Wonderful holiday story about overcoming unexpected obstacles in life and ...
357713
Wonderful holiday story about overcoming unexpected obstacles in life and never giving up. Children will learn that sometimes you don't get what you want, even if you've worked hard for it, but if you keep trying you can create something even better.
4433235
4.5 stars

A powerful and wonderful story about two people who missed their chance with one another as teens, but are given a second chance when they meet again at a wedding of his best friend and her brother.  Their lives have changed dramatically since their teen years, and moving past the events that made them into the people they are today isn't easy, but what is evident is the fondness, affection, and love theyve carried for one another through the years.  One Christmas Wish was heartwarming yet sexy and a beautiful holiday story.

Julia Noble is happy for her brother and his soon to be wife and while she is excited for their wedding on Christmas Eve, she is more than ready to put it past her and move on with her life.  Ever since the accident that left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair, Julias family has felt the need to hover and take care of her despite her independence, but getting a therapy dog to help her with tasks is all she needs to be on her own and move to Dallas for a job shes accepted.  But when Isaac Nash, her brothers best friend and her teenage crush, arrives life gets complicated very, very quickly.

Both Julia and Isaac felt something for one another even as teens, but circumstances kept them apart.  I enjoyed watching them discover one another, learn all about the adult version of each other, and share their hopes and dreams.  Julia was very stubborn and at times drove me (and most everyone in her life) a bit nuts, but it took Isaac to really understand everything she was feeling and help make her see that having someone in her life to love and support her wasn't her giving up her independence it was her sharing her life with someone and that love is a two way street.

One Christmas Wish was a wonderfully told second chance at love story that was filled with emotion and a whole lot of heart.

ARC provided with no expectations.
4952610
Pleasant holiday book with several well-developed characters that we as readers come to know as they themselves become companions over time while helping each other to overcome their own trepidations. While taking the intervention of a snowbound Samaritan and his trusty dog to aid in their efforts, I found the plot eminently rewarding and enjoyed both the touching passages like  "his mother, who seemed to blossom after Richard's death, had warned him to take time to live and love" and the humorous such as "This turkey and I are getting to be good friends. And the closer it gets to the dinner table, the happier I'll be." Just a very good, heart-warming book that fits the season  ideally  and I did enjoy!
1507527
Adorable, heart warming, quick read that is perfect for the holidays!
1038385
Single mom Lauren Alexander has struggled the last six years to raise her daughter. She doesn't regret anything about choosing to keep her child except the estrangement from her parents. But her daughter's Christmas wish for a father makes her doubt herself. For most of his life, Kyle Preston distrusted the notions of family and unconditional love. Fortunately, his foster parents never gave up on him. With their help he grew into a man that he hopes makes them proud--a man that believes in giving back even if that means dressing up in a stuffy Santa suit to do it. When Lauren's daughter approaches with her single Christmas wish, his actions set forth a series of events that makes everyone's wish come true.

All I Want For Christmas Is You is a book brimming with the true meaning of the holiday. Lisa Mondello does a wonderful job of bringing Kyle, Lauren and her daughter to life with the smallest of actions that matter most. If you're looking for a read that exemplifies love and forgiveness, with the delightful hint of gingerbread and Christmas carol or two, look no farther than All I Want For Christmas Is You.
497716
Harlequin launched it's Heartwarming line recently and I have thoroughly enjoyed each new release. The Trouble With MIstletoe is no exception. For me, the possibility of a reunion romance adds another layer of intrigue to a story. Combined with the small town setting and a heroine that's driven and motivated by career advancement, makes for a compelling plot that's rich with details and keeps the pages turning. Jennifer Snow wrote a wonderful, heartwarming romance that's a must-read this holiday season.
3341983
This review might be a bit biased since I am a big fan of Rachel and David's prior novels.  So as I'm sure you can guess, I loved Dash & Lily's Book of Dares!

Told through alternating POV chapters we get to meet Lily and Dash.  Lily is spending the holidays on her own this year.  Her parents and grandfather are out of town and she is left with her brother who is more into his boyfriend then what Lily is up to.  So she decides to leave a notebook with clues in the infamous Strand bookstore in New York City.  Luckily the notebook lands in the hands of Dash - who is smart and brave enough to decipher Lily's clues and they're off on a wonderful adventure.  A holiday adventure that will lead them not only to an awesome assortment of tourist infested NYC holiday spots, but also down a path of self-discovery and possibly... romance.

What I especially loved about Dash and Lily was how opposite to each other they both are.  I guess it's true  when they say, opposites attract.  Dash hates Christmas - he's more of the brooding, "snarly" sort.  He lied to both of his parents telling each that he was spending the holidays with the other just so he could have some time alone.  Lily loves the holidays to the point where she's even part of a caroling troupe.  She hates the fact that this will be her first Christmas without her family.  Dash was more of the daring type - while Lily was more of a goody two shoes. And although the plot moves along because of the notebook and the different challenges it presents, the internal dialogue, notebook entries and discussions between the characters were a treat to read.  As with all Cohn and Levithan collaborations - the characters are witty, snarky, sarcastic and downright fun.

This is the perfect holiday read.  It is clever, funny, and simply a joy to read.
2018378
I received a copy of this wonderful tale in exchange for a review.  My only regret is that life made it impossible for me to post said review sooner!

I am not much of a holiday person and dread the outpouring of music, movies and stories that force feed you the 'holiday spirit' practically 24/7.

Mistletoe and Mochas is a marvelous escape from said force feeding.  The author's focus on the characters, on THEIR story, allows the holiday season to serve as a nice backdrop--there but not the point of the story.

As with all of her books, the characters are believable and lovable--human. I quickly found myself thinking of them as people rather than characters--high praise as any reader knows--and got totally wrapped up in their lives.

It's one of those stories you can't put down until you've reached the end and find yourself wishing there was more.  Upon reflecting on the story when I finished--somewhere around 4 am--I realized it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast.

Mac is a man, believing himself unworthy and incapable of love due to his scars, who finds himself drawn to a damsel in distress who is more than she first appears.  Despite his determination he simply can not stay away from her.

Devon is determined to live her life just as it is, happy with her coffee shop/artists' lounge and showcase despite the efforts of someone to force her out of her building.

More than once I found myself gripping my Kindle tightly as the tension mounted or I found myself wanting to strike some sense into one of them in an effort to make them see what was right in front of them.

If you want a gripping, electric-and-sexually-charged tale to pass a cold winter's night, I wholeheartedly recommend this novella.  It will keep you warm and engaged from page one to the surprising tie-in to her book In His Silks--another great read for an occasion when you need to be warmed up!
2510506
I confess that this is my first Cape Light book. I chose it because I was in the mood for a holiday story and thought this one sounded good. I am very happy I made this choice!

I don't want to write any spoilers, but I have to say that I loved the way the church rallied around its minister after his heart attack. While there is a central religious theme, it is fitting, I think, for both the story and the season. I didn't find it preachy, just part of the overall story. I found Reverend Ben, his wife and the substitute minister to be very well developed characters. One of my favorite parts of the book is when the church members and the substitute pastor are making sandwiches for the community children. When I finished the book, I really wished I was a member of a church like the one in this book. There's just such a sense of community and love in the story that touched me deeply. It reminded me that community, goodwill toward other people and giving to those in need are truly what the holidays are about.

Overall, I really loved Christmas Treasures and think I'll add reading it to my holiday traditions. I will also go back and start with the beginning of the Cape Light series. I'm happy to run across this treasure and know that there are more of them in store for me. Highly recommend this book for holiday reading!
2983870
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a very lovely, heartwarming story.  Finn is travelling the country to try and find herself after her divorce.  She arrives in Vine Grove and meets Keaton, a veterinarian  and the lovely people in the town.  She realizes that she has found love with Keaton and her forever home.  I enjoyed how the animals are such an important part of the storyline.  A wonderful, holiday themed story.
4738835
This is a fun book to read during the holiday season. I love Christmas and this book is all about it! I've never known a community more committed to volunteering and helping others. Starlight is a small town that loves Christmas and loves the people in their community. Jake is no exception! He's an all-around good guy. Jake meets his best friend's sister, Julia, for the first time and he has an immediate crush on her. She has a great personality and seems perfect for Jake. Their love story will draw you in and capture your heart. This book will keep you in the holiday spirit a little longer and will encourage you to be a more giving person.
308856
Young Jacob cannot seem to find a job despite having graduated with honors; Rebecca was just dumped by her long-term boyfriend right before Christmas; Stanley is mourning his wife of forty-something years; Sophie is working herself ragged for her nightmare boss, Meredith; and Meredith is the epitome of The Grinch. What they all have in common is the Sugar and Spice bakery and its temporary manager Natalie. Natalie has arrived just in time to bring the spirit of Christmas to their lives.

Although I am Jewish, I can appreciate a good Christmas story. In fact, I have been riveted to my television screen watching holiday movies on the Lifetime and Hallmark channels for the past several weeks. Just like these movies, The Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan left me all warm and fuzzy!  I enjoyed all of the sub-plots in the book and choked up on several occasions, especially over the "Stanley" story. The entire book was incredibly heartwarming and the conclusion immensely satisfying. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to bask in the Christmas season or perhaps needs some help getting into the spirit. I guarantee The Christmas Spirit will put the Christmas spirit into your hearts and minds.

The author provided me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
677317
Such a lovely story! I would DIE to see this as a Hallmark movie--and it would make such a better one than many out this holiday season! The length was the only thing I wasn't thrilled with--I would love to read a whole novel. Great, light read for holiday lovers and hopeless romantics.
1624610
I read this book over the holidays and really loved it!  Very heartwarming, thought provoking story told from a very unique perspective. This book will be on my gift list for friends and relatives this coming holiday season.  You know who you are. :-)
2707393
Very nice story about generosity and reusing materials. Highly recommend this holiday story.
864287
A delightful Christmas book that was gifted to me by Goodreads under their First Reads program.

I have never read a book by this author but I was impressed with her characters and situations that revolve around the Christmas season. Her writing reminds me of Maeve Binchey or Helen Van Slyke, two women who weren't afraid to tackle hard subjects like death, disease and infidelity.

The story begins a few days before Christmas when Kelley, the owner of the Winter Street Inn discovers his wife Mitzi is doing more than kissing the Santa Claus the Inn uses. In fact they have been sleeping together for some 14 years and she is ready to leave him after Christmas.

Mitzi is Kelley's second wife, his first, Margaret is a beautiful newscaster and the mother of his three older children. Each child has a problem, and Bart, Mitzi and Kelley's child is in Afghanistan this Christmas.

Everyone comes together at the Inn and what happens will be engrossing.

Not sure this is the kind of book you want to read at Christmas? Don't be afraid of taking the leap, this is a heartwarming, sometimes humorous look at everyone's Christmas. It will leave you with a warm glow inside. (less)
451116
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Jaimie Admans has created a wonderful holiday story that made me laugh out loud and left me feeling so happy at the end. Frankly, North Pole Reform School was just what I needed today to laugh the stress away. It's such a creative premise, and the North Pole world created by Ms. Admans is both familiar and strange. We all picture Santa's village with the festive Christmas lights, happy elves, and nonstop Christmas music. But I have never considered that the poor elves had to deal with the potential threat of zombies. Who knew?

Five individuals are spirited away by elf magic in the middle of the night, sentenced to reform school for deliberately ruining Christmas for others. Main character Mistletoe Bell has hated Christmas for a long time. Not only does she have what she considers a miserable name, but she was born on Christmas Eve, making her birthday a far second to Christmas with her family. Luke Wyatt suffers during Christmas as well, and he takes out his frustrations on the neighborhood decorations (I get it, Luke. I really do.). Little do Mistletoe and Luke know that what they consider the worst thing to happen to them may just turn into the best. The budding romance between the two is so sweet. They make a great couple.

The three other characters at the reform school all have pretty good reasons why they hate Christmas, with the exception of Joe, who needs an overall adjustment on his outlook on life. My favorite part of this novel was the comedy. I swear it will be a while before I look at ducks the same way. What do ducks have to do with the North Pole? Sorry, not telling - you'll have to read the book! The way elves Navidad and Tinsel screwed up idioms was hilarious (there's one at the end of the excerpt). I enjoyed following Luke and Mistletoe around as they experienced the entire North Pole operation. This book is very hard to put down once started. There's really never a dull moment in the story. The ending was great, perhaps a tad sappy, yet adorable nonetheless. Never underestimate the power of a funny book with a satisfying ending.

I highly recommend North Pole Reform School to everyone high school and up that enjoys an interesting plot with great characters and a healthy dose of hilarity. There was quite a bit of coarse language, so keep that in mind. This is a great book year-round, but especially satisfying this time of year. It's one of my favorite reads this year.