Review: Maple & Moonlight by Daphne Elliot

Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon. 

Maple & Moonlight is Book #2 in Daphne Elliot's Maplewood series.

About the Book

As a single mom rebuilding my life from scratch, I don’t need help. And I definitely don’t need the attention of a six-foot-three maple farmer with a beard and a hero complex who looks at me like I’m a problem he didn’t sign up for.

My landlord is broad-shouldered, permanently unimpressed, and entirely too comfortable telling me when I’m wrong. I think he’s grumpy, rigid, and overprotective. He thinks I’m chaos in Crocs.

Falling for Josh Lawrence was never part of the plan.

But then he starts showing up.

For my son when he’s overwhelmed.

For my daughters when they need someone steady.

And for me when my hands won’t stop shaking.

I didn’t come to Vermont looking for a protector. I don’t need rescuing. But somewhere between harvest festivals, pumpkin canoe races, and quiet mornings in the sugar shack, the man I swore was just an annoyance becomes my safe place.

And when my dangerous past resurfaces and threatens the new life I’ve built, the grumpy maple farmer next door becomes my fiercest protector, ready to stand by my side while I fight for my family.

Because it turns out maple farmers are a lot like their trees: quiet, stubborn, and surprisingly sweet when the pressure builds.

My Review

I found this book on Kindle Unlimited and it struck my fancy so I gave it a go. It took me some time getting used to the story before I settled in and started enjoying it though.

The FMC’s youngest child is a boy with autism. I was easily able to relate to her, and have a little trepidation about reading the story. As a parent of a neurodivergent child, I had my own preconceived notions about the book, but as I relinquished control over my own thoughts/fears about my own experiences and just let myself empathize with Celine, I was welcomed into the story with open arms.

I am a huge fan of small town stories and second chances and this had both. A single mom getting a second chance at life after ending an abusive marriage. A small town that welcomes Celine and her children with open arms. Townspeople who love to gossip, yet are always ready to pitch in and help their neighbor, who take pride in their town. I really enjoyed all these aspects of the story.

There's also a continuing story arc from Book 1. A scandal has devastated the town’s tourism industry and has put all the businesses in jeopardy. This fallout is continuing throughout the series and it’s pretty intriguing.

I love the respectful way the author created the extra special characters in the story. I thought the characters were crafted beautifully and the storyline reflected that. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to more from the author.

Purchase Links*

Kindle Unlimited

About the Author

In High School, Daphne Elliot was voted “most likely to become a romance novelist.” After spending the last decade as a corporate lawyer, she has finally embraced her destiny. Her small town steamy novels are filled with flirty banter, sexy hijinks, and lots and lots of heart. 

Daphne is a coffee-drinking, hot-sauce loving introvert who spends all her free time in her garden. She lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, two kids, two dogs, twelve backyard chickens and a hive of Italian honeybees. 

Keep in touch with Daphne by subscribing to her newsletter here: daphneelliot.com/join-newsletter

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Darling Daffodils Farm by Brittanee Nicole

From the USA Today bestselling superstar romance author of the Boston Bolts hockey series comes a spicy rivals-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine romance about a young woman returning to her family’s daffodil farm only to find “Cowboy” running her daddy’s business. . . . This gorgeous first edition trade paperback features colored stenciled edges.

About the Book

They say you can never tame a wildflower…

When aspiring pastry chef, Tally Darling, returns home to her family’s daffodil farm, the last thing she expects to find is a hot—half-naked—farmhand living in her childhood bedroom and running her late daddy’s business.

Jesse Walker might be gorgeous but he’s also infuriatingly grumpy. Walker has no time for Tally and the feeling is mutual.

That is, until Tally hears him moan over one of her signature salted honey cupcakes. And then discovers how good it tastes when they kiss.

As dewy April days turn into warm May evenings, Walker and Tally soon realize that there is a thin line between love and hate. But will their budding connection grow into something that lasts beyond one season?

My Review

Darling Daffodils Farm is a fun, exasperating, and heartfelt small town romance with lively and colorful characters, a TMI town group chat, and an enemies to lovers trope that’ll knock your socks off!

Tally has come home to the family farm after years of wandering to find a usurper in her bedroom. Who cares if he’s a super hunky cowboy type with lots of muscles and a scowl for days. He’s in HER house a year after her father passed away. Why would her mom let some stranger stay in their house?

Walker is trying his best to keep his thoughts to himself about his late mentor’s flighty daughter returning to the farm. She’s loud, brash, and won’t leave well enough alone, messing up his plans for the farm. There are secrets about the business Tally’s mom doesn’t want Tally or her sister to know about and Walker is hard-pressed to keep them. But sooner or later, the chickens will come home to roost and when that happens, it could mean disaster for the farm.

Tally and Walker have a crazy slow-burning chemistry that explodes in wild abandon all over the pages in a wide open door romance that leaves nothing but the hinges on. While Tally and Walker are electric characters, I found more enjoyment keeping up with secondary characters and the citizens of Hope Harbor. I especially love the town group chat! It is hilarious!

This small town is a hoot! There’s a club for the senior citizen women called the Liberty Ladies who believe everyone’s business is their business. They are rambunctious, ornery, and young at heart! There’s also a saucy book club that’s just as fun as it sounds. Many of the Liberty Ladies are also town matchmakers and it’s so fun watching the menfolk dodge their attentions. Their matchmaking schemes were relentless and endearing.

Darling Daffodils Farm is so funny. I can’t tell you how many times I snort-laughed at something Tally or Walker said or how overly-sexed the Liberty Ladies club is. It was so much fun to experience!

This is my first read by the author and I was absolutely enchanted. I highly recommend Darling Daffodils Farm and can’t wait for the next book! 

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a physical ARC of the book generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links*

Penguin Random House | Brittanée Nicole Website

About the Author

Photo: © Meghan Brady Photography

Brittanée Nicole is the USA Today bestselling author of the Boston Bolts Hockey series as well as Mother Faker, which is part of the bestselling Momcom series, among others. Known for writing swoony men who always fall first, Brittanée loves stories centered around strong friendships that form the basis of a found family and messy, beautiful love. She lives in New England with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.brittaneenicole.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Downpour by Maggie Gates

A paraplegic bull rider and his new home aide fall in love as they pick up the pieces of their lives in the second book in the popular Griffith Brothers series.

About the Book

Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.

Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.

All it took was eight seconds for Ray Griffith to win the biggest competition of his life, and one second to lose everything except that championship buckle. He’d left his family’s cattle ranch at eighteen with no intention of ever coming back for good. Now he’s back, learning to navigate life in a wheelchair with a beautiful disaster attempting to burn the house down.

Rule #1 of trying to not get fired: Don’t piss off the grumpy bull rider.

Rule #2 of trying to not get fired: When you do get fired, keep your chin up. The grumpy bull rider was hot.

It was just a little fire. Tiny, even. But that didn’t change the fact that Ray Griffith didn’t want her anywhere near him. But they reached an agreement: if she ignores him, he doesn’t fire her. Easy, right? Turns out not so much if they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Excerpt

 

Chapter 1

Brooke

I stretched out in my crisp, cool sheets as sunlight leaked through the blinds. Was there anything better than waking up in fresh sheets? I could already tell it was going to be a great day.

The window air conditioner rattled like maracas. The pair of googly eyes I had attached to it jiggled with every heave. Poor thing was dying in this sweltering June heat.

"You're doing great, little guy." I patted its rusted metal case. "Just keep going."

I shimmied into a relatively clean pair of shorts I found dangling off the bed frame. One flip-flop peeked out from under the bed, and I found the other on top of my dresser.

Bounding down the stairs, I greeted the sprawled-out figures on the couches on my way across the room.

Nick, the roommate who had lived here the longest out of all of us, lifted his head from the faded recliner. "Rent's due, Stacey."

"Really?" I laughed nervously and pawed through my pantry shelf. "I could have sworn I gave you money already."

I grabbed a box of granola bars with my name on it and opened it up. Empty. Maybe one of my roommates got hungry and didn't have anything else? That was alright. I'd just have oatmeal.

Nope, that box was empty too.

"Hey, do you know if someone ate my food?" I asked.

A familiar blue-and-white wrapper was on Nick's lap. "Dunno," he grunted as he chased his bite with a swig of beer.

Chandler, one of my other roommates, was passed out on the sofa with a mixing bowl of oatmeal resting on his stomach.

"No worries," I chirped, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "I'll just go by the store on my way back."

Stepping over a bulging garbage bag, I tiptoed past the mess of last night's party. Crushed beer cans skittered underfoot as I headed to the door.

"Don't forget about the money," Nick hollered as he scrolled his phone. "Cash this time. No checks."

The sun baked my skin as I skipped to my car, curls bouncing with each step. Mondays were the best. They were a fresh start. A new chance. Full of exciting possibilities.

I slid into the driver's seat and tossed my bag on the floorboard. The plastic flower pot on my dashboard wiggled as I turned the ignition.

"Aw, crap," I muttered, noticing the low fuel light. "That's fine, Madame Universe. Thanks for the excuse to grab a gas station snack."

I swung into the nearest station, chatting up the friendly cashier about the soap opera playing on the TV behind the counter as I paid for a snack cake and a few gallons of gas.

Everyone was being so nice today. Even Nick had almost gotten my name right. Usually, it was Brenda, Bonnie, or some other B name. But today, he called me by my last name like I was one of the bros.

The house was really starting to feel like home.

It was fun to always be surrounded by people. I always had someone to talk to or hang out with. It was like living in a dorm.

My own little found family.

I parked in front of the Caring Hands office and skipped up the brick steps. The door's jingling bells announced my arrival as I stepped into the cool air conditioning.

"Good morning, Peggy!" I greeted the office manager cheerfully.

She looked up from her desk with a frown. "You're late."

"Am I?" I pulled out my phone to check the time. "Oh shoot, it's dead. Do you have a charger?"

Peggy's eyebrow twitched.

"Oh my god! Your eyeshadow looks amazing today! The blue totally makes your eyes pop."

She huffed. "Have a seat, Brooke."

I plopped into the chair across from her desk, noticing a new addition. "Did you get a new plant? It's so cute! Does it have a name?"

Peggy sighed. "A name?"

"Yes! Plants have personalities. Naming them is a huge responsibility. It's like naming a baby."

Her fingers rattled against the keyboard. "I'm glad you brought up responsibility. Let's talk about that."

I bounced my feet and admired the cheery blue and yellow nail polish on my toes. It was bright like a sunny day against the dreary gray office carpet.

"Brooke," Peggy snapped, jolting me from my wistful thoughts.

I looked up. "So, who am I going to see today?"

Her jaw was locked. "You're going to have a light day. The only client you have is Mr. Wilson."

"Light day? Awesome! There's this antique store I've been dying to go to." I propped my elbow on her desk and rested my chin in my hand. "What's your day like? Do you wanna come with me? We could grab lunch and make an afternoon of it."

She huffed. "Let me clarify. You only have one client left."

I gasped. "Everyone got better? Even Mrs. Jones? I thought it would take months for her to recover. I mean, yeesh-breaking both your legs like that . . . But look at her go. She's a rock star!"

Peggy pinched the bridge of her nose. "No one got better, Brooke. You cost the agency nine accounts. Nine valuable, paying clients left because of you."

"Really? I don't understand . . ."

My heart sank as she began to list off my failings-always running late, misplacing things, mixing up meals. I tried to explain about my noisy roommates and lack of sleep, but she cut me off.

"I don't want to hear excuses. I can't keep giving you assignments if you're going to cost us money. This is your last chance."

My bottom lip trembled. "I'll do better. I promise."

"Don't bother coming back here if Mr. Wilson sends you away," she said, turning back to her computer and waving me off.

I retreated out of the office and slunk back to my car. The check-engine light greeted me when I started the engine, and a knot formed in my stomach.

I needed this paycheck.

Rent, groceries, car repairs-being alive was expensive.

Being a home aide wasn't my dream job, but it gave me plenty of time to dream about other things. Plus, I loved helping my clients. Keeping them company, driving them to their appointments, chatting about their day while I cleaned their houses . . . People were awesome, and getting paid to do life with them was the best.

I just had to do better.

Two more years . . . I had to survive for two more years, and then everything would be fine.

Chapter 2

Ray

I threaded the end of the rope through the loop and tightened it. My hand trembled. I bit the knot to loosen it so I could tie it again, all while ignoring the body on the other side of the room.

Unfortunately, the body was alive.

"I don't know why everyone said you're crabby," she said as she cleaned up from lunch. "You're just quiet. Nothing wrong with that, sweetheart. I don't mind the quiet. There's too much noise these days."

A dull ache pulsed behind my eyes. "Stop talking."

She huffed. "That grouchy act won't work on me. I raised six boys-including my husband. I can handle your attitude."

The rope fell as I unlocked my chair and rolled to the door. "Out."

She propped her hands on her hips. "I just got here."

"And now you're leaving." I opened the front door and wheeled away. "Don't bother locking up."

It was already time to change the locks again. Seemed like I spent more money on doorknobs than anything else. Fortunately, the drill was still on the side table in the living room.

Maybe a number lock would be easier than dealing with keys and all that bullshit. I could just reprogram the code.

"Mr. Griffith, there's no reason for you to speak to me that way."

"There's no reason for you to still be here."

"But I-"

"I believe he told you to leave." Cassandra, my brother's fiancée, appeared in the doorway. She hitched her thumb over her shoulder. "Beat it."

The old lady glowered. "Who do you think you are, telling me to leave my job?"

Cassandra's cold stare made it clear the old lady was fucked. "It doesn't matter who I am. Ray told you to get out of his house. Now leave. You're trespassing at this point."

"I have a job to do."

"I fired you," I clipped.

Cassandra looked like she was about to claw the woman's eyes out.

"This family is just as crazy as everyone said," she yammered as she grabbed her oversized quilted purse and stormed out.

I lifted my wrist and managed a half-decent middle finger. She should have listened the first time.

Why didn't people listen to me? They always thought I was joking or that I wasn't the final say on who got to set foot in my house.

Cassandra waited until the woman stomped to her car before closing the door behind her. "I brought your mail down. Marty sent some documents for you to sign."

"Get Christian to do it," I grumbled. "He's my power of attorney."

"You really have to stop firing people," she said without the slightest bit of emotion. "We're getting a reputation."

"Isn't it your job to fix people's reputations? This should be child's play for you."

Cassandra dropped the mail on the table and pushed the chairs in. She picked up the tea towel the loudmouthed grandma had dropped so it wouldn't get caught under my chair and hung it over the dishwasher handle.

"I offered to bring you on as a client. You said no, remember? I don't offer twice. If you want my help, you know where to find me."

I rolled into the living room and parked myself in front of the sliding door. "I don't need a publicist."

"Marty says otherwise, and I agree with him."

The thought of Marty and his new rider made my blood boil. They could both go to hell as far as I was concerned.

Cassandra tapped a manicured nail on the envelopes. "Sign them and let me know when they're done. I'll put them with the outgoing mail."

"Chris can do it."

"Fine," she said, all too agreeably for my comfort. Cassandra was anything but agreeable.

Maybe that's why we got along so well.

"But that means he's going to come down here and lecture you. Do you really want him asking why you fired another CNA?"

I glared at her. "Leave a pen on the table."

She smirked, knowing she had won. "Call if you need something."

"I won't."

She shrugged like it was no big deal. "Suit yourself."

The door closed behind her, and I waited until the click of her high heels faded into the distance before I breathed again.

Finally alone.

I eased up to the kitchen table and made a reach for the first envelope. My physical therapist had chewed my ass out this morning for not working on my left hand, but I didn't feel like failing today.

I knew what was stuffed in the envelopes. Contract terminations from two more sponsors.

Rule number one of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It's hard to cancel your phone plan if you're dead.

Rule number two of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.

I tried to rip the damn thing open, but I couldn't pinch the envelope.

The rope was fine. It was half an inch thick. Paper was thin, and I didn't have the dexterity to hold it and tear it open.

Unlike Christian, who would have opened the envelopes and laid out the pages, Cassandra left them sealed. Deliberately.

I managed to get my pocket knife open and sliced open the letter. The cool handle pressed against my palm as I slid the knife down and pressed my thumb behind the blade.

The sound of boots thudding against the wooden ramp outside startled me. The knife twisted in my hand and the sharp edge slid across the pad of my thumb.

"Shit," I hissed and yanked my hand away. Crimson droplets spattered across the crisp white paper and onto my lap, staining my sweatpants.

Just fucking great. I quickly pressed my thumb to my shirt to stop the bleeding.

The doorknob clicked and the door creaked open.

Christian halted in his tracks at the sight of me before rushing over in a panic. "What the hell happened to you? Cass just left."

"Accident," I muttered. "Why're you here?"

"Just checkin' on you," he said. He grabbed the knife, wiped it off, closed it, and turned toward my bedroom. "Sit tight. I'll grab a change of clothes for you."

"Don't want 'em."

Christian paused with his hands braced on the bedroom doorframe. "We've gotta talk about this."

"Don't you have a ranch to run?" I said as I gingerly slipped my hand between the folded piece of paper and opened it up to see what my former manager had sent over. Marty would just have to deal with the bloodstains. "What did you do all fucking day when I was in Colorado and riding the circuit?"

There were days where all I wanted was to saddle up and ride through the plains until I couldn't see anything or anyone. I was jealous of CJ, the youngest of the four of us. He got to ride away from it all, spending his days surrounded by sprawling plains, far from the rest of the world.

I had tried to do that. I tried to leave it all behind.

"I worry about people all day," Christian said. "Bree, Gracie, Cass, and the ranch used to be at the top of that list. Now it's you."

I bristled at the mention of my nieces. At one point in time, they had been like my own daughters.

When Christian's wife died and Nate was deployed, I'd stepped in to help Christian with his girls, Bree and Gracie. Those two girls were my world.

To them, I was Superman.

Invincible and indestructible.

I stared at the table so he couldn't see the hurt boiling in my eyes. My hair hung over my face. I was long overdue for a trim. The shaggy mane was making me resemble Christian more with each passing day.

He sighed. "I know this sucks for you."

It sucks? Is he fucking kidding me?

A caustic laugh escaped me. "Really? I wasn't aware. Thanks for letting me know."

"Ray-"

"Fuck off," I said as I reached for the pen. I fisted it and jammed the end against the table to open it up. Slowly, I managed to scribble something that vaguely resembled Ray Griffith.

The three letters of my first name were a sloppy, childlike scrawl-wonky, misshapen, and inconsistent in size and spacing, sprawling across the entire signature line.

Excerpted from Downpour by Maggie Gates. Copyright © 2025 by Maggie Gates. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

My Review

Downpour has the following tropes:

• Small Town
• Grumpy\Sunshine
• Opposites Attract
• Family Business
• Age Gap
• Rope Play
• Paraplegic Cowboy MMC
• Klutzy FMC
• Meddlesome Family

Downpour is a small town contemporary romance with lots of heart. Our MMC Ray Griffith was a famous bull rider until his luck ran out and his last ride left him in a wheelchair. Ray is struggling to find a new normal and all the limitations that come with his new circumstances which has left him mean as a rattlesnake and unbearable to be around. Which is also making it hard for the family to find good help because Ray keeps firing everyone! 

Brooke is a down-on-her-luck young lady with her head in the clouds and in danger of losing yet another job. She’s a bit naive and a little (a lot) klutzy, but she’s got a heart of pure gold and is stubborn as a mule. Brooke is desperate and can’t lose this job with Ray, so they strike a bargain to stay out of each other’s hair. That doesn’t last long. The more time they spend together, the more Ray thaws to the lovely Brooke and soon flames aren’t the only things smoking up the kitchen!

Downpour is a wonderful read about finding the courage to keep going, accepting help when you need it, and realizing a career-ending injury doesn’t mean everything is over, it’s just another curve in the road of life. 

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a print copy of the book generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links*

Penguin Random House | Maggie Gates Website

About the Author

Photo: © Maggie Gates

Maggie Gates writes raw, relatable romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time, she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her e-reader is always within reach due to a love of small-town romances that borders on obsession. Learn more at maggiegates.com

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Review: Jingle Spells by Emily Grimoire

Jingle Spells is Book 2 in Emily Grimoire's Oak Haven series.

Oak Haven is a magically spelled small town full of witches. This is a fun-loving paranormal romance series.

About the Book

Delilah hates Christmas. She’s a strong independent witch who has finally left her hometown of Oak Haven and is off forging her own path. But an emergency drags her back just in time for the holidays.

Jasper is a human who also hates Christmas. He’s attempting to avoid festivities when he stumbles into the magical world of Oak Haven – a place which definitely isn't supposed to exist – and sees things which should be impossible.

When chaos erupts in the town, Delilah and Jasper must join forces to restore order. They should be the perfect team. Their only problem? Their growing attraction to each other might be distracting them from their work…

Perfect for fans of:

Forced proximity ☀️

Witchy aesthetic 🔮✨

Cozy small town 🍂☕

Sisterhood and found family 👯

My Review

This is my first read by Emily Grimoire and I was pleasantly surprised by the playfulness of the storyline and the witty banter of this colorful cast of characters.

I’ve neither watched Gilmore Girls or Charmed so I’m not sure I can cosign on the promise that this book is perfect for those particular fans. But what I can say is that Jingle Spells has loads of surprises, merriment, Christmas cheer, and a sense of community that’ll warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. 

I liked the attention to detail of Oak Haven’s origin story and enjoyed reading about the unique twist the author took on witch folklore. 

Delilah and Jasper had pretty good chemistry. They complemented each other well, but I would’ve liked to have a little more romance in the story. They are great partners in mischief though and made my heart happy as often as they tore it in two.

What I really loved was the special bond between Delilah and her sisters, Scarlett and Luna. They are wickedly fun, equally stubborn, and so loveable. 

Jingle Spells is a delightful read full of whimsy, witchery, and wonder. It was a joy to read and I’m looking forward to the next book. 

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

Kobo | Google Play

About the Author

Emily Grimoire is the author of Impractical Magic. She was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. After graduating with a degree in History from the prestigious Smith College, she found solace from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in her storytelling. In addition to her writing, Emily is known for her philanthropy and dedication to various charitable causes. She serves on the boards of several cultural institutions and volunteers as a docent at a local whaling museum. Despite her success, Emily remains devoted to her ungrateful daughter and a granddaughter who turned out much better than expected.

*Third party links to the publisher's website. May contain affiliate links.

Day 25: Christmas Ever After by Jaimie Admans

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 25 of my holiday reading recommendations.

This is the final day of holiday reads. I hope you've found a new read or have been able to find time to read anything this busy holiday season.

Christmas Ever After is a beautiful grumpy/sunshine read with so much heart.

I absolutely LOVE this book and hope you do too!

Christmas Ever After is currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Grab yourself a copy today!

I wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Holidays, or however you celebrate, or don't.

Wishing everyone a safe and bright New Year!

About the Book

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open… But there’s one man standing in her way – expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.

Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth Raff continues to exploit. But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn’t know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff’s snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!

As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…

But maybe it’s not too late for them to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?

My Review

I was completely swept away to Ever After Street where it’s Christmas 365 days a year and there’s magic all around… and a couple of problematic Grinches in a head-to-head business deathmatch.

Franca is hanging on by a thread this holiday season. When Raff’s shop threatens her livelihood, Franca sets things in motion that could either benefit her nutcracker shop, or shutter its doors for good. When something bad happens leaving Franca unable to work, Raff graciously offers to help. Begrudgingly, Franca accepts. As the two spend time together, Franca begins to realize she may have been wrong about Raff all along. 

Life has left its mark on Franca. She has been dealt several bad hands and has had to pick herself up off the ground more than once. She’s a strong woman with a vibrant spirit, but has a quiet fragility that’s not often seen. I could easily relate to her. 

Raff is a complete surprise and I am so in love with him. If Franca doesn’t want him, I’ll gladly volunteer as tribute! He’s a wonderful character and I can’t wait for readers to discover it for themselves!

Jaimie’s books always evoke strong emotions. I laugh, I cry, I empathize, I love, and I take these stories into my heart for safekeeping. Franca and Raff’s story is fun, heartfelt, and so beautiful! 

Christmas Ever After is the perfect holiday read. I highly recommend it and all of Jaimie’s books!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Boldwood Books

About the Author

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital. Her new work for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales, the first title was released in Spring 2023. Learn more at jaimieadmans.com.

Day 24: Christmas Eve Love Story by Ginny Baird

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 24 of my holiday reading recommendations.

Christmas Eve Love Story is a Christmas Groundhog’s Day-style time trap full of heart, hijinks, and a hunky security guard that’ll have you weak in the knees!

About the Book

Annie Jones is stuck repeating Christmas Eve until she finds everything she's been missing in life in this heartwarming time travel Christmas romance for fans of Miracle on 34th Street, Groundhog Day, and Josie Silver's A Winter in New York.

Annie Jones works hard designing windows for iconic New York City department store Lawson's Finest. So when her Christmas window display gets upended by some rambunctious kids on Christmas Eve, the all-too-realistic store Santa gives Annie a little decorating tip on how to start over. With help from friendly security guard Braden Tate, Annie repairs the damage and heads home. But when she wakes the next morning, she's bewildered to find that it isn't Christmas day at all, but Christmas Eve all over again. 

Trapped in a time loop, Annie doesn't know how she'll ever make it back to the present. Luckily, she has an infinite number of chances to get things right. As little everyday choices bring her closer to Braden and to Christmas day, Annie starts to picture what her new life― one full of friendship, love, and community―could look like.

My Review

Christmas Eve Love Story is a Christmas Groundhog’s Day-style novel full of heart, hijinks, and a hunky security guard that’ll have you weak in the knees!

Annie is a wonderful character that takes pride in her work, is caring and empathetic, and a little quirky. Watching her experience déjà vu daily was entertaining and a little exasperating. I loved how hard Annie tried every day to create a better outcome than the day before. No matter how annoying it was waking up every day to Christmas Eve, Annie never gave up hope.

I absolutely love this book! I love the sweet romance! I love the witty dialogue. I love the beautifully written storyline. And I love how much heart, soul, and Christmas cheer was crammed into the pages.

I struggled to write this review because I didn’t want to share too much and spoil the magic of the story for readers. Even though I found the words, they still don’t feel adequate enough to express how special I think Christmas Eve Love Story is. It’s a beautiful story that encapsulates the wonder, whimsy, and the true spirit of Christmas.

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Sourcebooks | Ginny Baird Website

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary stories filled with love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Visit her website to learn more about Ginny and her books. www.ginnybairdromance.com

Day 23: The Post Box at the North Pole by Jaimie Admans

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 23 of my holiday reading recommendations.

The Post Box at the North Pole is a magical read with lots of wonder and Christmas spirit!

It's a beautiful read and one of my holiday favorites.

About the Book

Sasha Hansley hates Christmas. As a child, it was her favourite time of year, but ever since the tragic death of her mother, it has completely lost its magic.

But when she gets an unexpected phone call from her estranged father, she’s forced to dust off her snow boots. He’s been running a Lapland style Christmas village in Norway, and eager to reconnect with her dad, Sasha books the next flight out there.

Met at the runway by drop-dead-gorgeous Taavi Salvesen, they sleigh ride through the snow with the Northern Lights guiding their way.

When Sasha uncovers sacks of unopened Santa mail – letters that children and adults from all over the world write to Santa every year – she realises that she can send a little bit of magic out into the world by replying to some of them.

With Taavi on hand to help, will Sasha rediscover her own excitement for Christmas and find love among the letters?

My Review

This is one of the best Christmas stories I’ve ever read. This story will tug hard on those heartstrings.

This is a story of a woman with a broken spirit and a cynical view of Christmas. She’s never ventured out of her comfort zone and is secretly longing for the father who abandoned her shortly after her mother’s death, when she needed him most.

This is also a story about hope, about courage, and about the magic of Christmas. This is also a story about love and how beautifully fragile it is. It’s a story of Christmas miracles, reindeer and letters to Santa Claus.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved watching Sasha in her new environment and I loved watching her with Taavi. They bumped heads as much as they locked eyes with each other and couldn’t break away. Sasha really “saw” Taavi and she refused to let his walls keep her out of the one place that was off limits… his heart.

The author did an amazing job of describing the landscape and the beauty of this Nordic destination. It’s enchanting and beautiful and it felt almost like I was there with Sasha and Taavi.

I was quickly swept away in the magic and merriment of the story and its people. I laughed, cried and loved every bit of the book and I didn’t want it to end.

I whole-heartedly recommend The Post Box at the North Pole.

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author

Jaimie is a 36-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots.

She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

She is the author of several romantic comedies for HarperCollins – The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters, The Little Wedding Island, It’s a Wonderful Night, The Little Vintage Carousel by the Sea, Snowflakes at the Little Christmas Tree Farm, The Little Bookshop of Love Stories, The Wishing Tree Beside the Shore, The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane, and The Post Box at the North Pole. Learn more at jaimieadmans.com

Day 16: The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 16 of my holiday reading recommendations.

The Christmas Countdown by Holly Cassidy.

It's a heartfelt, healing journey full of Christmas spirit!

About the Book

From the author of The Christmas Wager comes a charming holiday rom com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again.

She’s given up on love and Christmas…but fate has other plans.

All Callie wants for Christmas is to hibernate. She’s still reeling from being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, and under no circumstances will she go home for the holidays considering her ex will be right next door with his new, perfect partner. Callie is officially in grinch mode, but her meddling sister, Anita, won’t let her give up on life, love, and Christmas quite so easily.

Anita stages a Christmas intervention for Callie with a homemade Advent calendar challenge—cheerful tasks to push Callie out of her comfort zone and into the holiday spirit, inspired by a childhood tradition. Callie reluctantly plays along, but when she comes face-to-face with a charming baker who just might be the spoonful of sugar she needs, her strict rules on love and the holidays are tested. As they strike a deal to do the activities together, could the twenty four little doors on Callie’s Advent calendar not only open up one, but two closed-off hearts?

My Review

This is a story about love. Love for a sister. Love for family. Love for the holidays. And finding courage to love yourself. It’s also a story about healing.

Don’t worry, this is not just a marshmallowy feelgood book, there’s also a lot of Christmas tomfoolery going on, too! 

The Christmas Countdown encapsulates everything you love (and don’t love) about the holiday season. It also runs the gambit of emotions from heartbreak to joy and everything in between. Callie is so easily relatable and I wanted to encourage her as much as I wanted to wring her neck! She was so stubborn but I’m so glad that Anita was too. 

Callie’s sister Anita is outgoing, boisterous, and does everything she can to help Callie start her healing journey. Everyone needs a sister like Anita.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who needs to smile this season.

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Penguin Random House

About the Author

Photo: © Robert McKinnon

Holly Cassidy is the pen name for internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon. Her suspense novels include The Neighbors, Her Secret Son, Sister Dear, You Will Remember Me, Never Coming Home, The Revenge List, and Only One Survives (coming July 2024). McKinnon was born in England, grew up in Switzerland, and now lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three sons. The Christmas Wager was her first novel writing as Holly Cassidy. Learn more at hannahmarymckinnon.com/home-holly-cassidy

Day 15: Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 15 of my holiday reading recommendations.

I'm sharing a couple holiday novellas today!

First book is Holiday Wishes by Jill Shalvis!

This is Book #4.5 in Jill's Heartbreaker Bay series and can easily be read as a standalone.

About the Book

It’s Christmastime again in Heartbreaker Bay!

When Sean O’Riley shows up at the Hartford Bed & Breakfast for his older brother’s bachelor weekend, he’s just hoping to make it through the weekend. What he’s not expecting is to come face to face with the woman he lost his virginity to a decade ago—a woman he’s never really forgotten.

The last time Lotti Hartford saw Sean, she told him she loved him while he said nothing. Now, ten years later, she’s just looking for a good time. For once, she wants to be the wild and free one, and Sean – the good time guy – is the perfect candidate. 

But as the weekend continues, Sean realizes that after a lifetime of being the hook-up king, he’s ready to find happily-ever-after, and he wants it with Lotti. But will she open her heart to him again? As Christmas sweeps through the little B&B, he can only hope love and magic are in the air. 

My Review

HOLIDAY WISHES is a short and sweet read full of love, romance and second chances.

Sean was a former ladies man and now a newly-minted stand-up guy. He's messed up a lot in his life and his brother Finn has always been there to bail him out. Now, Sean wants to be that reliable, dependable guy. He's got everything planned for his brother's wedding, including the bachelor/bachelorette parties. Everything is going smoothly until Sean comes face to face with his past. A past that's haunted him ever since he broke Lotti's heart.

Lotti is ready for a two week vacation in the sand and surf of Cabo. A few more days and she's on her way. She's got a lot of emotional baggage and is looking forward to leaving it home. Little does she know, Mother Nature and Fate, it seems, have no intention of giving Lotti her well-earned vacation. Lotti thought she had enough man problems... until her first love walks into her family-owned B&B with a killer smile and an irresistible charm too tempting not to fall for.

Sean and Lotti run through a lot of emotions and a lot of history in this short read. In the beginning, I wasn't too keen on either of the characters. I thought Sean to have an ego and Lotti was too tough. As I continued to read, I realized there was so much more to the characters and they weren't at all what I first thought.

If you're looking for a quick read in between all that holiday shopping, HOLIDAY WISHES is just the read for you!

FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily read a copy of the book in 2017 generously provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings about the book or the content of my review.

Purchase Links

Jill Shalvis Website

Holiday Wishes can currently be read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental). Learn more about Jill and her books at jillshalvis.com

Day 12: Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner

Happy Holidays!

Today is Day 12 of my holiday reading recommendations.

Mistletoe at Moonglow by Deborah Garner is Book 1 in Deborah's 8-book Moonglow Christmas series and they are currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

These are novellas that are perfect if you're in a time crunch, or if you're not.

About the Book

A Christmas novella with cookie recipes included!

The Timberton Hotel has always provided a perfect Christmas retreat for regular guests, as well as newcomers. But the small town of Timberton, Montana, hasn’t been the same since resident chef and artist, Mist, arrived, bringing a unique new age flavor to the old western town. When guests check in for the holidays, they bring along worries, fears and broken hearts, unaware that Mist has a way of working magic in people’s lives.

Old-fashioned time spent together, exquisite food, conversation and a snowball or two offer guests a chance to trade sadness for hope. One thing is certain: no matter how cold winter’s grip is on each guest, no one leaves Timberton without a warmer heart.

My Review

Mistletoe at Moonglow is a delightfully enchanting read with beautifully broken characters and a storyline full of wonder and whimsy.

Mist has an intuitive spirit about her. She’s always able to discover a person’s needs and provide the means and experiences to make their day a little bit brighter. Is Mist Santa in disguise? A magician? An angel, perhaps? Or maybe just a woman of deep empathy, compassion, faith, and love that gives her a unique understanding of the world around her. Whoever Mist is, she meticulously–and lovingly–plans out each and every action with careful thought and purpose. 

I am completely smitten with this quaint Montana town, its hospitable townsfolk, and the extraordinary travelers who visit. If you are needing an infusion of Christmas cheer, I invite you to check out Mistletoe at Moonglow.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Deborah Garner Website

Mistletoe at Moonglow is currently FREE on Kindle Unlimited

About the Author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible. Learn more at deborahgarner.com