A dozen by Traci Hunter Abramson

 I love potato chips. I remember, as a child, sitting on the sofa for hours, munching chips and reading. Before I realized how much time had passes, the chips were gone and the book was finished.

I particularly like Lay’s chips. So thin, so crisp. And the lightly-salted barbecue is the best. Naturally, I can’t find those ones anymore.

Traci Hunter Abramson’s books are a lot like Lay’s. You can’t read just one. And before you know it, in a single day, you’ve finished two of them. Maybe more. 

I have ARCS of several of her books, standalones and series books, and I discovered just how intertwined many of them are.

I inadvertently started with the “Guardian” series, and enjoyed their many mentions of the Saint Squad. And of course, I had some of those to review as well. And as I got deeper into them, I realized…there’s backstory here that I don’t know. Sure, any of them could be read as a standalone, but it’s far more fun when you understand the full scope of these characters’ lives. Even her books that are billed as “standalones” frequently feature characters that we’ve seen in other places. (So much so, in fact, that I’m severely tempted to make a spreadsheet just so I can see the patterns. I am notorious at school for my color-coded spreadsheets, but I just really like to see both the forest and the trees at the same time.)

Thing is, most of the characters are such fully-formed, individual people with personalities that you want to know all about them.

And seeing spy-thrillers written by a woman is a refreshing twist in itself. Add in the twist of romance, combine it with the “clean read” factor, and you have some good reading. (A note on the “clean” factor: Abramason is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church beliefs and practices are mentioned, sometimes in-depth, in most of her books. Those that do not mention the church specifically generally have characters who have some kind of religious faith. If you find any of this off-putting, well, you have been warned. Can you enjoy the books without understanding the LDS references? Sure.) I also recommend reading the books in publication order, as the interweaving of characters will make the most sense that way—in other words, you’ll be jumping around between series and so-called standalones.

Is it perfect? No. The romantic twists can occasionally be tropey. And when you read an author’s entire bibliography in a month, you notice some repeated phrases that she sometimes relies too heavily on.

Nonetheless, I am a fan. A big fan.

Following are reviews of the specific books that I have ARCs for. And trust me—that in-depth character chart will happen.

Dream’s Edge Series
This series is set in the early 1980s, during the Cold War. It references the Soviet Union and Amaliya’s mother’s defection 20 years before this series takes place. This series has no crossovers with any of Abramson’s other books.

An Unlikely Pair

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (June 7, 2021)

Paperback: ‎304 pages

ISBN-10: 1524417041

ISBN-13: 978-1524417048 

Publisher’s blurb:

After a family tragedy, aspiring ballerina Amaliya Marcell is adrift. When she is forced to leave behind everything she knows, the lost young woman struggles to build a new life in an unfamiliar city. But when she meets a handsome world-class figure skater, she finds a glimmer of hope.

 After his sister's unexpected retirement from figure skating, Tyler Linden is devastated to give up his shot at the US national championships. His only hope is to find a new partner, a task that proves nearly impossible―until he observes a beautiful young woman at the local ice rink. Struck by her grace and poise, Tyler takes an unthinkable risk and asks Amaliya to become his new partner. To both of their surprise, she agrees. The path to the championship won't be easy, but Amaliya and Tyler quickly establish a solid partnership and a profound connection―both on and off the ice. However, competition at the championships is fierce, and when the time comes, they will be forced to put everything on the line if they hope to achieve their dreams.

 My thoughts:

Amaliya is pretty sheltered when she has to leave home and stay with family friends. She’s led a fairly charmed life, despite her mother’s past as a defector from the Soviet Union. A high school student, Amaliya faces typical problems related to having to move during senior year, finding friends, and overcoming her fears about her parents’ recovery from a car accident. Her father is a professional hockey coach; her mother was a star ballerina, and Amaliya aspires to be a professional ballerina.

 Tyler has an on-again-off-again girlfriend who trains with the same coach. He’s determined to get to the Olympics in pairs skating, despite his sister’s retirement and his girlfriend’s suggestion that he switch to singles. When he sees Amaliya at the local ice rink, something about her skating intrigues him. Eventually, they become partners, though she’s barely even done single jumps before, let alone the doubles that are the minimum requirement for competition.

 Nonetheless, he’s determined that her ballet ability will be the key and she can learn the rest. Naturally his coach disagrees and his girlfriend is skeptical.

 A variety of challenges and setbacks ensue on the path toward Olympic qualification.

 I have to say, my biggest question goes back to my own ballet days: my ballet teachers wouldn’t allow us to ice skate. They told us it was bad for our ankles. I don’t know if that’s really a thing, or if it was just my teachers, but it did make me wonder.

 One of my favorite scenes is when Tyler and Amalia start teaching in order to pay for ice time. Naturally, Tyler is assigned the hockey boys, and Amalia is assigned to beginner figure skaters. They convince their boss to let them switch, and Amaliya makes quite an impression on the little boys—and their dads—who think a girl can’t coach hockey.

 Possible objectionable material:

Teenage drama. Drunken prom dates. Kissing. Hearing about Amaliya’s parents’ injuries could be worrisome. Seriously though, there’s nothing here that I think would be inappropriate for a 12-year-old.

 Who might like this book:

Those interested in ballet and/or ice skating. The protagonists are late teens/early 20s. Those who like innocent romance.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

 Dreams of Gold

Publisher:‎ Covenant Communications (February 7, 2022)
Paperback: ‎312 pages
ISBN-10: 1524418900
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524418908

 Publisher’s Blurb

Nine months ago, Amaliya Marcell’s world was rocked when she nearly lost her parents in a devastating accident. In that moment, everything changed, and it was with no small amount of determination that the former ballerina rebuilt her life into something wonderful alongside the man she loves, her pairs ice-skating partner, Tyler.

 Since he was a child, Tyler Linden has dreamed of Olympic gold. And with Amaliya by his side, he’s confident that his goal is finally within reach. The pair is on track to compete in the Winter Games in Leningrad, but the path to gold turns out to be rougher than they expected. A painful injury on the ice shakes Amaliya’s confidence, and it will take every ounce of willpower to keep working toward the competition of her life. But when the discovery of a family secret connects her to the Soviet Union, the truth of her history forges within Amaliya a renewed determination to make her Olympic dreams a reality.

 My thoughts:

As Tyler and Amaliya continue their quest for the Olympics, setbacks continue. A freak on-ice accident makes Amaliya lose her nerve for quite a while, but eventually, they are able to pick up the pieces and (semi-spoiler) qualify for the Olympics in Leningrad. This has special importance to Amaliya, because it is near to where her mother grew up, and she has only recently learned that she still has family there. This discovery adds to her motivation to make it onto the Olympic team. She and Tyler have become more than partners on the ice, forging a romantic relationship as well.

 I particularly enjoyed the subplot of Amaliya meeting her mother’s family, especially considering that she was the American child of a defector. I am surprised at the ease with which she was allowed to visit her uncle and cousins in their home, and worried for the family’s fate after entertaining Americans. The somewhat sourpuss male cousin made me wonder if somehow he was going to rat them out for something, but nothing came of that.

 The book ends with Amaliya and Tyler looking forward to the World Championships and seeing Amaliya’s cousin Sonya (a singles skater) again.

 This book is not yet released, but I am assuming that Abramson is planning another one, as there are some definite loose ends that could be tied up. Not enough that it couldn’t end here, but I strongly suspect there’s at least one more.

 Possible objectionable material:

Drama between competitors. Kissing. Some readers might need some historical context on the Soviet Union. There’s nothing here that I think would be inappropriate for a 12-year-old.

 Who might like this book:

Those interested in ballet and/or ice skating. The protagonists are late teens/early 20s. Those who like innocent romance.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

 Standalones

Chance for Home
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (April 3, 2017)
Paperback: ‎248 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524401889
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524401887
 
Publisher’s blurb:

Beautiful pre-med student Kari Evans believes she's found the man of her dreams—right up until the moment she discovers he's a two-timing cheat. Desperately gathering the pieces of her broken heart, she realizes that what she needs most is space to reconsider her future. A summer in Washington, DC, with her professional baseball player brother, Ben, sounds like just the change of scene she's after. But if complicated romantic entanglements are what she's trying to escape, she's out of luck.

 Ryan Strobel has had it with spotlight-seeking women. As third baseman for the Washington Nationals, he's dealt with more than his fair share of opportunistic admirers—but his ex-fiancée, Brandi, may be the worst. When the woman refuses to take no for an answer, Ryan's teammate Ben offers a crazy solution: Ben's sister will pose as Ryan's new girlfriend. Though an unlikely pair, Ryan and Kari find themselves getting surprisingly comfortable with the charade. Soon, the line between fact and fiction is blurred, and the very real feelings that develop between the couple are undeniable. But when faced with the interference of conniving exes, family objections, and the reality of their very different lives, are Ryan and Kari destined to strike out in the game of love?

 My thoughts:

This is a follow-up to Abramson’s Chances Are. You do not need to have read that one, but it helps. There are no crossover characters with her other work.

 This was a quick read. While it had many of the predictable romance elements, it was enjoyable nonetheless. Abramson clearly enjoys baseball, and the behind-the-scenes look at baseball life is fun, as is the ongoing prank war between some of the players.

 Kari is the typical independent young woman coming off a bad breakup. Her goal is medical school, but no one seems to think she’s capable of the many more years of high stress education that will take. Except, of course, for Ryan. Ryan is tired of women who want to date him because he’s A. Good looking; B. Semi-famous; C. Pretty well off; D. All of the above. So when Kari comes to stay with Ben and his wife, pretending to date her seems like the solution to his problems.

 Add in the twist of Ryan’s mother being hit by a car and needing near-round the clock care just as he has to leave for a road trip, and you add an interesting dynamic to the relationship.

There are the usual complications and misunderstanding, but the book comes to the requisite happy ending.

 Possible objectionable material:

Sneaky underhanded exes. Kissing. Medical issues. I would totally let my 14-year-old read this if she were interested.

 Who might like this book:

Those who like clean romance. Being a baseball fan doesn’t hurt!

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

 Heirs of Falcon Point
By Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards, A.L. Sowards
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (October 11, 2021)
ISBN-10: ‎1524417793
ISBN-13:  978-1524417796
 
Publisher’s blurb:

The Nazis have taken control of Austria, and wealthy widower Leopold Lang faces a difficult decision: join the ranks of the foreign power that has taken over his homeland or flee with his children to safety. Leopold makes his choice--but too late. His family is ripped apart, never to be reunited. But decades later, fate brings together the descendants of this broken dynasty in the place where it all began--Falcon Point.

Anna, Cole, and Tess have never met, each relying on fractured pieces of information to understand their Austrian heritage. But when unforeseen opportunities draw these Lang cousins to to Falcon Point, they soon discover they are not alone in their quest to claim the coveted property and the fabled treasure hidden within. Unfortunately, another claimant, one with a much darker heritage, is determined to eliminate the Lang family once and for all.

 My Thoughts:

This book does not cross over with Abramson’s other books.

 This group-written effort starts off a bit slow as the Lang family make their escape from the Nazi regime. Once we jump forward to their modern-day descendants, things definitely picked up. This was not as gripping as Abramson’s solo endeavors, but there was definitely some intrigue to propel the plot forward—as well as an assortment of relationship types to keep those who are in it for the romance going.

 I always wonder about group-written books, and there’s a fun guide at the beginning for who developed which characters. There are no shifts in voice or style to indicate that there were multiple writers at work.

 Possible objectionable material:

The escape from the Nazi’s could stress some out. People get shot. A hit and run accident. Perilous situations.

 Who might like this book:

Those interested in WWII and the aftermath. Those who like mysteries. And, of course, romance fans.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

 Entangled
By Traci Hunter Abramson, Clair M. Poulson, Gregg Luke, Stephanie Black
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (September 1, 2019)
Paperback: ‎384 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524410888
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524410889
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Mystery and desperation collide in Entangled, a compilation of novellas that twist, turn, and terrify, penned by four popular suspense authors: Traci Hunter Abramson, Clair M. Poulson, Gregg Luke, and Stephanie Black.

A woman on the run from a man who is always one step ahead

A mother who will stop at nothing to find her missing daughter

A wife determined to discover the source of the illness attacking her husband

A newlywed caught in a web of murder, unsure of whom to trust

Featuring a chilling cast of villains, these stories tell the tale of strong heroines forced to make perilous snap decisions in their quest to outwit evil. With an abundance of intrigue and danger, each masterful mystery is sure to leave you breathless.

 My Thoughts:

This set of novellas offers something for everyone. They vary wildly in topic and craft.

 “Bridge of Trust”, by Abramson, is the first selection and features a woman who recently divorced her criminal husband. He has kidnapped one of their children, and the FBI—including one of Abramson’s recurring characters, Charlie Whitmore—are on the case. Naturally, there’s an element of romance here, as well as edge-of-your seat situations. This is Abramson’s usual quality work.

 “Corrupted”, by Poulson, is next. It’s a huge contrast from Abramson’s work. I have a handful of his books that a friend gave me that I have not yet read. If they are of the same quality as this, they will end up in the donation pile. I peeked in one, and it was not encouraging. The story is…fine. Someone is kidnapping young girls off the street and trafficking them. Widowed police Lieutenant Jay Tanstall becomes personally involved when his girlfriend’s daughter disappears…and the cop who took a witness statement from the neighbor lady records incorrect details.

 My first objection to this story is the basic plot premise. It appears Poulson has bought into the incorrect assumptions about human trafficking. A quick Google search reveals that most trafficking victims are adult women, and that victims (and particularly teen/preteen girls) are rarely randomly abducted off the street and trafficked.

 But even worse than the plot is the writing style. Like, so difficult to read. Long strings of one-syllable words. Very few contractions when the characters speak. Conversation is stilted, and the characters use each others’ names far too much in the conversation. For instance, Jay’s partner, Vallie, starts with his name about every other time she speaks during an intense conversation.

 “Insidious”, by Luke, is not your typical thriller. This one is a race-against-time attempt by Taryn Miner, a pharmacist, and her husband’s doctor to figure out why her Olympic-caliber pole vaulter husband is suddenly in a severe health crisis. Luke’s own pharmacology experience comes to the front a little too much, as the science-speak can become a bit too much. I’ll be honest, I had the diagnosis a lot sooner than the characters did—Luke telegraphed it very clearly if you know what you’re looking for.

 The final story is “Something Beautiful for Something Evil” by Black. This one uses the trope of the naïve woman falling for a man’s (in this case, her husband’s) claim to be secretly working for the government in order to use her in furthering his own evil ends. This was, to me, the second best of the stories in the book. It had enough intricate plotting to keep it interesting, although I was still shaking my head at how gullible Kate was.

 Possible objectionable material:

Various types of violence and peril. No swearing, no sex.

 Who might like this book:

Those who enjoy a collection of shorter stories rather than a full-length book, and like their mysteries varied.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

 

Proximity
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (October 1, 2018)
Paperback: ‎262 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524406821
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524406820
 
Publisher’s blurb:

Tia Parker always seems to fall for the wrong guy. But when she meets Evan Spence at a friend's wedding, it seems like she's finally found Mr. Right. Their spark is undeniable, but reality may extinguish any hope for a future: they are separated by thousands of miles. As the couple struggles with the pitfalls of pursuing romance long-distance, Tia is taken off guard by a new arrival in town. Colby Farren is handsome and charming and has made it clear he's interested in Tia. Yet despite his obvious infatuation, Tia can't seem to get Evan out of her mind. Caught between the attention of two very different men, her complicated love life is soon eclipsed by much more sobering concerns. A break-in at her apartment is just the first in a series of bizarre events, each bringing her one step closer to a dangerous liaison. And knowing who to trust could be a matter of life and death.

 My thoughts:

While I enjoyed this book and still give it four stars, I like this less than Abramson’s other work. Maybe because it’s her second time in the “man obsessively stalks a woman” vein, and I think she did it better in Obsession. I didn’t dislike the book; I like the protagonists and the way their relationship develops. I love that we got to see Charlie Whitmore and Kendra Blake. (Even though this is a complete stand-alone, it’s always good to see friends from other books.) Colby was set up to be the villain pretty quickly, and lived up to those expectations.

 Possible objectionable material:

Perilous situations. Quick romance. Kissing. Stalking.

 Who might like this book:

If you like romantic suspense, this is the book for you!

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

 Mistaken Reality
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (October 1, 2019)
Paperback: ‎312 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524409413
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524409418
 
Publisher’s blurb:

Hadley Baker can't believe her boyfriend finally invited her on a fancy hotel dinner date only to break up with her in public. Even more unbelievable is the moment FBI Agent JD Byers finds her crying in the women's restroom and demands she evacuate. Seconds after JD ushers Hadley outside, an explosion shatters the building. Could her life be any more disastrous?

 JD didn't anticipate seeing Hadley, the beautiful schoolteacher, again after he saved her from the hotel attack. But soon after her ex-boyfriend became a lead suspect in the hotel bombing case, the man turned up dead—and now it seems that Hadley herself is a target. Determined to keep her safe, JD shelters Hadley as they join forces to put together the pieces of the perplexing case. When they discover the horrifying truth behind her ex-boyfriend's nefarious work, Hadley realizes her life is far from the only one being threatened. Countless others are in danger, and she and JD might hold the key to saving them.

 My thoughts:

This one is one of my favorites by Abramson. Although it is billed as a standalone, it is pretty much a sequel to Deep Cover. It brings back the protagonists from that book. It has the Saint Squad. It has the Guardians. It’s all the best of Abramson’s works in one volume.

 This book starts with a literal bang. And the more Hadley learns about her ex-boyfriend, the more she wonders whether anything in their relationship was genuine. (By the end, I was thinking…maybe he really did love her. I read the book so fast though, and that element was so minor to me, that it didn’t really matter that much.)

 I’m just going to jump to the chase and let you know that the crime in this case is human trafficking. And while I strongly disliked the way it was portrayed in the Poulson story in Entangled, it works in this case.

 As with all of Abramson’s female protagonists, Hadley is a good combination of capable and vulnerable. She, like the rest, does not simply wait to be rescued; she is an active participant in her own survival.

 Possible objectionable material:

The same as with Abramson’s other work: perilous situations, kissing. This time, children are in danger as well.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

 Saint Squad Series:

This series is about a squad of Navy SEALS, known as the “Saint Squad” because someone in command thought it would be interesting to put a bunch of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints together on a single squad. Their missions in foreign countries are a key focus of the stories, but romance is equally important. There is frequent mention of faith and church beliefs and practices.

 

Tripwire (#10)
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc.; First Printing: April 2018 edition (April 1, 2018)
Paperback: ‎272 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524405353
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524405359
 
Publisher’s blurb:

Jane Napierski is back at work at the job she loves—being a personal assistant to her friend Sienna Blake, a rising star actress. The duo is on location in Virginia Beach to film Sienna's new TV series, along with costar Reed Forrester—the man with whom the world thinks Sienna is in love. Wrong.

 Sienna's heart actually belongs to her fiancé, Craig, a Navy Seal with the Saint Squad. Craig must fly under the radar if he is to keep Sienna safe from his world of terrorists and toxic bombs. And Reed has no problem pretending to date his old friend Sienna simply because it means he can spend time learning more about Jane. Making a TV series is grueling work but not nearly as difficult as the treacherous adventure that is about to begin with a simple photo taken in the wrong place at the wrong time—an image worth killing for.

 When Craig returns to the United States to spend time with Sienna, he's not expecting to spend that time protecting her and Jane. Frightening incidents targeting the two women rapidly escalate, and as Craig and his Saint Squad investigate a tangled conspiracy, they find themselves tracking, here at home, the terrorists they have searched for across the globe. But can they shut the terrorists down in time to save Jane, Reed, and Sienna?

 My thoughts:

This one continues Craig and Sienna’s story from Spotlight and brings in two new characters to fall in love. This one is a bit of a Cinderella story as Sienna’s assistant ends up dating her co-star in a new TV series—the same co-star who is pretending to date Sienna. There’s a big misunderstanding here that almost derails the romance.

 The plot is set into motion through the accident of catching terrorists in the background of a photo Jane and Sienna take at the airport. Of course, they don’t know what they’ve done, and they think Sienna is being stalked just has her older sister, Kendra, had once been (Obsession).

 This one is part of the Saint Squad series, so there are LDS references and we get to see plenty of the team and their wives.

 Best scene: the one for which the book is named. There’s nothing like triggering a mine to get your blood pumping!

 This one is not about any of the squad members finding love, but the squad is definitely part of the story.

 Possible objectionable material:

This series is about Navy SEALs and their missions. People get shot. People die. Also: kissing. Reference to faith, and particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don’t like religion in your thrillers, pass this by.

 Who might like this book:

Fans of romance, suspense, or both.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Redemption (#11)
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (September 20, 2021)
Paperback: 314 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524417521
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524417529
 
Publisher’s blurb:

Gage Stewart has spent five years trying to overcome his past. Once an abused and troubled teenager, he has worked tirelessly to move beyond the fateful day he was manipulated into holding a group of teenagers hostage. Now, with a new identity and a college degree in criminal psychology, he accepts an unlikely job teaching others what to do during mass shootings.

At the hotel where his class is held, Gage is immediately drawn to Skyler Prescott, the daughter of the wealthy hotel owner. Gage and Skyler quickly discover a shared desire for normalcy, and their easy friendship soon develops into something more. But after a night out ends in horror when a gunman opens fire in the crowded venue, they make an alarming discovery that threatens more than their relationship. The attack was little more than a publicity stunt to draw out the real target: presidential candidate Senator James Whitmore. Unwilling to become someone’s scapegoat, Gage must now work in tandem with the very men who ended his own life of crime before it began―the Saint Squad.

My thoughts:

I really appreciated the way Abramson brought back a pivotal character from the second Saint Squad book—Lockdown. And the way in which she brought him back was an excellent way to show that the members of the Saint Squad are not all, well, saints. They have some serious apprehension about Gage, and it takes them a while to get over their grudges. I applaud this! The title of the book is well-chosen, because it is about Gage’s chance to find redemption from his past, in the eyes of the Saint Squad, and in his own mind.

Skyler is the only functional member of her ultra-wealthy family, and the fact that Gage (who has no clue who she “really” is) treats her like just another person is appealing to her. Of course, this would not be a romantic thriller if there were not misunderstandings and obstacles in their paths—including Gage’s past.

This one is not about any of the squad members finding love, but the squad is definitely part of the story.

There is frequent mention of a recent attempt on Senator Whitmore’s life. This incident was part of Guardians #5, In Harm’s Way. You don’t have to have read that book, but it helps.

Possible objectionable material:

This series is about Navy SEALs and their missions. People get shot. People die. Also: kissing. Reference to faith, and particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you don’t like religion in your thrillers, pass this by. Oh, and kissing.

Who might like this book:

Fans of romance, suspense, or both. People who like a good redemption story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Guardians Series:

This series focuses on the Guardians, a super-classified program of “Ghosts” who help to protect United States agents who are in danger at home and abroad. The program, known only to a very few, amalgamates information from all branches of intelligence and military to prevent friendly fire incidents and to protect US assets and the country. They are first hinted at in 2013’s Deep Cover, frequently appeared in the Saint Squad series before getting a series of their own. The individual Guardians are people who, for various reasons, have had to fake their own deaths for their own protection or that of those they love, and operate anonymously. This series has less mention of specific LDS ideals; the protagonists are not LDS, but the Saint Squad still appears frequently and there is mention of church practices.

Safe House (#2)
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (October 2, 2017)
Paperback: ‎304 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524402753
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524402754

Publisher’s blurb:

The guardians, the shadowy heroes of the top-secret program designed to protect members of the most elite government organizations, are being hunted down one by one. There is a single explanation: a traitor must be embedded somewhere in their midst. But if they themselves are the target, who will protect them?

 CIA operative Renee Niezen has heard tales of the guardians, though she's never really believed in their existence— until she is approached by Charlotte, an old friend who desperately needs her help to stop the systematic destruction of the guardian program. Renee accepts the plea for assistance, but not everyone is thrilled to have her on the team. Kade—one of the last guardians standing—is unimpressed with Renee's qualifications and turns instead to the legendary Saint Squad for help. But when Renee is caught in the crosshairs, Kade must set aside his antagonism for the woman in order to protect her. Their grudging alliance soon develops into much more—but before the pair can examine their feelings, their investigation takes a dramatic twist. With lives on the line, Renee and Kade must use their spy training at every turn as they draw dangerously close to the shocking truth.

 My thoughts:

This book was actually my introduction to the Saint Squad, since it is the first Abramson book I read. (I then went back to the first Saint Squad book, then jumped back to Undercurrents before continuing on.) The squad are frequent participants in helping the Guardians to complete their necessary tasks.

 The dramatic tension in this book was really well done, especially given the need for Kade to preserve his anonymity. Renee starts out wondering what she’s gotten herself into –between potentially working in support for the Guardians, having someone trying to kill her, and building a relationship with total loner Kade, she definitely has her ups and downs. For Kade, the battle is in learning to depend on someone and simply accepting the presence of another person in his life.

I don’t think it’s giving anything away to say that they do eventually work things out.

There is one glaring continuity error here. I probably wouldn’t have noticed it if I’d been reading the books as they were published, but I’ve read all of Abramson’s work in a month, and I’ve always had a knack for continuity issues. This book mentions Taylor (from the Saint Squad series being to show her pregnancy. However, Taylor’s first pregnancy doesn’t happen until some time later, in Redemption.

Possible objectionable material:

Again, we’re dealing with what are basically secret agents. People get shot. People die.

Who might like this book:

Fans of romance, suspense, or both.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Sanctuary (#3)
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (March 1, 2019)
Paperback: ‎312 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524407380
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524407384
 
Publisher’s blurb:

Kristi Hartinger has come to terms with her life as a single, thirty-something woman. She was in love . . . once. But following her boyfriend's tragic death, no one else could capture her heart. And nothing else could fill that void, though the serenity of the ocean came close. Two years ago, Kristi left the craziness of her Wall Street career behind and embraced a simpler life on her family's private island off the coast of Maine. As a resident of the small beach community, she anticipates a quiet future until she comes face-to-face with her past.

 Ace Samson is dead, or so the world believes. As a member of a secret organization known as the guardians, he was forced to fake his death years ago, leaving everything behind when he became an agent. So when he is selected to offer a potential new recruit a job with the organization, Ace braces himself: for the first time in more than a decade, he must face the woman he loved and left.

 Kristi's world is rocked by Ace's sudden reappearance, and she's soon drawn into his world of danger and cover-up. But when Kristi herself becomes a target, Ace will do whatever it takes to protect the only woman he has ever loved.

 My thoughts:

This has been my favorite of this series. It really examines the losses that some of the Guardians have had to face when faking their deaths.

 Ace, against his wishes, is sent to recruit Kristi to manage the finances of the Guardian program. He was in love with her when he “died”, and he still loves her. Needless to say, once she discovers he’s alive, she’s rightfully angry.

 She’s also in danger because of the island on which she lives, an island that has belonged to her family for generations. The solution here is clever!

 Unlike Renee, who had no family of her own, Kristi does have a loving family, which throws serious complications into the idea of having a relationship with Ace. She still loves him, but the idea of having to lie to her family is troubling to her.

 There’s also a foiled bank robbery, and the recruitment of a new guardian—who gets his own adventure in the next book.

 We do not see the Saint Squad in this book so much, though we do see Kade and Renee, Jim and Katherine Whitmore, and their FBI agent son Charlie.

 Possible objectionable material:

People get shot. People die. People also kiss.

 Who might like this book:

Fans of romance, suspense, or both.

 

On the Run (#4)
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communicaions, Inc. (October 26, 2020)
ISBN-10: 1524412481
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524412487

Publisher’s blurb:

As one of the top investigative journalists in the nation, Elle Jameson has a knack for uncovering the truth. So when a promising lead points to corruption on a German military base, Elle anticipates a straightforward assignment. But then she stumbles upon a deadly conspiracy beyond anything she's faced before, and her scrutiny does not go unnoticed. She knows too much, and she can't be allowed to live. With no idea where to turn for help, she does the only thing she can: she runs.

 The Guardians, an elite team of undercover agents, have one job: safeguard those under their protection. As a new Guardian, Nolan has just received his first solo assignment to help a young woman who just survived an assassination attempt. Within minutes of making contact with the beautiful journalist, however, their location is discovered. Thus begins a game of cat and mouse spanning the globe as the two work to stay ahead of a determined assassin. Nolan fights to buy Elle time to complete her investigation, and what she discovers is a plot that threatens the very fabric of America. In a desperate race against evil, Nolan and Elle are the only ones who can prevent global catastrophe.

 My thoughts:

We saw Nolan recruited to the Guardians in the previous book, and here we see his struggles adapting to his new life as a ghost. Elle is also undercover as an investigative reporter when she stumbles on what at first appears to be missing weaponry…but turns out to be a global plot. This one takes us around the world as the two attempt to stop what could be a devastating crime.

Once again, we lack the involvement of the Saint Squad, but we do see the Whitmores and some of the other Guardians. The overall plot about Senator Whitmore’s run for the presidency is advanced, and the events of this book are picked up again in the fifth instalment of the Guardians series, which was recently released.

 Possible objectionable material:

Kissing happens. Secret agent stuff. People get shot. People die.

 Who might like this book:

Fans of romance, suspense, or both.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC, which was provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Cuddle up with Holiday Romances

First, let me make one thing crystal clear: I watch Hallmark Christmas movies. I am not ashamed to say it. They are a perfect accompaniment for Christmas knitting and crafting. They do not require too much thought. They are comfortingly predictable. I can tell you within a five-minute range of when the plot complication will occur to almost break up our Happy Couple.

Thus, I present to you my Black Friday gift: this massive list of Christmas romance books. Set in various times and places, they almost all satisfy that predictable, comforting format.

The Santa Suit
By Mary Kay Andrews
Publisher: ‎St. Martin's Press (September 28, 2021)
Hardcover: 224 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1250279313
ISBN-13: ‎978-1250279316

Publisher’s Blurb:

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love―but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit―beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

My Thoughts:

This was a very quick, fun read. It follows most of the tropes, but in a satisfying way. Ivy’s quest to figure out the Santa letter is a great B-plot, and it’s resolution was quite satisfying in light of the holiday season.

The less believable part is that Ezra is clearly interested in Ivy from the very beginning. Okay, they worked together via phone/email for her to purchase the house, but they had never met in person—and he’s pursuing her practically from page 1.

This was what I would term a “clean read”. There’s some kissing and drinking of adult beverages—by adults.

His Lady of Mistletoe
By Charlotte Jardine
Ladies of the Lamp #3
ASIN: ‎B09FXZNLJV
Publisher: ‎Griffon Press (October 12, 2021)
Print length: ‎183 pages

Publisher’s Blurb:

Beth Maybury is more at home in field hospitals than London parlors. She’s been the victim of society’s elite before, and the scars—and the epithet ‘Mistletoe Maybury’—are as fresh to her as the Crimean War. Now, with her spirits at rock bottom, and her mother too distracted by her charity to bother with Christmas, Beth agrees to provide round-the-clock nursing for a patient from her Bethnal Green clinic. However, the position comes with a catch: her charge’s handsome, yet curmudgeonly nephew.

When Nate Hillier, head of the Hillier’s Sweets empire, goes looking for his war veteran uncle to invite him home for Christmas, he hadn’t expected his uncle to be near-death. The old man insists on Miss Elizabeth Maybury caring for him, so Nate is forced to invite the annoying do-gooder into his home, even though it’s almost Christmas.

A rags-to-riches success, Nate has no desire to expose his family to the thinly-veiled scorn of an upper class lady playing at nurse, no matter how gentle her manner or beguiling those toffee-colored eyes. Nate is far too busy running the family business for romance… and most certainly not with a woman whose world is so different to his own.

 My thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one. It was a little less cookie-cutter than many others. There was still the usual trope of both of the protagonists assuming that the other couldn’t possibly be interested in them. I really enjoyed the character of Beth. Her escape to be a nurse was prompted by a rather overblown social problem of the day, but her heart is truly in her work and she’s good at it. I also appreciated that Nate is not the usual member of the nobility, but a self-made man.

This one is squeaky clean, with just a little bit of kissing.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough
By Josi Kilpack, Anneka Walker, Sarah McConkie
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (September 20, 2021)
ISBN-10: ‎1524419737
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1524419738

Publisher’s Blurb:

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happily ever after! This special holiday historical romance anthology featuring three heartwarming novellas proves that no matter the obstacles, 'tis the season for love.

Meet Me under the Kissing Bough by Josi S. Kilpack

Deborah Winfrey hasn't had the heart to host a holiday party since her husband's death. But this Christmas, it's time to move forward. The festivities bring renewed life to her home, and the attentions of two very different men promise a chance at new love.

Healing Hearts for the Holidays by Anneka R. Walker

Julia Hunt is strictly forbidden from associating with the family in the nearby manor̬ including the handsome younger son, Esmond, who quickly steals her heart. With Christmas around the corner, an old bundle of hidden love letters may be the key to her own happily ever after.

A Christmas Correspondence by Sarah L. McConkie

In this novella inspired by the timeless tale A Christmas Carol, John Charleston finds himself on an unexpected journey in the company of the insufferable Lady Carolyn Morleigh. But the magic of the season has a way of softening even the hardest of hearts.

My Thoughts:

I appreciated the variety in these stories. I liked that the first featured a second chance at love for a widow—not something we see enough of, as romances seem to mostly focus on young first love. Of course, as a notorious lover of re-told tales, I particularly enjoyed “A Christmas Correspondence.” The middle of the three was the least memorable.

As befits this publisher, all of these are squeaky clean, with nothing more than a bit of kissing.

A Midwinter Match
By Jane Lovering
Publisher: ‎Boldwood Books (August 19, 2021)
Paperback: ‎272 pages
ISBN-10: 1800482469
ISBN-13: ‎978-1800482463

Publisher’s Blurb:

Ruby Oldbridge needs to learn to take her own advice.

A talented counsellor at work in York, she is however floundering in her own life. Her romantic track record is woeful, her finances are in a pickle, and she’s back in a house-share after splitting up with her useless ex.

But one thing Ruby is brilliant at, is helping other people find a way through their problems, and she excels at the job she loves, doing just that.

Happy-go-lucky, Mr Positivity, Zac Drewe also loves his job – the trouble is, it’s the same as Ruby’s, and the management have decided to ‘rationalise’ their department. There’s only room for one of them.

As the snow and winter close in on York, Ruby and Zac have everything to lose, and Ruby starts to wonder if the happy face Zac shows the world, might be disguising a sadder secret.

Set against one another, they are unlikely friends. But perhaps, if they could take the time to understand each other, they might discover that rather than rivals, they could be the best thing that ever happened to one another…

My Thoughts:

This was a little less like the classic Christmas movie format, but then, it’s not really a Christmas plot, it just happens to be set in the winter. Our two characters both do the same job, and when their companies merge, they are forced to compete for one position. They’re both good at what they do, and each has their own reason for desperately needing to keep the job. Ruby thinks Zac is too nice to be true, especially since they’re both after the same job. As she gets to know him, instead of hating him, she hates the situation they’re in. And, in the end, despite her nearly crippling anxiety, she makes a bold decision in order to secure a future for both of them, leading to a satisfying conclusion. The characters were all well-drawn, even the stereotypical incompetent boss and the ubiquitous gay best friend.

This is another one that doesn’t go past kissing, although there is the aforementioned gay character and a man who wants to be a drag queen. A few vaguely sexual references, like hoping someone’s “willy rots off.” I don’t recall any strong language.

Cross-Country Christmas
By Laurie Lewis
Silver Buckle Brides
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (October 1, 2021)
Paperback: ‎256 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524418862
ISBN-13:‎ 978-1524418861

Publisher’s Blurb:

When CC Cippolini is offered a temp job driving a custom car across the country, she leaps at the chance to leave Chicago, put her past in the rearview mirror, and make a fresh start. But one car crash and broken cattle fence later, CC ends up at the home of ruggedly handsome rancher Reese Brockbank.

Reese doesn’t hesitate to rescue the reckless woman who has crashed into his life, but when circumstances require him to put CC up in his house for a few days, he vows to remain aloof—a woman already derailed his life once. As CC’s warmth and childlike love of Christmas turn his beautiful but sterile house into a home, however, she wears down his defenses. Still, something in her story doesn’t quite add up, and Reese’s questions soon cause CC to retreat.

The pain of their pasts has brought them to this moment, but will they seize it or put the possibility of love in jeopardy?

My Thoughts:

A book about faith—in ourselves, in others, and in God—that isn’t preachy. Both of our main characters have things in their past that they struggle with, and, as with so many of the “Hallmark movie” tropes. In this one, he’s the grinch, and she’s the big-hearted Christmas lover. Of course, each of them helps the other to deal with their issues, even if they don’t realize that’s what they’re doing. Throw in the ex-boyfriend-on-the-doorstep-just-as-things-are-going-well twist, and you get a fairly predictable moment. Of course, we know how it will end, it’s just a matter of how the author gets us there. This is another one with some delightful side characters.

Once again, there’s no objectionable content. There’s some kissing, and some reference to a married couple being together after being separated for a few days.

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls
By Katie Mettner
Publisher: ‎Breaking Night Press (October 12, 2021)
Paperback: ‎254 pages
ISBN-10: 1735725331
ISBN-13: ‎978-1735725338
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Actress Carrie Murray's films are a Christmas lover's delight. Filled with twinkling lights, festive carols, and happy endings, they're the perfect escape from reality-for her and the audience. Then Tinseltown calls.

 Braxton Timothy is Hollywood's biggest action star. Handsome and talented but decidedly on the naughty list, no one can fathom his sudden desire to produce a feel-good Christmas movie-least of all, his no-name co-star.

Alternating between scenes reminiscent of everyone's favorite made-for-TV movies and unexpected, off-screen chemistry, Gingerbread Falls has surprises in store this holiday season. The question is, will there be enough Christmas magic to convince two imperfect people that they're perfect for each other?

This "sweet as a Christmas cookie" romance (bestselling author Heidi Swain) includes an original recipe for Maple Glazed Gingerbread Scones.

My Thoughts:

Not my favorite of this batch of Christmas romances.

It started off hitting every possible Hallmark movie trope—and there’s a reason for that. They’re shooting a movie for The Christmas Channel! The alternating stories were a fun way to go about telling the stories of our two characters.

What bothered me is that, from the beginning, we hear that Braxton has chosen Carrie to save his career. How did he decide on her? He’d never worked with her. He was going on hearsay and what he’d seen in the many, many Christmas movies she’d already done.

And, from the very beginning, the author spends lots of time describing how aroused he is by being in Carrie’s presence. All she has to do is sip some coffee and he’s in need of a cold shower. This comes up over and over.

The story is cute, and the outcome is predictable. But this one just didn’t grab me like others.

There are a couple of spicy sex scenes, so reader beware. Some language as well.

 

 Christmas with Hamish
 By Sophie Penhaligon
 ASIN: ‎B09CLJJDBR
 Publication date: ‎November 1, 2021
 Print length:‎ 180 pages
 
 Publisher’s Blurb:

 Christmas has never been the most wonderful time of the year for Verity Robinson. When her younger sister sends her an invite to her Christmas wedding on the other side of the country in Vancouver, she decides to kill two birds with one stone and plans a ski trip to Whistler with some old friends. However, her dreams of a snowy Christmas on skis are thwarted by her sister’s dog sitting crisis.

Instead of spending Christmas enjoying the après ski alcohol, she is instead stuck minding Hamish McDuff for the next week. They say that every cloud has a silver lining and for Verity the silver lining comes in the guise of her sexy new neighbour, Nikau Taylor. Nikau seems determined to help Verity eradicate her ghosts of Christmas past, but what will happen when her time is up and it’s time to go home to Toronto?

 My Thoughts:

This was a cute little holiday romance, only a three-hour read. Verity is very damaged by her family’s treatment. When she grudgingly attends her sister’s wedding, she meets Nikau and the attraction is instant.

This story features possibly the most adorable dogs ever (replacing the cute kid requirement of holiday romcoms). Nikau has his own difficult past to deal with, but is an optimistic, happy person, and is written maybe a little too good to be true. Likewise, Verity’s family is almost cartoonishly mean.

Nevertheless, the story was fun, with plenty of Christmas spirit and a satisfying ending. I’ve visited Vancouver and the city is a great setting for the story.

There are several f-bombs in this book, some sexy lingerie, and two fairly detailed sex scenes.

Always, In December
By Emily Stone
Publisher: Dell (October 12, 2021)
Language: ‎English
Paperback: ‎416 pages
ISBN-10: ‎0593496876
ISBN-13: ‎978-0593496879
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

It started with a letter. It ended with a love story.

Every December, Josie posts a letter from her home in London to the parents she lost on Christmas night many years ago. Each year, she writes the same three words: Missing you, always. But this year, her annual trip to the postbox is knocked off course by a bicycle collision with a handsome stranger--a stranger who will change the course of Josie's life.
 
Josie always thought she was the only one who avoided the Christmas season, but this year, Max has his own reasons for doing the same—and coincidence leads them to spending the holiday together. Aglow with new love, Josie thinks this might be the start of something special. 
 
Only for Max to disappear without saying goodbye. 
 
Over the course of the next year, Max and Josie will find that fate continues to bring them together in places they'd never expect. New York City. Edinburgh. The quiet English countryside. And it turns out, Max had every reason to leave and every reason to stay. But what does fate hold for Josie and Max as Christmas approaches again?
 
A devastating, romantic, life-affirming love story, Always, in December will stay with readers long after they've finished the last page.

 My Thoughts:

This is a Christmas romance, but definitely not a romantic comedy. While it does have a few of the expected moments, it is distinctly difference. But the romance between these two characters is delightful. The leads are well-rounded characters. Josie’s motivations are believable. Max’s are hidden, although it wasn’t that difficult to figure things out. There are the usual mistaken assumptions about each other that frequently stop things from progressing. The ending, while sad, is believable and heartfelt.

There is some sex in the book, though not described in detail. A few curse words.

Mistle Text
By Whitney Dineen and Melanie Summers
Accidentally in Love #5
Publisher: ‎33 Partners & Indigo Group (September 17, 2021)
Language: ‎English
Paperback: ‎302 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1988891442
ISBN-13: ‎978-1988891446
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Twas the text before Christmas…

Twenty-eight-year-old Holly Snow is the only mother her five-year-old niece remembers. Three years earlier, when her sister and brother-in-law were killed, Holly’s dream of becoming an international flight attendant was put on hold so she could be home for baby Faith.

Holly is doing everything she can to keep the rent paid, including working as an online travel agent, filing medical claims, and cleaning apartments in her building. When her friend Toni tells her that her boss needs someone to buy his Christmas gifts, she leaps at the opportunity.

Tall, dark and Scroogy, investment banker, Archibald Harrington is too busy to do his own Christmas shopping. When his assistant tells him she knows of a professional shopper, he happily checks another dreaded task off his holiday list. The last thing Archie is expecting is for his hired elf to text him insistently to find out more about the people on list.

The last thing Holly expects is to develop feelings for grumpy man who’s stealing her Christmas spirit.

Will there be a Holiday miracle, or will Holly and Archie miss their chance at love? Find out in the fifth installment of the Accidentally in Love Series.

My Thoughts:

I’ve previously reviewed another in this series, Text in Show. I enjoyed this installment as well. Text messaging is a continual plot point, but not the only thing that keeps the plot going. Yes, down-on-her-luck Holly teaches Archie the true meaning of Christmas, but she learns a few lessons as well. Bonus Hallmark points for including an adorable little girl and a spunky best friend. Shopping on behalf of someone who’s too busy/grinchy to do it for themselves has been done before. So have pretend romances. But this didn’t feel overdone. I’m pretty sure I’ll read this one again! (TBH, I’ve purchased the rest of the books in the series, so you can pretty much tell how I feel about them!)

This is another one to file under “clean reads.”

Sleigh Bells on Bread Loaf Mountain
By Lindy Miller
Publisher: ‎Rosewind Books (December 7, 2021)
Paperback: ‎178 pages
ISBN-10: ‎164548078X
ISBN-13: ‎978-1645480785
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Roxanne Hudson does not like the holidays. They come with too many family obligations that take her away from work as a rising fashion editor in New York City. But this Christmas might be Grandma Myrtle’s last, and Roxanne’s parents want her to spend the holiday at the family cabin in the Green Mountains. With her boyfriend out of the country for a photo shoot, Roxanne decides to brave the long commute—and the wilderness—to spend Christmas in Vermont.

 After an uncomfortable call from her boyfriend starts the trip off badly, Roxanne is blindsided by a blizzard on the snowy mountain road, where the last thing she hears before losing consciousness is sleigh bells. When she’s rescued by Mark Foster, a handsome park ranger who’s the exact opposite of everything she always thought she wanted, Roxanne seeks her grandmother’s wisdom and discovers an uncanny connection that could be a sign of what her life is really meant to be.

 My Thoughts:

This one goes under the “city girl climbing the corporate ladder is too busy for Christmas” category. At fewer than 100 pages, it was a very quick read. I think I read this one plus one more on Veterans Day as I recovered from my Covid booster.

To distinguish this one from the others, there’s a little bit of…magic? Fate? Something, as Roxanne keeps hearing sleigh bells that no one else can hear.

I’m sure you can figure out how things go, with the ex-boyfriend, with Mark, and with Roxanne’s family. It definitely follows the formula. However, the author also has a definite message about ties between the fashion industry and the prevalence of body-image problems and eating disorders.

Another one for your “clean reads” pile.

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe
By Melissa De La Cruz
Publisher: ‎St. Martin's Press; First U.S. Edition (October 17, 2017)
Hardcover: ‎240 pages
ISBN-10: 1250141397
ISBN-13: ‎978-1250141392
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Darcy Fitzwilliam is 29, beautiful, successful, and brilliant. She dates hedge funders and basketball stars and is never without her three cellphones―one for work, one for play, and one to throw at her assistant (just kidding). Darcy’s never fallen in love, never has time for anyone else’s drama, and never goes home for Christmas if she can help it. But when her mother falls ill, she comes home to Pemberley, Ohio, to spend the season with her family.

Her parents throw their annual Christmas bash, where she meets one Luke Bennet, the smart, sardonic slacker son of their neighbor. Luke is 32-years-old and has never left home. He’s a carpenter and makes beautiful furniture, and is content with his simple life. He comes from a family of five brothers, each one less ambitious than the other. When Darcy and Luke fall into bed after too many eggnogs, Darcy thinks it’s just another one night stand. But why can’t she stop thinking of Luke? What is it about him? And can she fall in love, or will her pride and his prejudice against big-city girls stand in their way?

My Thoughts:

I wanted so much to like this book more than I do. I love Pride and Prejudice, and I love retellings of it. And, as previously stated, I also love Hallmark Christmas movies.

Although this book recognizably followed Pride and Prejudice, it let me down.

Darcy was just not very likable. She spends half the time drunk, or looking back on how she was better than everyone else in high school. It’s no wonder that she doesn’t have any friends.

The premise behind why Darcy left home and never looked back is particularly awful: her dad disowned her because she didn’t want to marry his chosen candidate and be a society wife. Ugh. In the 20^th century no less.

Darcy flirts with Luke (while frequently drunk), but goes back to her fallback boyfriend in New York, and then bounces back from being in bed with him to wanting Luke. Not a cool look, Darce.

The best thing I can say about this book is that there is some reconciliation between Darcy and her father. Whoo.

This is a mostly clean read; Darcy sleeps with her boyfriend, but there’s no details. And she drinks. A lot.

A Christmas Courting
By Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Heidi Kimball, Jen Geigle Johnson
Publisher: ‎Covenant Communications, Inc. (October 1, 2018)
Paperback: ‎240 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1524407941
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524407940
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore
Lord Covington has planned a quiet holiday with his grieving mother but finds his plans rudely disrupted when lovely Cassie Weatherby and her young siblings are invited for Christmas. Despite his reservations, however, he begins to recognize in Cassie a kindred spirit.

A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton
When obligations keep her in London, Keturah Hensley sadly anticipates missing the festivity of Christmas at her family's country home and the company of her best friend, Christopher Shepherd. When she learns that Christopher will be joining her family in London for Christmas, she is delighted--but her elation is short-lived. Christopher is coming to Town to court the woman of his dreams, and Keturah fears she may have lost the chance to win his love.

Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson
From childhood, Patrick, Duke of Montrose, knew he'd found his perfect match in Lady Alice Tarrington. When he's sent on a grand tour, Patrick is confident he'll marry his sweetheart upon his return. But when he receives word that Alice is to marry another, will he be too late to claim her heart?

Second-Chance Christmas by Heidi Kimball
Francie and Gerard have been friends since childhood, but their friendship ended when she declined his heartfelt proposal of marriage. However, when her interactions with Gerard's holiday houseguests provoke in Francie unexpected jealousy, she realizes she must fight for Gerard's affections or risk losing him forever.

My Thoughts:

Three of these four stories revolve around people who were, to all effect, childhood sweethearts who had grown apart for various reasons. Each has a different reason, and each has a different way of reconnecting. Each story is satisfying in its own way. I was somewhat frustrated by “Mistletoe Memories” and the reason why Alice and Patrick were distanced from each other, particularly all the social implications of what happened to Alice. The surprise in “A Christmas Courting” was really no surprise at all, and I’m a little disappointed in Keturah for not chatching on sooner. The odd one out in this collection is “Love and Joy Come to You”, which was probably my favorite of the three. Another one with cute kids to further the plot!

Totally clean. Chaste kisses are all you get here.

Miracle Creek Christmas
By Krista Jensen
Publisher: ‎Shadow Mountain (September 8, 2020)
Paperback: ‎368 pages
ISBN-10: ‎1629727873
ISBN-13: ‎978-1629727875
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He's been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn't seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity? One thing is for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it's hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

My Thoughts:

The second longest book in this batch of holiday romance reviews, the additional page count didn’t make it slower to read, but it definitely gave the author more time to develop the characters and their relationship. Once again, both characters bear scars—hers emotional, his physical—that prevent them from wanting connection. Nonetheless, they click, and the connection develops at a pretty good pace. There are the usual side trips, misunderstandings, drawing back, and obstacles, but we are led to the expected conclusion without it feeling forced. This is another one that has time for secondary characters to be well-drawn and have lives and personalities of their own, all to the benefit of the book.

Bonus points for being set in Washington east of the Cascades. Everyone forgets there’s an eastern side of Washington. While Miracle Creek seems to be fictional, many other towns are mentioned that are just a couple of hours away from where I live.

File under “clean reads”. There’s no cussing and no sex.

 

All Hearts Come Home for Christmas
By Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, Joanna Barker
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (September 1, 2019)
Paperback: ‎304 pages
ISBN-10: 1524411094
ISBN-13: ‎978-1524411091
 
Publisher’s Blurb:

Christmas at Falstone Castle by Sarah M. Eden

The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love.

The Heart of Christmas by Anita Stansfield

When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing.

'Tis the Season to Be Daring by Esther Hatch

Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help from the one gentleman who has no regard for Society's rules. All of Society knows Lord Hawthorne is not interested in marriage, yet he cannot deny Miss Davenport's unique charm. And as the Christmas season works its magic, their charade begins to feel less like playacting and more like love.

The Christmas Dress by Joanna Barker

Seamstress Nell Addington is thrilled when her childhood friend Jacob Hammond commissions a dress for his sister. But when Nell realizes her feelings for Jacob run far deeper than friendship, an unexpected snowstorm—and some holiday cheer—may convince them both that love is worth fighting for.

My Thoughts:

This collection was a mixed bag. The first story is a standalone but has close ties to other works by the same author. It was another second-chance romance, and I don’t mean just a second chance at love, but a chance for the Dowager Duchess to repair her relationship with her son as well.

The second story, “The Heart of Christmas”, was pretty meh. There was really very little conflict in it, so it came out as pretty bland. Addie lives a difficult life, and poof! A solution arrives at her door. She’s a kind, lovely person. So is Theo. She works her magic on his family, they fall in love, the end. Really. That’s it.

“’Tis the Season to Be Daring” was by far my favorite of the three. It was a hoot. I enjoyed both the lead characters so much, although Elizabeth definitely needed to learn a bit of a lesson about jumping to conclusions. This was so fun and full of joy, even during the few moments where Elizabeth was being angsty.

Finally, “The Christmas Dress.” It doesn’t stand out; it’s a fine story with some nice characters. The Rival for the Hero’s Attention is a sneak, and she’s fun to hate for the brief time she’s present.

This is another totally clean read.

All of these books were provided by their respective publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.