A sweet holiday story that readers will absolutely love!!
596405
As always, Shelley Shepard Grays books speak from the heart.  This story is filled with themes of family, miracles, and of course romance.  Gray brings her characters to life and causes readers to fall in love with them and the story as she pulls them in.  This story is about Julia Kemp and her neighbor Levi Kinsinger.  They both have things that happened to them in the past that they are avoiding, but need to come to grips with so they can move on and find the love they both desire.  Deep friendship and romance bud between the two as they work to move on from the past and come together.  A sweet holiday story that readers will absolutely love!!

Series: The Charmed Amish Life
Genre: Amish, romance, Christian, holiday
Publisher: Avon Inspired
Publication date: October 18, 2016
Number of pages: 288

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 Stars

Other books in the series:
1-A Sons Vow
2-A Daughters Dream
3-A Sisters Wish

A print review copy of this novel was provided by LitFuse.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
3160294
This novella is a perfect sweet and charming Christmas read. It has everything that I like when looking for a holiday read; a beautiful festive cover, a quaint setting, very likable characters, and a romance that seems realistic and not over the top. Anna heads to the Cotswolds for Christmas to escape her life in NYC. Local carpenter and handyman comes to her rescue. The place she intends to stay is flooded so the owner finds her a room in Willoughby Close. This is the first of 4 books in the Willoughby Close Series and I look forward to reading the next installment.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
4321616
What a cute storyline and a wonderful holiday romance book by this author.
I enjoyed this story from the very first page. The characters were exceptionally well written and I enjoyed how the author developed the romance between the two main characters and also incorporated all of the secondary characters into the story.
Definitely a five star rating for this book, it was so good!
2320586
This is an adorable book that combines some of my favorite themes: Christmas, family, adventure and hot chocolate. With adorable illustrations and fast-paced storytelling, Claire's Christmas Catastrophe is a holiday book everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for reading out loud to younger children or a read alone for middle schoolers. Flanagan does a wonderful job of capturing the tension and love that exists between every sibling on this planet! Sweet and cozy, a perfect holiday read.
1869003
When I saw this book cover I absolutely adored it! I am a massive fan of Tilly's books so knew this one would be right up my street having read her previous release in the "Unforgettable Christmas" series - A Very Vintage Christmas (also out now)!

This book is a fun read, easy to follow and despite it being the second in the series you can easily read it as a stand alone. The plot is great and I loved the story from the start to the end, in fact I didn't want it to end I was enjoying it so much!! 

A Christmas cracker (although you can read it in winter too and I recommend you read it with a warm drink and a slice of cake or some chocolate!!) - 5 stars from me!!!
381408
The Naked Sleepwalkers Christmas is a delightful read. First of all I was really attracted by the title and book cover. Both are a stand out. I had an opportunity of reading authors Christmas novella recently. It was a very romantic and emotional read. The Naked Sleepwalkers Christmas on the other hand has lot of funny moments which will make you believe in the magic of Christmas. Story starts with Fayre deciding to house keep for her cousin. She had no definite plans for Christmas and she didn't know if she was looking forward to it.
A knock at the door and things get really funny and romantic after that. Fayre met a sexy stranger and the following events turned her Christmas eve into a memorable affair. Whos Mike? What was he doing on the snowy Christmas Eve at Fayres doorsteps? Would Fayre let him go from where he came or take a chance on him?
This is a beautiful story with rich characters. Readers can relate to Fayre and her feelings and why she was not much excited about Christmas earlier. The family get together on Christmas brought out the emotional side of Fayre.
I loved this story from beginning to end. Author has great ability to weave a beautiful story around interesting characters and put on a flair of sentiments. Overall its a happy read and make me look forward to Christmas.
I absolutely recommend this short story. Grab a copy and indulge into festive mood. Bring alive the spirits of Christmas in you never mind which month it is.
577851
The combination of an ex-con single mother, precocious 4 year old and homeless war vet might seem unlikely, but this sweet holiday story works and should put a smile on anyone's face. It was impossible not to fall in love with darling Bree as she innocently wishes for a father for Christmas and sets her sights on Tyler. He takes an instant liking to her, too, but her mother is a harder sell.

Another great story by a great author.
1080598
4 - 4.5 Stars

There was so much I loved about this book - holiday season, road trip and second chance love! Gah - heart melty!

Charlie is desperate to get home for Christmas but due to a crazy winter storm flights have been canceled, busses are full and rentals cars are sold out! But along comes Gavin, who has managed to snag the last rental car out there. He offers Charlie a ride and it's something he can't refuse, even with their past history.

This story definitely starts out with a hate/hate relationship - both men questioning how they got themselves into this situation, but quickly we see the misunderstandings of being young and the true feelings they have for each other.

This story totally grabbed me, I couldn't put it down once I started reading and I absolutely loved it! Charlie and Gavin both made mistakes in the past but they are just meant for each other! They made me smile and they made my heart happy! This will definitely be a go-to holiday re-read for me!

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
2427719
I love the cover of this book!  If I had seen this book on the shelf in the store I would definitely pick it up and buy it!  This book is slightly different than the other Love Finds You . . . this book has TWO stories in one book!  How cool is that!
I began reading the first story, An Appalachian Christmas, by Irene Brand and was immediately immersed in the story of Julia and her toddler nephew, Bobby.  Julia, being the ever loving  sister, has taken on the responsibility of her sister's dying wish to take Bobby to see his paternal grandparents who don't even know he exists!
Julia encounters one problem after another in her trip but then along comes her "answer to prayer." David not only saves the day he turns out to be a lifesaver in helping Julia and Bobby.
Julia preserves even when "all" seems lost.
Oh, and I just love Granny!  She reminds me of the true grandmother!  Loving, kind, helpful and ready to always help in a pinch.
This story actually takes place right after WWII.  Many interesting facts about WACs and soldiers.
BUT WAIT there's more!
The next story, Once Upon A Christmas, by Anita Higman, was like drinking my favorite sweet tea!  A loving story with just a hint of lemon.  Not too sweet but with the just the right amount of sugar to make this a great-tastic read!  This modern day story is about a lovely young lady Holly and  her father, Albert.
Her father, a shop owner, found Holly on his doorstep when someone knocked and left a sweet baby in a basket on his doorstep.  Albert Goodnight, a sweet loving man, adopts Holly, the sweet baby in the basket.
Holly enjoys working in her father's store and then the store is voted the number one Christmas store in America.  Publicity brings Van, a novelist/author, to Holly's store.  He falls for Holly but Holly's longtime friend, Owen, realizes he may need to fight for Holly.  Hmmmm, think you know the ending to this story??
I loved the reading about the two men and Holly....loved the contrasts written about Van and Owen.  Two different personalities who are vying for one woman.  One woman who loves deeply with her "whole heart."
Also, fell for Holly's sweet, loving father.  Made me wish I lived in a small town with great neighbors like those in this book!
I enjoyed reading both of these 5 star stories by two great authors!
Don't judge a book by it's cover!  Go out and buy this wonderful book so you can read these  fantastic stories for yourself!
This also makes a lovely present for that reader on your Christmas list!  I reading loved this book!
1163004
I discovered Ciara Knights Sweetwater County series and fell in love. When I saw this was available on Facebook, I immediately downloaded it. As always, A Christmas Spark is another sweet and heart-warming story, perfect for the holidays.

Sara Foster has been plagued by terrible memories since she was five years old when an accident took her fathers life. Believing he had left her and her baby sister on Christmas Eve, it has made her wary of men, giving her abandonment issues. After going through a bad marriage, she is definitely not looking for another man.

When her sister sets her up on a blind date, she runs to the cabin from her childhood only to discover the blind date wanted to avoid her as much as she wanted to avoid him. He has also come to the cabin to do work for her brother-in-law.

Is it possible for Sara to discover the truth of what happened on that fateful Christmas, allowing her to open her heart to Dalton and find a true and abiding love?

I thoroughly enjoyed this emotionally-charged story of finding love after unbearable heart-ache for both the hero and heroine. Normally, I am skeptical of short stories where instant love happens, but this one is so well written, I found it believable. Ms. Knight ties A Christmas Spark up with a lovely bow in the epilogue. I highly recommend this wonderful book. Happy reading!

4.5 Gold Crowns
3665328
This was an excellent holiday novella; I enjoyed it very much. In fact this one may get re-read for many Christmases to come. Ms. Bennett weaves a beautiful, sweet story about two people with painful backgrounds who fall in love with Lake Tahoe providing the beautiful backdrop. I loved the chemistry between Chase and Ann right from the start; friendship and respect with a heaping scoop of lust. One of my favorite scenes in the book is when he gets her to eat and she finds herself enjoying it, much to her surprise. That scene seemed like a turning point to me when Ann seemed like she was ready to move on after the death of her fianc and once she turned that corner she seemed to go for it whole heartedly. I loved that! The guilt and the second guessing that frequently goes with the widow storyline gets old after a while and I enjoyed reading a character that once she decided to move on with her life she went for it. I also liked that these were two adults; they talked about their expectations. They didn't play games with one another which saved on the angst which gets old for me too. All in all this was a great read and I look forward to revisiting it again from time to time. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
601237
This novella was an absolute delight!!!  Ms Johnson has such a style about her when she writes, she weaves elegance and romance into this story that will fill you heart this holiday season!!! She has such attention to detail that it's like watching a movie in my head, and blessedly not to over flowing with repeated detail.

We start with an interaction between Mr Darcy, Georgiana, and Mr Bingley which sends Georgiana into forcing confidences from Mr Darcy. I LOVE GEORGIANA IN THIS STORY!!! She is a breath of fresh air, strong yet vulnerable, caring, insightful, and yet still trying to find herself.

I ADORE MR DARCY IN THIS STORY!!!!! Once he has his eyes opened, Mr Darcy is a force to be reckoned with, oh and I love how he dealt with Mr Wickham and Mr Collins!!! Bravo!!! A memorable part is when the Netherfield party is over at Longbourn assisting with decorating for the party the next day, and Elizabeth apologizes for the foolishness of relations. Mr Darcy's response is excellent:  No, I see a mistress who longs to have her house show just how caring she is of her guests when they arrive tomorrow evening. I daresay I have seen my own mother in such a state over tiny details when she was alive. Perhaps it is just the way of mothers.

This is a fitting treat to read, and oh to be young again and be caught under a Mistletoe bough!!!! I would highly recommend this book to all JAFFers getting in the festive mood!!!!
1686239
I really enjoyed reading this holiday romance! It's full of drama, humor, heart and  great characters. This is a sweet romance about Mark Cantwell and his administrative assistant Jess Stone stranded in a snowstorm together on a business trip. I loved the chemistry between these two and how her family acted around Mark while having a family Christmas. This is definitely a must read if you are looking for a fun, sweet, emotional Christmas story!
212900
The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts was a delightful book and the perfect story to curl up with in your favorite chair by the fireplace for the Christmas season! It's a magical story full of warmth and friendships and it leaves you with a good feeling knowing that sometimes miracles really can happen and life can be full of wonderful surprises.

Kylie has no job and her boyfriend dumped her for her sister. Could things get any worse? Maybe not. One afternoon while Kylie is out she finds herself in an antique shop where she spots an old but beautiful snow globe that fascinates her. The shop owner tells her that there is a story behind the snow globe and proceeds to tell her about a previous owner and the miracle that happened to him when he owned the snow globe and not only that but it seems miracles seem to happen to others who have had the snow globe. It seems that this snow globe has been passed from generation to generation and it always seems to fall into the hands of a person who is in need of a Christmas miracle. If anyone can use a Christmas miracle this year, it would certainly be Kylie and she heads out of the shop with the snow globe.

Her friends Suzanne and Allison are skeptical and think Kylie has gone a bit off her rocker especially when Kylie tells them that she's started seeing things in the snow globe. The thing is the things she's seeing seem to come true. Still her friends aren't buying into the snow globe visions yet but Kylie is and she's beginning to realize her dreams can come true and nothing could be better.

Suzanne is the type of lady who is always on the go; very career oriented and unfortunately at the expense of her husband and daughter. While it seems she has everything going for her, it turns out she doesn't. Her family is suffering from her obsessive work schedule and her need for everything to be perfect and something is going to have to change or she'll lose everything. Could the snow globe be the answer for her too?

Allison seems to be one of those sweet kind of friends who's always there when you need them but she's a bit of a pushover when it comes to her boyfriend and family. She's been extremely lost since losing her grandmother so maybe the snow globe can give her the answers she's looking for as well.

I really enjoyed The Snow Globe. It just goes to show you what can happen in your life if you just open your heart up to it. I loved the friendships between these women; they truly had each others best interests at heart and looked out for each other. It's wonderful how for each of them their Christmas miracles unfolded and it warmed my heart to be able to share it with them in this story.

If you're looking for a magical Christmas tale this season I would absolutely recommend The Snow Globe - my copy is being passed right on to my mom who can't wait to read it after my raving about it. It will warm your heart and leave you feeling good and who couldn't use that no matter what time of the year it is!
2889672
Christmas Roses is a wonderful novella and, to me, everything a novella should be. It didn't feel rushed at all, like so many of them do. I was able to lose myself in the story immediately - I love when that happens! I didn't stop reading until I reached the end and what an ending - it was so sweet and perfect!

While this is a Christmas story, I think it could be read and enjoyed any time of year. It's definitely a book I plan on rereading at least once a year...and I may even reread it again this year because I loved it that much! If you are looking for a great book with a Christmas theme, I completely recommend that you read this book. And if you are a fan of historical fiction, you should definitely read it.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
2303343
*Reviewed by Lisa for Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews*

A Family for Christmas is a stand-alone holiday tale by Jay Northcote. This book is a heart-warming gem about learning to open up and letting that someone special in, becoming vulnerable and learning to trust in love even when it happens with the last person you expect.

Rudy has worked in web design and copywriting for Rainbow Futures, a charity organization focused on LGBT+ youth, ever since he graduated two and a half years ago. Hes shy and does not have too much experience in the relationship department. When Zac is hired on at Rainbow Futures as the new social media and PR manager, Rudy is automatically smitten with the sexy and standoffish stranger. Theres nothing hed like more than make a move on his new co-worker. If only he had the courage.

One office outing and Rudy finds his ever-lacking courage at the bottom of a tequila glass, actually a few tequila glasses. Rudy and Zac share a scorching kiss but nothing more than that. However, Rudy end up inviting Zac to spend Christmas with him and his family and Zac surprisingly accepts. Now the pair will be spending a few days with one another in the midst of Rudys crazy and loving family. Zac anticipates a Christmas full of awkward moments with strangers. What he gets is a warm welcome, a sense of acceptance and familial love and a small kindling of belief that maybe, just maybe, something more than friendship is possible with Rudy. Will the magic of Christmas be enough to bring the two young men together? Can Rudy penetrate Zacs hardened exterior and work his way into his heart?

Zac certainly had some baggage to contend with, most of which came from the fact that he was abandoned by everyone that was supposed to love him. His insecurities just made me want to wrap him up in a big ole hug. Seriously. He simply melted my heart as he came to terms with his feelings for Rudy and finally accepted that he did deserve someone like Rudy and his own happily ever after. Those moments of vulnerability between our two protagonists played havoc on my romantic heart. I wanted so desperately for them to get their holiday-made happy forever. Such a sweet and cute romance that had my heart fluttering.

All in all, A Family for Christmas was a wonderfully executed holiday romance by Ms. Northcote. Its is not bogged down with unnecessary over-the-top angst and drama. What you get is a sweet, fun and light-hearted love story that will leave you happily sighing and clutching your heart. Recommended read!
1103797
A Father for Christmas is a really sweet holiday love story. I'm glad I was able to read and review this before Christmas. I'm a huge fan of Rachelle Ayala's work. She always delivers a story that's uplifting and loving in some way.
In this book, the character Kelly gives a second chance and gets one of her own. I love that theme. We see her and Tyler, a veteran struggling with PTSD, in a strange dance of uncertainty about trust. Ultimately, when Kelly's little girl Bree prays for a papa, she knows her prayers were heard. It's so touching that three somewhat lost people could come together to be happy and whole on the holidays.
If you like romances, second chances, and Christmastime books this is exactly what you need to pick up.

I received an ebook copy in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.