Meddling with Mistletoe ~ Review

Meddling with Mistletoe

By Liz Johnson 

Whitney Garrett's ideas always seem to go wrong, and this time, it will cost her if she can't find an oven to use. She committed to selling her pies when her oven goes out. It is cold enough to double for a refrigerator. (Okay, that is an exaggeration.) With her landlord gone for several weeks, she is in a pickle or a whole lotta pie. What's a girl to do when saving for culinary school and putting down a sizeable deposit on her booth? Why call on a friend, of course.

Marie Sloan is up to her knees in things that need to be done at the latest an hour ago. When Whitney asks to borrow The Red Door Inn's oven and kitchen, Marie is more than willing to make a trade. Whitney will watch her kids and make breakfast for the Inn's out-of-season guests. Her need for a working oven is so great that Whitney agrees.

Whitney never expected the mess of emotions and clumsiness Aretha Franklin Sloan's nephew Dan would cause her to become. It is not good when she is facing deadlines, but something about Dan discombobulates her. But Whitney is flabbergasted when his Aunt Aretha asks Whitney to help nudge Dan towards a romance with Ruby. How's a girl who has never had a romance of her own supposed to help steer someone else into one?

As time goes on, Whitney wonders if someone else, someone like her, would be a better fit for Dan. But Dan's aunt has decided who Daniel should fall in love with, and it is not Whitney. Whitney and Dan's feelings don't merit consideration. But when Mistletoe's involved all plans are off.

This is a Christmas story about second chances, first loves, and meddling aunts. And in case you are wondering plenty of kissing once the mistletoe is put into play. This book can be read as a standalone title. Reading the author's previous books set in Prince Edward Island at the Red Door Inn are not necessary to read this book. So if you are a fan of Christmas romance this book could be for you. 

I have to admit this book just didn't grab me. I couldn't get invested in the characters. And Aretha really annoyed me with her attempt to control her nephew's life and force a romance. But maybe it's just me.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Whitney Garrett is preparing to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she has to sell enough homemade pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. When her oven breaks, Whitney asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, if she can use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. Marie agrees, with a catch: Whitney has to watch the three Sloan children and cook breakfasts for the Red Door in return.

The inn is busy with holiday guests--including Aretha Franklin Sloan's perpetually single nephew Daniel and Ruby, a businesswoman in town to purchase Aretha's antiques store. Intent on making a Christmas match for the two, Aretha enlists Whitney's help in her schemes. But the deeper Whitney gets, the more she realizes that Ruby is definitely not the right woman for Daniel--and the more she thinks that she just might be his perfect match.

Cuddle up for some warm holiday cheer as New York Times bestselling author Liz Johnson explores the unforeseen 

consequences of meddling with mistletoe when love is on the line.

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A Season of Love ~ Review

A Season of Love
By Carla Kelly

A Season of Love is a delightful 5-in-1 book. Five short stories centered around Christmas and the main characters are in varying degrees of despair or just plain unhappy with sudden and unexpected changes in their lives.

Let Nothing You Dismay finds Miss Cecilia Ambrose accompanying a young student, a Lady Lucinda Chase, to her home. But instead of Lucinda's parents, she instead finds Lord Trevor Chase at the home of his elder brother. When an unexpected turn of events finds Cecilia staying on Chase Hall she comes to see that this family has need of a special hand to bring joy to this Christmas. But even more in need of her help is Trevor who never celebrates Christmas alone or with his nieces and nephew.  Can an unexpected visitor bring new joy to the season?

No Room at the Inn finds Lady Mary experiencing a sudden reversal of fortunes. Traveling to meet the family she never knew and with no title to her name, her life is looking somewhat bleak. But when the weather makes further travel impossible Mary along with her traveling companions find themselves stranded in the home of an old friend. But can a simple Christmas without all the trappings of society bring a feeling of comfort to a hurting heart? Mary McIntyre is about to find out with the help of Joseph and Ethan Shepard and more stranded travelers. This is about to be Christmas not to be forgotten by one and all!

The Lasting Gift finds Suzie Jenkins Davis and Thomas Jenkins have settled into Thomas's new home in Plymouth. But after years as a sailing master with Royal Navy Thomas finds himself with time on his hands and no way to fill it. Meanwhile, Mary Ann Poole finds herself with little means though she is Lady Naismith's secretary when an unexpected package arrives by post. Burdened with a package not her own and the kept knowledge that all too soon she would be again seeking employment Mary Ann and her daughter Beth seek to return the package. Soon a friendship blooms that could lead to something more.

Faithfully Yours finds Sally Wilson, John McPherson, and Margaret Patterson caught in a deception that has lasted for ten years. Ten years ago in an act of cruelty, Margaret promised to write to John as he sought to better himself. Unable to see anyone hurt in such a way Sally wrote to John under the guise of Margaret's name. But one last letter is about to change everything. Will the truth be revealed and the heart that reached out to another find its match?

Lucy's Bang-up Christmas Lucy (Lucinda) Danforth is having the worst Christmas ever. Her older sister is getting married on Christmas Eve and all Christmas festivities are to be put aside so as to not offend the groom-to-be. Worse this is the first Christmas without her mother and Lucy is feeling the losses and the ever-mounting tensions within her home. When her second cousin Miles Bledsoe joins the family for Christmas Lucy is relieved to find a sympathetic ear and someone to aid her in honoring her late mother with an act Christmas charity. What was looking to be the worst Christmas is soon on its way to being one of the best. And the best gift is one Lucy never expected.

This book is a perfect escape from the created flurry of Christmas. Find yourself stressing about your to-do list and all the activities and events of the season - just take a break and enjoy one of these delightful stories. Escape to the Regency era where technology and social media are a far distant dream. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee, cocoa, or cider) and have a cookie or two and sit back and relax.

I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
At Christmastime, love is just a wish away! Join master romance writer Carla Kelly in this joyful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. Set in Regency England, these Christmas tales will take you from dangerous adventures on snowy roads to cozy little cottages, filled with holiday mischief. Five fun stories in one book!

Lena Goldfinch Cover Reveal & Short Story Spotlight with Giveaway

Are you familiar with Lena Goldfinch's books?  Well, here's the latest on her work.  
There is a special Christmas short story releasing today and the cover from her upcoming book is being revealed today.  Adding to the fun is a special giveaway, so be sure to read through to the end for a chance to win BOOKS! 

About the Short Story:
What's a wife to do when her Christmas plans fall apart?

Join Becky and Isaac from The Unexpected Bride in a romantic short story complete with sleigh bells, mistletoe, and sweet holiday surprises.

It's Christmas Eve, and smoke isn't just rising from the chimney—it's pouring from the stove due to yet another batch of burnt biscuits. Becky wants everything to be perfect for her family, but a ruined meal spells disaster for all her high hopes. Will the night end
in despair...or with a happy Christmas dream?

Reconnect with your favorite characters from Book 1 of "The Brides" series and learn more about Jem (the hero of Book 2) in Sleigh Bells and Mistletoe.

Includes an excerpt from Book 2, The Bartered Bride.


Short Story 1.5 in The Brides Series
Sweet Historical Western Romance / A Mail-Order Bride Short Story

Now available in Kindle format for only $.99!

~ Coming Soon ~

About Book 2

The Bartered Bride

What’s a confirmed widower to do when he finds a bride in need of rescue?

James (“Jem”) Wheeler just wants to get back to the ranch in Colorado and make a fresh start after the loss of his wife. But when his train stops at a town in the middle of nowhere, his 2-year-old daughter runs off—straight to a mute young woman and a
puppy. Before he has a chance to reclaim little Mae, he overhears an itinerant preacher preparing to sell off the woman to the highest bidder. It’s an injustice he can’t ignore, no matter the fact that he’d never planned on remarrying.

From a young age, all Annie has wanted is to belong. Abandoned and cast aside by those who should have loved her, and with no voice to protest against the wrongdoings she’s witnessed, her hope is but a faint flicker. When Jem steps into her life, she simply
tries to get him to save the puppy—never expecting him to save her too.

Could a bartered bride and a grieving widower ever make a happy home together?

Contact Amber Stokes
Email: amberstokes@corban.edu

Book Two in The Brides Series
Sweet Historical Western Romance
Coming 2015

Author Bio:

LENA GOLDFINCH writes romance and fantasy for adults and teens. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy,
and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she's writing historicals or something light and contemporary. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a
scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab.

Visit Lena at www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.

Rafflecopter Giveaway:
Deck the halls and bring on the books! One winner will receive mistletoe earrings from
the LuvlyMint Etsy shop, as well as a signed paperback copy of  The Unexpected Bride,
Book 1 in “The Brides” series. This prize is only available to residents of the U.S. and
Canada. Three runners-up (can be international) will receive one e-copy each of Sleigh
Bells and Mistletoe.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love at Mistletoe Inn ~ Review

Love at Mistletoe Inn
December ~ A Year of Weddings Novella
By Cindy Kirk

Hope Prentiss is in for the surprise of her life - she thought her high school marriage to John Burke wasn't real. But the vows and paperwork they had signed made everything legal, even is she got post wedding cold feet mere minutes after say, "I do."

Hope wants to get out of this situation she unexpectedly finds herself in.  After all it was a foolish mistake made by a teenager.  But John has other ideas, he meant what he said to Hope 10 years ago when he said "I do" and he meant it with all his heart.  But how can he convince Hope that he is the right man for her.

When Hope and John are talked into helping Hope's Aunt Verna plan a Christmas wedding at Mistletoe Inn they find themselves planning the wedding they should have had.  But is it too late for a second chance at love?

Love at Mistletoe Inn is a cute story that will thrill any fan of clean romance.  And this story is short enough to fit into your busy schedule.  Take a break from the hectic holiday race and enjoy a sweet Christmas story that will give you a couple hours of reading bliss.  I have to say the cover made me want to read this book - the dress is so gorgeous.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

The Christmas Cake ~ Review

The Christmas Cake 
The Holiday Collection Book 2
by Joyce Swann 

The Christmas Cake is a moving story.  And there is a lot of story in the 43 pages.  Michelle has been making a special cake for Christmas for the past 10 years.  But this is an unremarkable looking cake.  It's not the kind that win awards, at least not until you take a bite of it.

This year the Christmas Cake allows Michelle and her mother to connect in a meaningful way.  And for some reason Michelle feels the need to share an important truth about this cake with her mother.  Because of the Christmas Cake Michelle finds peace, peace that she has sought for years.

And as an added treat the recipe for Christmas Cake is included at the end of this book!

And you can get it free through Amazon (Kindle) until December 1, 2014.

The No-Stress Holiday Planner ~ Review

The No-Stress Holiday Planner: 

An All-in-One Guide to Organize and Record Your HolidaysBy Angela Baxter, Rodney Fife, 

      and Whitney Lindsley

Most people spend the year dreading the holidays because of the stress it brings into their lives.  After all there are to-do lists, shopping lists, gift lists, cooking, parties, get-togethers, school activities, etc.  And somewhere along the way the holiday gets lost in all the fuss, bustle, and stress.

Well this No-Stress Holiday Organizer will help you tame the beast and allow you to enjoy the joys of the season as you once did.

With calendars for each of the 3 months in one place you can be sure not to over plan your time.  Everything you need is in one place. There is a section for your favorite recipes as well as a few tried and true traditional dishes that you may want to try this year.  And there is a categorized shopping list for each holiday so you can't forget that necessary ingredient that somehow manages to get lost in the list.

My favorite part is the pages dedicated to photos of each holiday and areas for recording your reflections and memories of the days you just celebrated.  What a fun and delightfully way to remember your special days spent with family and friends in the years to come.  And you won't have to go "Is this the year we did.....?"   Be sure to write the year 2014 on the spine and place it on your shelf with your photo albums and scrapbooks and enjoy the memories and joys of the season starting this year!

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review and my participation in this blog tour.

About the book:

Get organized this holiday season! Make you plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s as enjoyable for you as it is for your guests. From calendars and checklists to budget sheets and journal pages, this book saves you the time and money to enjoy family traditions old and new – year after year!