Tag Archives: Christmas fiction

First Line Friday — Once Upon A Christmas Carol

12 Dec

Happy Friday! Nothing completes a holiday reading list like a novella from Melody Carlson. Her books are a Christmas tradition! This year I am reading Once Upon A Christmas Carol. Have you read it yet? What did you think?

Here’s the first line:

No one knew that Carol Langstrom hated Christmas.

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn’t helped!

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas—by herself—bah humbug! But bad weather and God’s radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt’s farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas—one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/.

Top 10 Tuesday — Let It Snow!

9 Dec

We don’t get a lot of snow where I live. We did have a freak snowstorm in late January that left 6 inches on the ground. Needless to say, it threw everyone for a loop! Even the Waffle Houses in town were closed. 😉 So I usually get my snow-fix from books. I grew up outside of Orlando, so snow is always a treat for me. Today’s TTT topic is Books With A Snowy Setting. I could just rinse and repeat last week’s Freebie post, but I’ll come up with a few more books for you to cuddle with. Bonus: all have snow on the cover! There are quite a few with Christmas settings as well (it’s an eclectic list), so you can keep your holiday reading going. I hope you love my list!

For more snowy reading, please visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Books with A Snowy Setting

The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin

The Christmas Remedy by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson

Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl

An Endless Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawson

Hidden in The Night by Elizabeth Goddard

Snow Day by Billy Coffey

Sunrise by Susan May Warren

A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs

First Line Friday — The Christmas Book Flood

5 Dec

Happy first Friday of December! Have you started your Christmas reading yet? If not I recommend you begin with The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White. This lovely historical romance set during the Christmas season in Iceland checks all the boxes for a holiday read.

Here’s the first line:

The ringing of the phone quite possibly kept Tatiana Eliasdottir from getting sacked.

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held secret: she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Book Review — The Wish Book Christmas

4 Dec

Have you started your Christmas reading yet? I generally wait until Thanksgiving before cracking open the holiday books, so it was with great expectation that I chose The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin for the first novella of the season. It’s also my book club’s December selection. Find out all about it, plus my thoughts below.

From bestselling author Lynn Austin comes a nostalgic and endearing holiday sequel to If I Were You that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve.

Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday.

They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor’s yellow Lab—since a dog topped the boys’ wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

Award winning author Lynn Austin was a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children . Now that the children are now grown she’s experiencing the joy of grandchildren. She lives in Western Michigan where the woods and beaches of Lake Michigan inspire her every day.

My Impressions:

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin was the first book I chose to read this holiday season. First off, it is a sequel to If I Were You, so if you haven’t read that novel (like me), I recommend you do that first. There are a lot of spoilers. With that said, I plunged ahead. No real regrets here. This historical fiction set in America in the early 1950s follows two British friends who have left England for a new start in America. The women are now sharing a home and raising their kindergarten-aged boys alone. When the two boys discover a Sears Catalog Wish Book, the two women decide to teach them about the real gifts in life. What they don’t expect is to be reminded of the gifts that they have received from God. The novella-length book is filled with nostalgic details and a strong Christmas-vibe. The theme of real gifts is a reminder to the reader of the true meaning of Christmas. God is strongly portrayed as the giver of all good gifts — “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). I loved the message, the characters, the blend of poignant and humorous scenes, the romances, and the setting of a hope-filled era. I can’t wait to discuss The Wish Book Christmas with my book club!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Top 10 Tuesday Freebie!

2 Dec

It’s Freebie time at Top 10 Tuesday! While the possibilities are endless, I decided to list the Christmas books (0r Christmas-adjacent) I am reading this month (and a couple I read during Thanksgiving week). I am in full Christmas spirit mode which is surprising for me because I am generally a Scrooge until mid-December. But I’ve already started shopping and I put the wreath on the door yesterday 😉 . The books have certainly jump-started the season for me. I hope you find a book to love!

For more TTT Freebie posts, head to That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Christmas Books I Am Reading This Month

The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna White

Christmas with The Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Frostbite by Christy Barritt

Headwater Holiday by Hannah Hood Lucero

Hidden by Hope Welborn

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

Whiskers, Wreaths, And Murder by Kathy Manos Penn

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin

December Book Club Selection — The Wish Book Christmas

1 Dec

My book club always chooses a Christmas book to read in December. This year our selection is The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin. Filled with nostalgia, this book focuses on the real gifts of Christmas. If you have read If I Were You, you are in for a treat. If not, the novella-length book can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading If I Were You first.

Have you read it? We would love to know your thoughts.

From bestselling author Lynn Austin comes a nostalgic and endearing holiday sequel to If I Were You that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve.

Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday.

They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor’s yellow Lab—since a dog topped the boys’ wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

Award winning author Lynn Austin was a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children . Now that the children are now grown she’s experiencing the joy of grandchildren. She lives in Western Michigan where the woods and beaches of Lake Michigan inspire her every day.

Spotlight on Christmas Fiction — A Match Made at Christmas

12 Nov

A Match Made at Christmas JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Match Made at Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, and Heather Greer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

A Match Made at Christmas

Title: A Match Made at Christmas
Author: Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, and Heather Greer
Publisher: Scrivenings Press
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance Novella Collection

A-parent-ly Christmas (by Amy R Anguish)

Noel and Joy Davidson didn’t mean to separate, but a job promotion and educational opportunities were too much for their marriage to withstand. Now, it’s Christmas and their son Andy wants them together. Between his mischief, an unexpected snowstorm, and the holiday spirit, they’re remembering why they first wanted to be together. But which one will give up their dream for the other?

A Match of her Own (by Sarah Anne Crouch)

Victoria Wood is torn between elation and devastation now that her sister is married and gone. When she realizes her sister’s best friend is alone and best-friend-less on Christmas, she knows just what to do. Set her up with a boyfriend! But pesky Jared Knight keeps getting in the way. Jared can’t date Victoria—she’s too immature—but he can’t convince his heart to move on. How will he keep Victoria from ruining everyone’s love lives? When will she realize her perfect match is closer than she thinks?

Jingle Bell Matchmakers (by Lori DeJong)

When country music star Aubrey Mayfield is lured home after years away, she’s bewildered when she and ex-fiance-now-widowed-dad Cody Lansdale keep finding themselves in the same place at the same time. As they become reacquainted, however, old feelings stir. Aubrey’s at a crossroads in her career and is contemplating a change. But when a chance at headlining her own tour takes her back to Nashville, Cody realizes her dreams may once again come between them. Unless God, with a little help from the Jingle Bell Committee, has a better plan.

The Santa Setup (by Heather Greer)

Turning friendship into love takes magic. Good thing Nicholas Eckert and Julie Clarke work at Christmas Wonderland. The attraction brims with holiday magic, not to mention four teenage elves determined that Mr. and Mrs. Claus stop playing a couple and become one. The teens will need more than mistletoe to pair up these two. Julie is seeing someone, and Nick won’t risk their friendship for possible love. Only the elven employees’ outrageous antics stand a chance of setting up Santa in time for Christmas.

Excerpt

The Santa Setup by Heather Greer

She’d heard it before. They both had. And every time, she acted like acknowledging it would make it true. Obviously, not an idea she wanted to entertain at all. 

“I’d better get out there and greet the kids.” Nick strode from the room. “See you in a few.”

The unease between them would pass as soon as she carried out the platter of cookies. A little time between her and the suggestion. Time worked for him too. By then, his racing heart would calm. The elves had danced too close to the truth. With Jules’s distaste for even the idea of a relationship, the last thing he needed was someone guessing his secret. 

Nick Eckert was in love with Julie Clarke.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available


About The Authors

Amy R. Anguish Sarah Anne Crouch

Amy R Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a bossy cat or two. Amy has an English degree from Freed-Hardeman University that she intends to use to glorify God, and she wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good. Connect with Amy by visiting abitofanguish.weebly.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Sarah Anne Crouch lives in Arkansas with her husband, three children, and thousands of books. She always wanted to be an author, but spent some time as a teacher, earned a degree in library science, and makes feeble attempts to corral her small children as a stay-at-home mom. Sarah loves reading books, recipes, piano music, and emails from readers. Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahannecrouch.wordpress.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Heather Greer

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of three decades. Connect with Lori by visiting loridejongwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Heather Greer loves growing in her relationship with God and helping others do the same. While she’s served in ministries dealing with toddlers through adults, her focus is on encouraging and challenging teen and adult believers to go further in their faith. She is blessed to be able to use her God-given passion for writing to do this, both in her books and blog. Heather is a pastor’s kid from southern Illinois. While she never intended to marry a pastor, she became a pastor’s wife when her husband answered the call to preach five years into their marriage. Now that three of her four kids have flown the nest, Heather enjoys more time for reading and writing and writing about reading. And when she’s not doing any of those things, you’ll probably find her in the kitchen baking for her friends and family. Connect with Heather by visiting heathergreer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of A Match Made at Christmas!

A Match Made at Christmas JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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Spotlight on Contemporary Romance/Holiday Fiction — Together This Christmas

20 Oct

Together This Christmas JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Together This Christmas by Beth K. Vogt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Together This Christmas

Title: Together This Christmas
Author: Beth K. Vogt
Publisher: Story Architect
Release Date: October 13, 2025
Genre: Sweet Small-Town Contemporary Romance Christmas novella (spiritual thread)

What if true love is only a text away?

Mila Maxwell is happy with her life in New York City. Her boyfriend Zane is perfect for her – and yes perfect means he offers her the stability she’s always wanted. Zane’s also not threatened by the endless text thread she keeps with her best friend, Ben Kendrick. Why should he be? They’re friends, nothing more.

Christmas is coming – a holiday she’d much rather skip – and Mila’s the maid-of-honor for her college roommate’s December wedding. When disaster strikes the wedding coordinator, Mila rushes to Colorado to save Angie’s big day and plunges headfirst into all the marital falalala.

As Mila works the details for Angie and Charles’ wedding, Ben steps up to help. After all, he’s the best man and someone in his life should have a happily ever after. This may be Ben’s last chance to convince Mila that they were meant for more than long texts and short video chats.

Mila must confront her fears about love and choose: Zane, who offers her the security she’s always longed for, or Ben, who has never given up on her. What if her true love has always been one text away?

Excerpt

Unlike some people, New York City didn’t bypass Thanksgiving and move right to Christmas. Even after living in Manhattan for three years, Mila—like many other New Yorkers—still loved the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, now less than two weeks away. And no, Santa’s appearance at the end wasn’t her favorite part. Mila would ignore hints of the upcoming fa la la la la and enjoy time with Zane.

“That bag isn’t too heavy for you?” Mila nudged her boyfriend’s shoulder as they maneuvered through the crowd on Fifth Avenue. Ever considerate, Zane adjusted his pace to accommodate her much shorter stride. While her three-inch heels compensated for her five-foot-nothing frame, there were some things she couldn’t overcome.

Zane shifted the yellow bag with the red LEGO trademark and took Mila’s hand. “I can manage just fine.”

“The real question is, how many hours will you need to put that vintage PAC-MAN Arcade together?”

“You want to help me?” Zane’s brown eyes registered surprise.

“That’s not a serious invitation. You get too much satisfaction out of completing a model all by yourself.”

“Maybe I’ll slip a LEGO set into your stocking. Something small for you to start on.”

“Already thinking about Christmas shopping?”

“Never too early, right?”

Mila sidestepped a trio of teen girls who talked and texted as they walked. “Agreed.”

Because it was easier to agree than talk about what she really thought about Christmas.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BethVogt.com | Amazon

Also Available


About The Author

Beth K. Vogt

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She writes both contemporary romance and women’s fiction because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International (now MomCo), Beth blogs for The Write Conversation and enjoys speaking to writers groups and mentoring writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people.

Connect with Beth by visiting bethvogt.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, a “My Holidays are All Booked” mug from Pippi Post, and a print copy of Together This Christmas!

Together This Christmas JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 20, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Spotlight on Holiday Romance — Puppy Love And Snowflake Kisses

2 Oct

Puppy Love and Snowflake Kisses JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses by Jennifer Faye, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

Puppy Love and Snowflake Kisses

Title: Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
Series: Kringle Falls #2
Author: Jennifer Faye
Publisher: Lazy Dazy Press
Release Date: October 1, 2025
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Christmas Holiday Romance / Small Town Romance

When she needs help, he’s the last person she would turn to…

Belle Sinclair has recently adopted a stray puppy. It was love at first snuggle. He is the best Christmas present ever. And yet her holiday happiness goes sideways when she hears a siren and spots flashing lights in her rearview mirror.

Sheriff Parker Bishop is a confirmed bachelor. He firmly believes all laws should be obeyed without exception. And so, when he spots the beautiful Belle Sinclair once more committing a moving violation, what choice does he have? He has to pull her over.

But this holiday, Belle’s puppy has gone missing. Suspecting foul play, she has to call on the one man in Kringle Falls who can get under her skin with just a look. This Christmas, will they be able to work past their differences in order to help the puppy? And along the way will they find that opposites just might attract?

Excerpt

Now that she was late for work, Mavis would give her a hard time about leaving for lunch. And Belle had to step out because she had the puppy at home counting on her to give him a potty break. With a sigh, she grabbed her purse and phone. She got out of the car and closed the door.

She turned and took a step. Her foot landed on ice. In the next instant, her feet slipped out from under her. It happened so fast the next thing she knew, her backside smacked the ice. Ouch.

She groaned. This day was totally against her. What was it her mother used to say? That bad things came in threes. She was late for work. She got pulled over. So, did this make her third bit of bad luck? She hoped so.

A car door closed in the alleyway. Before she could get to her feet, she heard a familiar voice.

“Belle, are you all right?” Sheriff Bishop rushed to her side. “Do you need an ambulance?”

He was the very last person she wanted to see, especially in this awkward situation. She frowned at him. “I’m fine.”



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More in This Series


About The Author

Jennifer Faye

Award-winning author Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages and her work has been optioned for film. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband, one bossy cat and an ornery pup. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.

Connect with Jennifer by visiting jenniferfaye.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card & an autographed copy of Puppy Wishes & Candy Kisses!

Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses JustRead blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 30, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Spotlight on Christmas Historical Romance — The Neighbor And The Gifts

16 Jul

The Neighbor and the Gifts JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Neighbor and the Gifts

Title: The Neighbor and The Gifts
Series: A Christmas Cabin Novella
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Genre: Christmas Historical Romantic Suspense

Twelve days. Twelve gifts. One unlikely hero.

Wisconsin, 1930—When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him.

Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location.

As the man’s actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus’ life.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

Excerpt

“Keep an eye on her.” Casper pointed his chin at the box as he shrugged into his coat. “My gut says that package was meant for Ollie. We need to find out why.”

Titus agreed.

“Maybe she’ll finally talk to you.” Casper grinned, then winked. “Being loved by a good woman makes life worth living.”

“Yeah, yeah. Tell Eira Mae hello for me.” Titus shook his head as his boss left. He was happy for his friend. Honestly, he was. But Casper’s tease hit too close to home. Titus wanted a girl like Casper had found in Eira Mae, and only one had ever fit the picture in his mind.

Titus scrounged up a stack of old newspaper and carefully lifted the bird from the package to prepare it for its ceremony. He hoped this would allow Ollie to lay the trauma to rest just as much as the bird. She had such a quiet, gentle, sensitive soul.

As he settled the bird on the newsprint, a piece of paper fluttered to the ground beside his boot. He lifted it by the corner so as not to smudge the writing, and any question that the package had anything to do with the library vanished.

To my true love: please accept this gift of provision.

Titus turned cold. Ollie had a secret admirer.



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

The Baby and the Guardian

Listen to The Sheriff and the Outlaw audiobook on YouTube


About The Author

Danielle Grandinetti

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of both The Baby and the Guardian & The Neighbor and the Gifts plus 1 set of series-inspired earrings!

The Neighbor and the Gifts JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 15, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 22, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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