Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy | Janice Lynn

 

 

Today I am reviewing Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy by Janice Lynn… another uplifting small-town romance from Hallmark Publishing.

And here is a brief synopsis:

When a quilt shop owner finds a former Marine’s journal, she longs to heal his heart…

When Sophie Davis sorts through a box of donated books to her church, she’s surprised to discover a soldier’s journal. As the daughter of a veteran who watched her father struggle over the years, she feels a deep connection to the man who wrote the emotional entries.

Former Marine Cole Aaron battled to find peace after returning to civilian life. He’s always needed to protect others. Now, fighting fires in Pine Hill, Kentucky helps him put out the demons within him. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal from when he’d first returned stateside, Cole can’t believe it was in the box he’d donated. Not wanting to face painful memories, he tells her to trash it.

Sophie and Cole are drawn together as they both volunteer for their community, but it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future…one touched by joy?

This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

When Sophie Davis finds a journal in a box of giveaway books, she looks through the book, hoping to find the owner’s name… and she immediately becomes fascinated with the words in the journal.

Which leads us to Cole Aaron, another wonderful character. Cole is a former marine who’s currently working as a firefighter at the Pine Hill Fire Department. To his dismay, Cole is chosen to be Santa Claus in the Pine Hill Christmas Parade.

Cole was wonderful playing Santa Claus! And I loved how the author included the Quilts of Valor Foundation in her story. The Mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.

If you’re searching for an unforgettable Christmas story for the season, get a copy of Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy!

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Wrapped Up in Christmas
2. Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy

Wrapped Up in Christmas | Janice Lynn

 

 

Today I am reviewing Wrapped Up in Christmas by Janice Lynn… an uplifting small-town romance from Hallmark Publishing.

And here is a brief synopsis:

A USA TODAY Bestseller!

A gift of warmth to heal two hearts…

Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects—like making a quilt for a wounded warrior.

Bodie Lewis is lost. All he’s ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a handmade quilt. Later, he sets out on his final mission: to find and thank its maker.

Bodie expected Sarah to be an elderly lady, not a lovely young woman. When she mistakes him for a handyman, he doesn’t immediately set her straight. Instead, he sets about repairing the home she’s turning into a bed and breakfast. Sarah’s presence and the spirit of the small town bring Bodie something he thought he’d left far behind on the battlefield: hope.

This heartwarming sweet romance includes a free quilt pattern from the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a new original Hallmark recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Bodie Lewis arrives in Pine Hill, Kentucky, just in time to accept a handyman job that Sarah Smith desperately needs in order to open her bed and breakfast on time. I appreciate how Bodie wants to help Sarah in order to repay her for the quilt she sent him — a quilt that meant more than anything at a time when he was at his lowest.

The butterflies are an awesome help to Sarah. If you want to know more about them, please pick up a copy of Wrapped Up in Christmas and find out just who — and what — they are. And if you’re like me, you’ll laugh when Bodie calls them a few other names!

I loved how the author included the Quilts of Valor Foundation in her story. The Mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. The author even includes a patriotic quilt pattern and a yummy recipe for readers to try.

If you’re looking for a romantic Christmas story for the season, get a copy of Wrapped Up in Christmas today! And don’t forget to check back on Wednesday for another great story by the author.

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Wrapped Up in Christmas
2. Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy

Prize Winner | Indigo Bay Christmas Romances

 

 

 

IT’S TIME TO PICK A WINNER!!!

 

 

TRIXI

 

I will be contacting you via e-mail
to let you know what you need to do to collect your prize.

THANK YOU to everyone for entering!

 

God bless you!

Winner © 2020 DJ Mynatt

 

Sweet Carol | Shanae Johnson

Today I am reviewing Sweet Carol by Shanae Johnson. This is the sixth and last book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series…

And here is a brief synopsis:

Ariana Carol has the voice of a siren. But after an embarrassing incident on stage, she walked away with stage fright so severe that she barely speaks. So when she’s singing late one night to the crashing waves, she’s shocked to find that a handsome man hears her voice.

Now that he’s back in his hometown and out of the service, all Eric Prince craves is silence and solitude on his house boat. After surviving a bomb attack in a combat zone, his PTSD has made him leery of loud noises and large crowds.

But the sound of Ari’s voice brings him a peace he never thought he’d find again. Getting the shy woman to talk to him, much less sing for him, becomes this soldier’s new mission in life.

When Prince learns that he’s the reason Ari went mute all those years ago, his toughest battle will be in front of him; the battle for Ari’s heart and her song. Ari can’t believe she’s falling for the boy who silenced her because he’s transformed into the man that makes her soul sing. But when she learns he’s hiding a painful secret, will their love be strong enough to heal both old and new wounds?

Sweet Carol is the sixth book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance Series, but it and the other stories are standalone and can be read in any order.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh my gosh! What a wonderful story!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ariana and Eric’s story. I could easily sympathize with Ariana. Singing in public in front of a big crowd of people can be terrifying! Thankfully Ariana’s sisters are understanding and loyal to her.

Sweet Carol is the perfect name for this story… I think you should get a copy of this story and read it for yourself. It’s a wonderful ending to a lovely Christmas romance series.

If you love sweet, inspirational stories about Christmas, don’t miss Sweet Carol.

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Sweet Tidings
2. Sweet Noel
3. Sweet Joymaker
4. Sweet Yuletide
5. Sweet Mistletoe
6. Sweet Carol

Sweet Mistletoe | Elizabeth Bromke

 

 

Today I am reviewing Sweet Mistletoe by Elizabeth Bromke. This is the fifth book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series…

And here is a brief synopsis:

A single matchmaker. A local teacher. And one Christmas mix-up.

Paisley Barrett runs Mistletoe, a concierge matchmaking service. During the holidays, business should be booming, but her investors think she’s the reason it’s not. A thirty-something single matchmaker doesn’t inspire confidence in clients. So, they hand her an ultimatum—find a boyfriend by the new year or she’s out of a job.

Knox Calhoun puts his teaching career first, much to the dismay of his overbearing southern mother who wants him to settle down. Desperate to avoid the usual holiday pressure, he sets about pitching in with various Christmas activities around the town. His plan is working… until he bumps into his sister’s beautiful boss. A kiss under the mistletoe might be in the cards… if Paisley weren’t in town on business.

From the author of Birch Harbor and Hickory Grove comes the fifth story in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance Series.

Sweet Mistletoe can be read as a standalone.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

We’ve all probably heard about dating sites on the Internet. There are dozens of matchmaking sites. I actually tried one years ago and I found someone very special, but before we took the big step, I changed my mind. Although I’ve regretted it at times, I still believe it was the right decision. (By the way, that was many years ago, and we’ve stayed friends).

Paisley’s problem is much different. To keep her matchmaking site solvent, she must find a boyfriend — and quickly. Her investors are insistent that she “practice” what she preaches. Be prepared to laugh when Paisley and Knox both come up with silly user names. And how they meet…

This is a great story — and one I’m betting you’ll enjoy a lot…

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Sweet Tidings
2. Sweet Noel
3. Sweet Joymaker
4. Sweet Yuletide
5. Sweet Mistletoe
6. Sweet Carol

Sweet Yuletide | Melissa McClone

Today I am reviewing Sweet Yuletide by Melissa McClone. This is the fourth book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series…

And here is a brief synopsis:

One beach cottage, two strangers, and a kiss under the mistletoe that changes everything…

Sheridan DeMarco wants to be anywhere but home for the holidays. She’s happy to spend Christmas house-sitting in South Carolina, far away from her parents’ new blended families. Too bad when she arrives at the charming beach cottage, she isn’t as blissfully alone as she planned.

Michael “Mikey” Patterson needs to stay out of sight until his attorney gives him the all clear. He finds the perfect place in a small coastal town, but there’s a problem. Mikey isn’t the only one staying at the beach house, and his surprise roommate pushes all his buttons.

A sprig of mistletoe and one memorable kiss make Sheridan and Mikey forget their plans to stay away from each other. But when family gets in the way, will their happily ever after get tossed out along with the discarded wrapping paper and tinsel?

Sweet Yuletide is the fourth book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance Series. All of the stories are standalone and can be read in any order.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a really cool story!

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you won the lottery?

I’ve heard that everyone… relatives and friends, plus everyone you’ve ever known — and more than a few that you’ve never met — asking for donations, loans, handouts. It’s not a pretty picture… and maybe one reason I’ve never bought a lottery ticket.

I have no idea if there are really attorneys who specialize in helping lottery winners to stay anonymous, but the idea is awesome. As is the storyline.

I am thrilled to be reading Sweet Yuletide… and the chance to tell you how good it is. Be sure to pick up a copy to read soon. This Christmas series is well worth reading.

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Sweet Tidings
2. Sweet Noel
3. Sweet Joymaker
4. Sweet Yuletide
5. Sweet Mistletoe
6. Sweet Carol

Sweet Joymaker | Jean Oram

 

 

Today I am reviewing Sweet Joymaker by Jean Oram. This is the third book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series…

And here is a brief synopsis:

Maria Wylder is used to taking care of herself, the ranch, her five grown boys—and even coordinating what will surely be an awkward family Christmas that will include her ex-husband and his new wife.

What she’s not used to is catching the eye of the local mechanic Clint Walker whose gaze lights up every time he sees her. Or the way he listens to her every word and brings her little gifts to brighten her day.

When they both end up visiting the beach town of Indigo Bay to help with a Christmas fundraiser, will it become a chance for them to step outside their tired old roles and discover something new—together?

And what will Maria do when Clint slowly begins to win her heart despite her best intentions not to fall in love again?

This second chance seasoned romance is part of the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series and can be read as a standalone. It is also a spinoff of Jean’s upcoming new series set in Sweetheart Creek, Texas.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh my gosh! You are going to LOVE this story!

IT’S AWESOME!

What do you do with yourself after 37 years of marriage — only to end up divorced and feeling too old to begin life over again? Well, you spend all your time caring for your boys… until someone comes along — who was there all the time — who wants to make you feel special again.

And the ex… oh, I could throttle Roy Wylder, who always does and says the wrong things, and especially showing up at all the wrong times!

This story is definitely one of my favorites! This series is so fun I’ll be reading it over again every December. I didn’t stay up half the night reading it, but that was only because I finished it before bedtime.

DO NOT miss this story. I’m really hoping you love it as much as I do. Leave a comment… let me know what you think after you read Sweet Joymaker.

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Sweet Tidings
2. Sweet Noel
3. Sweet Joymaker
4. Sweet Yuletide
5. Sweet Mistletoe
6. Sweet Carol

Sweet Noel | Jeanette Lewis

 

 

Today I am reviewing Sweet Noel by Jeanette Lewis. This is the second book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series…

And here is a brief synopsis:

Neither is looking for love, but is love looking for them?

Gina Andrews never imagined she’d be a single mother forced to move back to Indigo Bay and live with her parents. But she’s managing, all the while holding on to hope that her ex-husband will wake up to what he’s missing and agree to try again.

Noel Hamilton is a professional drifter and artist, in that order. He’s happy going wherever the wind takes him. He seeks freedom, art, and serenity.

When Noel meets the business end of Gina’s car and ends up in the hospital, he realizes he’s going nowhere fast. And when Gina’s mother steps in to help him, Gina and Noel are thrown together to stew in their mutual dislike.

But slowly, things change and as Indigo Bay prepares for the Christmas season, Gina begins to wonder if this year could be her sweetest Noel ever.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Gina Andrews is trying to make a new life for herself and her children. After her ex-husband Lee filed for divorce, what else could she do? But she had no idea when she arrived to pick up the boys, who had just spent Thanksgiving with their dad, that things might be changing somewhat. But she never expected to hear that he had a new girlfriend!

I. LOVED. THIS. STORY.

From the moment Gina hit Noel with her car to… well, I’d love to talk more about everything that happens, but then I’ll be spoiling all the fun! But it’s so hard not to talk about it, it’s so great!

Yes, I stayed up half the night reading. And the end was every bit as wonderful as I expected it to be. Awesome characters… great plot… this story has everything you need to be entertained. If you love stories about Christmas, don’t miss Sweet Noel.

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Sweet Tidings
2. Sweet Noel
3. Sweet Joymaker
4. Sweet Yuletide
5. Sweet Mistletoe
6. Sweet Carol

Sweet Tidings | Jean C. Gordon

 

 

Today I am reviewing Sweet Tidings by Jean C. Gordon. This is the first book in the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series…

And here is a brief synopsis:

Amanda Strickland wants her first Christmas as mayor of Indigo Bay to be a civic success from the animal shelter fundraiser to benefit gala to the traditional tree lighting. And movie-star acquaintance Eric Slade may be just the ingredient she needs to pull it all off.

Eric wants to put the paparazzi off him and the young co-star of his last film—and protect his fragile relationship with the grown son he never spent much time with when his son was growing up. When he proposes a pretend holiday romance between him and Amanda, it seems like a win-win for them both.

But what will happen when the pretend romance turns real and snafus on both sides threaten to crush their Christmas plans and hearts?

Sweet Tidings is the first book in the new Indigo Bay Christmas Romances Series, but it and the other stories are standalone and can be read in any order.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

When Eric Slade agrees to come to Indigo Bay to spend the upcoming Christmas holiday with some friends, he thinks it’s the perfect answer to his current situation. Not only is he anxious to get away for awhile, but maybe he can persuade an old friend to agree to a pretend romance to put off the unwanted attention from a certain female.

But you know things aren’t ever as simple as you expect… When plumbing problems threaten to leave Eric temporarily homeless, his friends and the Mayor come up with a great solution.

Oops! And don’t forget the Barks and Bows Gala… of course, Eric is eager to help the community, as well as all the animals waiting for foster homes.

Important guests. Big plans. An unexpected accident.

This story is so entertaining I didn’t stop reading until I reached the end. Actually, I stayed up half the night, giggling and grinning… and turning page after page. If you enjoy stories about Christmas — and surprising romance — don’t miss out on this wonderful story.

Happy Reading!

… and Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2020 DJ Mynatt

1. Sweet Tidings
2. Sweet Noel
3. Sweet Joymaker
4. Sweet Yuletide
5. Sweet Mistletoe
6. Sweet Carol

November 2020 Feature | Indigo Bay Christmas Romances

 

I am excited to feature a new Christmas series for 2020…

Indigo Bay Christmas Romances

on my bookshelf blog this month

 

 

Welcome to Indigo Bay!

What is the Indigo Bay Christmas Romance series?

It’s a continuation of the popular Indigo Bay Sweet Romance and Second Chance Romance series with tons of fun for readers! But more specifically, it’s a set of books written by authors who love romance. Grab a mug of hot chocolate, drop into a comfy chair, and get ready to be swept away into this charming South Carolina beach town.

The Indigo Bay world has been written so readers can dive in anywhere in the series without missing a beat. Read one or all–they’re all sweet, fun rides that you won’t soon forget. Also, as special treats, you’ll see some recurring characters.

How many can YOU find?

   

   

 

AND… we have an Amazon gift card to give away to one of my readers…

 

For a chance to win,

leave at least one comment on each of the posts for this feature.

 

 

Donna’s BookShelf is featuring a new Christmas series this month – Tweet this!

 

 

Blessings!

Feature © 2020 DJ Mynatt