Monday, November 8, 2021

Review: Christmas in Mistletoe Square: Christmas Romance Novella Collection by Pepper D. Basham, Cara C. Putman, Teresa Tysinger, & Janine Rosche

About the Book
Christmas is in the air in Kedgewick Creek, North Carolina, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Will romance find four couples in the month of December or will the pressure to keep the festivities Mistletoe Square is known for keep these couples apart? Find out in this collection of four novellas from inspirational authors Pepper Basham, Cara Putman, Janine Rosche, and Teresa Tysinger.

The Christmas Clue to Finding You by Pepper Basham
After five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?

Silver Bell Secrets by Cara Putman
Growing up with dyslexia, Avery Blair didn’t love books, but the family-owned bookshop held her heart. She never expected her little business on the backside of nowhere to garner a New York City publishing house’s attention. Hunter Chase has lived an “always winter, never Christmas” existence, and spending the holidays in Christmas Town U.S.A. wasn’t exactly on his Christmas wish list, but he had no choice when his boss gave him an ultimatum. Can small town and big city discover a Christmas future that will last far beyond the page?

An Unscripted Christmas by Teresa Tysinger
Ellie and Oliver Larson face a Christmas full of uncertainty rather than festive cheer. Ellie is tired of playing a supporting role to Oliver’s passion of running the Kedgewick Creek Playhouse. Oliver can’t imagine his life without her. When things go off script, will their love story find its second act?

Dreams in Toyland by Janine Rosche
Toy shop owner Peyton Hammond knows a secret that could take down online giant Kiljoy Toyz and its owner, Joey Kiljoy. After the two adversaries spend Christmas Eve delivering gifts for charity, will the sun rise on newfound love, or will prejudice and lost dreams keep hope in the dark?


MY THOUGHTS

The Christmas Clue to Finding You by Pepper Basham
4.5 Stars

What a great opener to this collection and a wonderful introduction to the charming town of Kedgewick Creek and its residents. The characters were lovable. I really liked Piper and Gabe and Piper's matchmaking Granny. The whole idea of the Christmas Scavenger Hunt was so fun... and romantic. Though this was a quick read, it packed just as much into it as a full-length story. I enjoyed every second of it.

Fave Quote:
It was time to let go of all the hurts and embrace the hope. To forgive and live. To choose tomorrow instead of yesterday. And to keep a better watch for those heavenly clues of love on a daily basis.

Silver Bell Secrets by Cara Putman
4 Stars


This was a sweet story that I really enjoyed. I loved The Daily Press, the coffee shop/bookstore. It was such a cozy place. I'd stay there all the time if it were real. Avery and Hunter's banter was so much fun and I liked that there was just a little bit of a mystery.

An Unscripted Christmas by Teresa Tysinger
2 Stars

This story features an older couple who've been married for a longtime but are struggling and trying to rekindle their love. I can't say that I ever really connected with Ellie and Oliver, but I did enjoy getting a look behind the scenes of the theater. There was just too much telling instead of showing, a whiny unsympathetic character, and a miscommunication that led to an overly dramatic response that could've been avoided with just one simple conversation.

Dreams in Toyland by Janine Rosche
5 Stars


This was my favorite story of the collection. It's my first time reading anything from this author, but it certainly won't be the last. It was so heartwarming, so sweet, so much fun. I had a big smile on my face throughout pretty much the whole thing. The toy shop element was a lot of fun and added a bit of whimsy to the story. And I loved Joey. He was such an awesome guy, I couldn't help but fall for him. All in all, this was a stellar story and the perfect ending to this great collection.

FOUR STARS

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