Marla’s curiosity draws her onto a path that could unearth a surprising secret from the past and lead her directly into the trenches with a killer. Balancing her salon with full-time mom duties, Marla begins to wonder what life would be like following Dalton’s retirement and if the time is right to expand their family. Cohen also includes tasty recipes.

The relationship between Marla and Dalton is stronger than ever as they’ve settled into parenthood. Now they’re facing another change on the horizon in the shape of Dalton’s retirement. This upcoming change is a reality that Marla has been preparing for and she is coming to terms with her mixed feelings. The more recent books have shown their relationship grow around their shared interest in solving mysteries. Their role of being parents was an adjustment for them and has created a significant change in their lives compared to the beginning of the series, but has given them a balance between mysteries and their jobs. The relationship they share is at the heart of the series and every book makes you root for them and their life together more.

Nancy J. Cohen captures the feel of a living history village with characters that have specific names such as Simon Weedcutter, Becky Forest, and Millie Beecher. The primary theme revolves around history through the village as well as being set during the Fourth of July and digging into Seminole history. Cohen displays a genuine respect for history as Marla dives into secrets surrounding this village and the danger that goes with it. The writing captures the feel of their surroundings. Another delightful installment brought to life, Star Tangled Murder finds Marla facing more changes in her life as she investigates a murder that connects to history while she balances motherhood, the salon, and sleuthing.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

UnLucky Christmas by Melissa Baldwin is a holiday romantic comedy. Christmas is a wonderful time of year, and Whitney Cortland is all set to celebrate with her boyfriend, Pete. But Pete has other ideas, and Whitney is left reeling and drowning her sorrows in a shopping mall. During a retail therapy session, she meets Macy, who is obsessed with the holidays, with a brother called Grant who isn’t. Whitney and Grant don’t get on when they first meet, but Whitney can’t seem to avoid him. Is she about to experience her unluckiest Christmas yet, or are things about to take a turn for the better?

UnLucky Christmas by Melissa Baldwin is a cute holiday story with plenty of romance and humor to keep it light. It’s full of fun and energy and perfect for those who love a holiday romance or just want to bring the magic of Christmas into their life. The characters are well-developed, and I’m sure most of us can relate to at least one. It’s all go from start to finish, but it isn’t high-action; it’s more of a steady, easy read, ideal for those who want to escape the harsh realities of life for a few hours. Written in an intriguing way, it keeps you reading all the way through, right up to the unexpected ending. It’s a sassy take on your traditional holiday romance story, a nice change from the usual, and will remind you of your favorite Hallmark movies. A pleasant way to take your mind off life for a while.

Reviewed by Tom Gauthier for Readers' Favorite

Set in 19th century Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and inspired by a true story, The Tin Whistle is an elegant tale that teaches the lesson: “giving is more important than receiving”. Kathleen Shoop has crafted a touching story, pure and simple, unmuddied by the chaotic agendas of the 21st century. The life of Jacob Gusky from orphaned Jewish boy to wealthy businessman is in juxtaposition to the lives of recently widowed Frannie Winston and her daughter Molly, left destitute by the death of Frannie’s husband. He had mismanaged his funds and now Frannie is on the street and Molly is in a shelter for children. Rummaging through his old possessions in the attic of their mansion, Jacob Gusky opens a small package containing the tin whistle that a Catholic boy had shared with the Jewish boy at Christmas in the orphanage. He is struck by the memory of what it felt like to have nothing, deciding to use his great wealth to make a difference in the lives of others in his community: Jewish, Catholic, or any other faith. Kathleen Shoop weaves the predicament of Frannie and Molly into Jacob’s world in a masterfully told tale of Christmas and unconditional love.

Reviewing The Tin Whistle left me unusually wordless in my search for terms of praise high enough for Kathleen Shoop’s beautiful tale. Kathleen is a master writer, pure and simple, like the tale itself. Her research into the historic events that underpin her story is evident at every turn of the plot. Authenticity, clean and unadorned, sets this elegant work apart from other Christmas tales of the subgenre, far apart indeed. Without any judgmental comment on the 19th-century plight of the people in her story, Kathleen provides an atmospheric setting and an immersive feeling that immediately draws one into her world. Please put The Tin Whistle on your reading list and your gift list for your most beloved friends. Kathleen Shoop has given all of us a treasure.

Reviewed by Gitel Hesselberg for Readers' Favorite

Gabe Gatlin hates Christmas. Actually, he hates the whole season from Thanksgiving until New Year’s. It’s no wonder. His sister’s holiday plans are always torture for him. Dani Latham doesn’t trust men. It’s no wonder. When she was 16 her professor seduced her, got her pregnant, then told her he was married with three children, and threatened her if she didn’t terminate the pregnancy. Guiding the Grouch by Shanna Hatfield brings these two people together in Summer Creek, a small town in Oregon. Dani ended up there by default, and the town embraced her as one of their own. Gabe, the billionaire owner of Daniels Realty, went to Summer Creek to find out about a property the company owned and maintained, and nobody knew why.

Guiding the Grouch: Summer Creek Book 5 by Shanna Hatfield is a heartwarming story of two people, one who loves Christmas and the other who hates it. The effect Dani has on Gabe starts making him less of a grouch almost immediately. Dani has no idea who Gabe really is, believing him to be simply an employee of the real estate company. Will she be upset when he tells her the truth, or worse, if she finds out from someone else? I really enjoyed this book and was rooting for Dani and Gabe the whole time. The book includes some bonuses: a recipe, a reader’s guide, and a preview of another book. This would be an excellent Christmas present for any romance novel lover on your list, including yourself.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Christmas at Mistletoe Ridge by Angie Ellington is a sweet and clean cozy Christmas story that is beautiful to read during the holidays. Cole Stevens is in the small town of Birch Falls for only as long as it takes to make a land deal. He expects a quick and easy deal and then he will be gone, forgetting Birch Falls and its people. But when circumstances literally land him in town for his stay at the cabins owned by Holland and her family, his life is about to change. How will Cole ever leave Birch Falls without upsetting the town?

I love, love this Christmas story. It is the perfect story to get you ready and excited about Christmas. Author Angie Ellington creates wonderful characters that develop perfectly throughout the plot. I love that Cole and Holland are the main characters. The two fit together so well. And the surrounding characters are wonderful, welcoming Cole to the town as well. And with Cole being in town as they get ready for Christmas, Holland has a way of pulling him into a Christmas that is foreign to him. But as he spends time with Holland, the attraction between the two begins to grow, and this just can't happen. He needs to finish his job and leave.

This story reminds me so much of the Hallmark Christmas movies I love watching. And the vivid scenes created by Ms. Ellington made me want to be in Birch Falls as I read this story. As the subtitle says: "A heartwarming holiday romance to read by a cozy fireplace.' It's a lovely story and well written. This is a cozy Christmas tale that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a sweet, clean holiday romance!