Thursday, December 14, 2023

Snowy White Christmas

I believe this was my first read by Josie Riviera. 

There were certainly lots of poplular romance tropes packed into this novella: billioniare, celebrity, second chance romance, secret baby, and small town. 

Lots of elements to form a charming story, but not all the character's reactions hit quite right with me. 

You may read it differently and it's on the shorter side so it won't take you long. 

Perhaps that was my difficulty, that there wasn't quite enough time to flesh everything out. 


AMAZON

Margaret Snow, a devoted mother, is determined to create a Christmas filled with heartwarming memories for her five-year-old daughter. Leaving behind her glamorous life as a successful swimsuit model in bustling LA, she returns to her small, snowy upstate New York town to reclaim the foreclosed trailer she once called home. Accompanied by her lovable menagerie of rescue animals, including a deaf parrot and a kitten with one eye, Margaret embarks on a journey that will test her faith in second chances.

Little does she expect to encounter Fernando Brandt, her former high school sweetheart, who now exudes charm and charisma like a true Prince Charming. As Margaret and Fernando reunite after years apart, their hearts are filled with both the warmth of familiarity and the ache of past regrets. But there's an unexpected twist—they share a secret, a precious gift from their past, a daughter he never knew about.

As their love rekindles amidst the snow-covered landscapes and twinkling Christmas lights, Margaret must confront her insecurities and embrace the true gift of Christmas—unconditional love for Fernando, a billionaire hiding his wealth beneath his humble exterior. Can they overcome the challenges that drove them apart and forge a new future as a family?

Loosely inspired by a favorite fairy tale, A Snowy White Christmas weaves the enchantment of a second-chance romance with the surprise of a secret baby and the allure of a billionaire hero. This sweet and wholesome holiday novella is perfect for fans of tender love stories, the joy of rediscovery, and the miracles and magic of the holiday season.

Immerse yourself in the warmth of this heartwarming second-chance romance with a secret baby twist, where delightful characters come to life, and love finds its way back amidst the snowflakes. Experience the magic of A Snowy White Christmas and let it transport you to a world where love conquers all.


Thursday, December 7, 2023

The Sleigh on Seventeenth Street

Ms. Isaacson is the best. Just the best. 

If you're looking for a clean holiday romance with the right amount of sizzle, this is the book you need to curl up with in a comfy spot, a mug of your favorite hot drink, and uninterrupted reading time. 
That's all. 
Delightful.




When sparks fly in Three Rivers, can love light up the Christmas season for these two opposites?

A skilled cowboy electrician and a determined plumber must overcome their differences and navigate the challenges of love, work, and falling for each other during the magic of the Christmas season.

Camila Cruz is eager to secure the bid for a new development project in Three Rivers to save the mom-and-pop plumbing shop she works for and make it her own. Meanwhile, Dylan Walker, a talented electrician and somewhat cocky cowboy, is equally determined to win the electrical contract for the same project. When they both succeed in their bids, their professional paths become entwined, igniting a connection that neither can deny.

Despite the small town rumors surrounding the handsome electrician, Camila finds herself drawn to Dylan. As they work together and share in the town's festive Christmas celebrations, Camila begins to see a different side of Dylan—one that challenges her initial assumptions.

Can Camila and Dylan finish the build without breaking up or losing their shirts? Will they be able to traverse the delicate balance of water and electricity, the spell of mistletoe and Santa’s sleigh versus reality, without losing their hearts?

In this heartwarming Christian cowboy romance, Dylan and Camila learn to decipher the truth in business, embrace the magic of the season and the power of faith as they take a chance on love, discovering that sometimes the most unexpected connections can be the most rewarding.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Christmas Romance Collection

Ms. Youngblood delivers another round of holiday cheer in this collection. 

I enjoyed each story but the final one seemed less holiday than the others. Perhaps because it was a suspense. 

Regardless, you'll have an enjoyable time reading these stories and getting your holiday cheer on. 


AMAZON

Enjoy this collection of 3 complete Christmas romances by USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer Youngblood.

Yours by Christmas
A recovering alcoholic turned firefighter, a mysterious woman with a secret, and the Christmas miracle that just might save them both.

Her Christmas Wedding Fake Fiancé
Sparks ignite when a strait-laced CEO and a feisty business owner strike an unusual bargain that might be just the thing to kindle a little Christmas bliss.

False Identity

Believe in miracles … believe in hope … believe in love.

It's Christmastime, and Chancy Hamilton can’t bear the thought of spending the holidays without her late husband Max who died in a plane crash. When Chancy and her teenage son, Travis, have an argument, Travis storms out of the house and ends up in the wrong part of town where he is attacked by a group of thugs. When a homeless man comes to his rescue, he invites the man home to have a meal with his mom and little sister.

Gabe Jones is not like any other homeless man Chancy has ever seen—he’s confident, intelligent, and devastatingly handsome. Jake, Chancy’s boyfriend, takes an instant dislike to Gabe and warns Chancy to stay away from him. Nevertheless, their lives become intertwined, and Chancy is soon thrown into nightmarish events caused by a betrayal of trust and a chilling deception where nothing is as it seems, bringing a terrifying aftermath that threatens not only her but the lives of her children.

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Fighting for Love

Ms. Checketts doens't hold back in this second chance romance. 

High school love gets another go round between Hannah and Josh and it's so much fun to read. The hockey player who's softer side only comes out for Hannah? Yes, please and thank you. 

I love the angst and the chemistry between these two. They have their past and present to work through. Not to mention their daddy issues. 

A great holiday read. 


AMAZON

A hockey player who loves to fight. The only woman who can soften him. A misunderstanding tore them apart years ago. Can they get a second chance for Christmas?
Josh Porter overcame an abusive father and poverty to become one of the top professional hockey players in the world, but he lost the love of his life along the way. When Josh and Hannah get stuck on a ski lift, will he finally have a chance to clear up misunderstandings, or will she shred his heart for the final time?
Hannah Haven Hall has loved Josh since high school, but when she sees him cheating on her after a college hockey game she dumps him and locks her heart. Is reconciliation possible with the man she’s always loved, or is a Christmas miracle too much to ask for?


Thursday, November 16, 2023

Once Upon a Romance

This was my first read by Ms. Bailey, and I would read more of her work. 

I had fun. The story is well constructed, hits hard on the Disney theme (which I love), and has a satisfying ending. 
Keep in mind that the romance blooms while the heroine has a boyfriend which might be off-putting to some readers. Though, it seems from page one the boyfriend needs to be kicked to the curb. He's not mean or rude or abusive, just not right for her anymore. 
If you're a big Disney fan like me, you'll notice this is a prepandemic story. If only we had Fast Passes again instead of paid Lightning Lanes. 
But don't let the changes at Disney stop you from enjoying this sweet read. 


Christmas. Disney. Romance. No greater magic.

When Sophie’s eight-year-old niece, Ariel, asks Santa Claus for a single wish to honor her mom’s memory, Sophie knows she must grant it. Unfortunately for Sophie, Ariel's wish is to ride her mom's favorite ride on Christmas day, and it’s at the last place on earth Sophie wants to visit—Walt Disney World. It will be the first Christmas without her sister, and reliving childhood memories of her best friend is not how she wants to spend her holiday. Sophie’s only desire is to spend Christmas on the slopes with her reliable and stable beau, Darren, who has reluctantly agreed to postpone their trip until the day after Christmas.

But when Sophie runs into a charming stranger, who offers up his extensive Disney knowledge, he instantly becomes her hero. A wave of relief washes over Sophie—he may just be the one to give Ariel the magical experience she desires. And, even though Sophie doesn’t realize it, he may be exactly what she needs too.

Can a bit of 
Christmas magic help this ruggedly-attractive stranger win Sophie’s heart when she believes it already belongs to Darren? And will Sophie continue to allow her painful past to haunt her, or will she let it go?

The first book in A Dream Come True series is a heart-warming holiday romance set in "The Most Magical Place On Earth."

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Christmas in Sweetheart Springs

This is a great introductory trilogy to lead you into full length novels. So much fun to have love stories at holiday time. 

I enjoyed each one and can't wait to read the rest of their stories. 

Get cozy with the mug of your fave beverage and consume deliciousness in two lovely formats. 


AMAZON

Eggnog in the Evergreens by Monique Brasher

They were never supposed to fall in love, let alone elope in Vegas. But love doesn't pick sides.

Emma Watkins and Miles Decker grew up together, her family's Christmas tree farm and his family's ranch separated only by a row of trees that forms a boundary line between the two. As children of two feuding families in Sweetheart Springs, it's always gone without saying that they're supposed to stay away from one another. Until they disregarded the memo and fell in love anyway.

As the annual Sweetheart Games near, they both worry about keeping their secret marriage under wraps, especially while under the scrutiny of the whole town. As if marrying your almost enemy isn't trouble enough, there's a town legend to contend with.

In a season that's supposed to be about finding your soulmate and celebrating Christmas, can they withstand the secrets and rise to the challenge?

Laughter and Lattes by B Burton

Falling in love at the Sweetheart Games, Lena and Pete seek to make love work in a life that has them on two different paths.

When Lena gets paired up with childhood friend Braden for the annual Sweetheart Games, she can't wait to tell him she's in love with him. Deciding to let their chemistry and ability to work together open his eyes to the woman she is now, Lena is shocked when he decides to trade her for someone else.

Pete has wanted to be Lena's since the day she walked into Sweetheart Springs Middle School. But between being a timid nerd, and best friends with the jock of the school, he was often overlooked. When Braden asks him to swap partners for the Sweetheart Games, it doesn't sit well with him, but he agrees knowing he'll finally get his chance with Lena.

By making the most of a bad situation, Lena and Pete commit to being one another's partners, and wind up getting to know one another all over again. Before she knows it, Lena finds herself missing him when they return to college and he's no longer near. But is it possible for them to find love and make it work in a life that has them on two different paths for the future?

A HFN story.

Cocoa in the Candlelight by Kimberly Hanson

Being paired with your brother's best friend and first love. Christmas magic in the air. What could go wrong?

Coming home for the holidays, all Ellie Johnson wanted to do was catch up with her best friends and family. For fun, the girls signed up for the Sweetheart Games in the Sweetheart Springs Christmas Kickoff. Little did she know, she'd be paired with her brother's best friend, and the one man she could never get out of her head.

Tommy Donovan didn't want anything to do with the Christmas Kickoff. Every year, he was able to work and forget it was happening, especially dodging the matchmaking events. This year, his mom had other plans.

Forced together under the stress of a town myth hanging above their heads, they must work together under the watchful eye of the town, while trying to come to terms with their feelings for one another.

Each of these three prequel stories introduces you to a Sweetheart Springs couple, coming soon to your e-reader (or in paperback) in the form of a second chance love story. So grab a chair, a blanket, and some hot cocoa, and come visit our little town full of Christmas shenanigans and clean, wholesome romance.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Ginger

This is the first book in the Marrying Miss Kringle series by Ms. McConnell and if Ginger is any indication of the fun to come for the other sisters, then sign me up for the rest of the series!

I love watching this slightly type A list maker feel her way through the process of finding a husband to save Christmas. And of course her true love isn't on the list, but worse he gave up on Santa and Christmas magic a long time ago. He's rather bahumbug about the whole thing, until his niece comes to stay and Ginger enters his life. 

Ginger has all the feels you'd expect from Ms. McConnell and her witty, swoony way of writing a sweet romance. 

Get Ginger and the series and curl up with a cozy blanket and mug of cocoa. Better than bingewatching Hallmark holiday movies anyday. 


AMAZON

Christmas Magic is changing and the Kringle Family scrambles to keep up in this fun and romantic Christmas romance form USA Today Bestselling Author Lucy McConnell.

When Ginger Kringle is branded to wear the magic red suit, she has to fall in love and get married before Christmas Eve to save the family business. After being given a list (Santas love lists!) of potential Mr. Kringles, Ginger heads off to Clearview, Alaska, where she embarks on a mission to save her family, their home, the elves, the reindeer, and Christmas for children across the globe.

In her quest, Ginger finds that checking a list has much more to do with her heart than it does her head.

Can she fall in love before it’s too late?