By now you have probably noticed that it’s basically Christmas in October on my blog right now. I think this is like the third or fourth holiday romance that I have had up for review or feature on my blog lately.
I’m a sucker for holiday romances and I simply can’t pass one up! I love the cliche predictability that comes with a charming romance novel set against the holiday season. Nothing says cozy to me like a holiday romance.
Which is exactly why I wanted to read this one. I read one of Nancy Naigle’s other holiday romance last year and loved it! She has written a couple of other series but Dear Santa was my first holiday romance by her and it was such a joy that reading this one was a no brainer!
Summary
Growing up, Liz Westmoreland dreamed of taking over her grandparents inn located in the small mountain town of Angels Creek only for it to be sold before she ever got the chance. While browsing the internet, she stumbles upon a listing for what looks to be the picturesque inn and it’s set to go to auction. Liz places a bid, and by a miracle, wins the auction. But when she gets there she finds the property in significant disrepair.
When Matt Hardy narrowly lost the inn and property that butted his land, he just hoped it wasn’t another city slicker coming to make matters worse after the previous owners gutted the place for an art gallery. But the minute he recognized the sweet, freckle-faced girl from his childhood and heard her plans to reopen the inn, he jumps at the chance to help his childhood crush restore a place where he made so many fond memories.
While working on repairs, Liz and Matt discover her grandmother’s collection of angels in one of the cabins. When the angels start mysteriously showing up all over the inn, she begins to look at them as reassurance—that restoring the inn is what she’s meant to do. But when an accident leaves Liz feeling like she made a mistake, will Matt—and the residents of Angels Creek—be able to show Liz that she’s found a home? And possibly true love as well? (summary from Goodreads)
Review
One of the things that I love about holiday romances is how quick I am read one! I love when I have a book that I can curl up with and immerse myself for a few hours on a lazy weekend and walk away feeling 100% satisfied and content when I am done reading.
This one has a sweet romance, a little melodramatic but not irritatingly so. The hero, Matt, was such a swoon worthy romantic interest and he will be one that stands out for me in the sea of holiday romances that I have been reading lately. I thought Liz was a little impulsive but it was refreshing and I really liked exploring her character throughout this one. I especially loved that the setting was a bed and breakfast that needs renovating. For me it added so much charm—-loved loved loved that aspect!
While this book was a pretty quick read (I read it in a couple of sittings in one day) there were parts that felt a little slow for me. Not painfully slow, or so slow that I felt like I needed to take a break, but there were times when I noticed that it lost some steam along the way. However it really picked up at for the last few chapters. I would have liked to have seen some of that momentum spread out a little more evenly though.
If this book doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, then I don’t know what will! Don’t miss it!
The Lit Bitch 