Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles

November 26th, 2014 Kimberly Review 52 Comments

26th Nov
Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles
Mistletoe on Main Street
by Olivia Miles
Series: Briar Creek #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night. Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life? Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe.

Mistletoe on Main Street is the first novel in Olivia Miles new Briar Creek series. As a big fan of holiday romance and small-town settings selecting this title was a no brainer. Set in Briar Creek, Vermont this second chance romance was sweet and I look forward to visiting again.

Espresso Review: small-town charm, second chances, family and a low heat made this a charming holiday read

Caffeinated Breakdown of Mistletoe on Main Street

World: This is the first in the Briar Creek series set in the picturesque town of Briar Creek, Vermont. Complete with covered bridges, snowfall, and a charming main street where everyone knows everyone. Yearly house decorating contests, school plays and charming little pastry shops…I am packing my bags.

Characters: The tale centers on Grace Madison, an author whose last book was a flop. She is heading home after five years away. She traded the love of her life for her big city dreams and suddenly they do not seem so glamorous. Luke Hastings was her childhood sweetheart, and the one who let her go. Luke has always known exactly what he wanted to do with his life but maybe he made a mistake. The two have baggage, and it was interesting to see them reconnect. Grace’s siblings will be the characters in the next books and I liked them both.

Plot: Like most small-town stories, there are several different threads. Grace’s mom is newly widowed and not quite feeling Christmas this year. Her youngest sister Jane is carrying a secret regarding her marriage and Anna middle sister, a successful pastry shop owner is feeling bitter. It was fun learning about all of the different characters in Briar Creek and I look forward to their stories. Miles did a nice job of weaving these side stories around Grace and Luke’s growth and rekindling romance.

Romance: This was a slow-burning romance, where both were afraid to make the first move. It created some banter, snarkiness, and some angst. While at times I wanted to lock them in a dark closet until they reconciled and while I struggled with Luke’s issues I enjoyed them both. I am not entirely sure that Luke’s issues worked, and at times, it made him unappealing. However, the chemistry between them felt genuine and the bumps to my HEA were worth it in the end. This was very low-heat and will appeal to a large audience.

Caffeinated Conclusion: Are they a favorite couple? Not at all, but the town and siblings have me wanting to continue. Mistletoe on Main Street was a satisfying holiday read and I look forward to returning to Briar Creek with, A Match Made on Main Street. It will be Anna Madison’s story and releases in April 2015.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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52 Responses to “Mistletoe on Main Street by Olivia Miles”

  1. Nelle

    So, I saw you reviewed this one and had to check it out. I picked this up myself the other day. It was a great read! I wrote my review on paper as I was not near a computer and had to vent. I’ll have to find that paper now LOL. I do agree with you about wanting to lock them both in a closet!!! I am looking forward to finding out what went down with Mark and Anna!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah they drove me a tad crazy, but I did enjoy the tale. Looking forward to your review Nelle 🙂

  2. Stephanie

    I’m slow glad I have this in my current reading pile! I’m definitely going to get to it before the holidays are over. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It sounds like Briar Creek is going to be an excellent small town escape.

  5. Ashley

    Great review! I love small-town romances and I especially love the Christmas ones this time of year. I’ll have to add this one to my TBR.

  6. Berls

    Christmas, small town charm, second chance romance and a bookstore? Heck yes! Thanks for putting this on my radar Kimba!

  9. Sharlene Wegner

    I saw this at B&N and wasn’t sure, since it was a new author to me. I think I will pick it up! Thanks for the review!

  10. Katherine

    Small town, second chances and a bookstore? I’m so in. The low heat tends to not bother me but I’ll be prepared for things taking awhile!

  12. Quinn's Book Nook

    Aww, these seems like a cute holiday romance. Sometimes I just want easy reads, and even though they usually don’t stay with me forever, they are nice in-between books.

  13. Heidi

    Sounds like a pleasant enough holiday romance, even if you had issues with Luke at least it didn’t seem to have too much drama. Love those small town holiday romances. Have a happy Thanksgiving, Kimba.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was a good read, and I loved the town…perfect Christmas read and like you I adore small-town series. Happy Thanksgiving Heidi

  14. Melissa (Books and Things)

    You have me wanting to read this book! I’m usually reading paranormal, dark holiday reads but you have me considering the lighter side of things. Oh you are bad for me (in a good way…). LOL

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes in a good way. I try to balance my reading and mix these in-between UF, murder, mayhem and post-apocalyptic doom!

  15. Candace

    I love the small town setting for sure! I also love that cover and title! I’m glad you mostly enjoyed this one!

  17. Jess

    What an adorable cover! With the snow falling right now- it makes this one look even more appealing. 🙂 Great review!

  18. Lark

    Sounds cute, Kimba! I’m kind of swamped with books right now, but I will keep my eyes open as the series continues.

  20. Rita

    I like the cover and your review! Maybe not enough heat for you, but just enough for me, lol. And I’ve been to Vermont several times because I used to live in Maine right next door. There really are towns like this in both states 🙂 I totally recommend a vacation trip to New England if you ‘ve never been.
    Thanks for the book recommendations. Sounds like something I would definitely like, especially with the author angle in it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      My taste in heat-levels is as eclectic as my taste in genres. I can handle it all and enjoy it all. The miscommunications or lack of made me a tad nuts 🙂 I love Maine it is very beautiful.

  21. Lily

    Ahh Kimba you’re reading all these holiday type reads and you just have me so jealous! Share them with me! lol!

  22. Nick

    KIM! I love this cover so much. The background is so pretty. I’m packing my bags with you too because I clearly need to be in this beautiful town!
    This sounds like a very sweet romance for sure and honestly, I just want to read it to experience this town!!
    Lovely review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah the cover screamed read me..I am such a sucker for holiday covers 🙂

  24. Angela Adams

    “Mistletoe on Main Street was a satisfying holiday read and I look forward to returning to Briar Creek” — that’s a good endorsement. Thanks for the post!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh I have to read at least a half dozen or more each holiday..This was cute.

  26. Melliane

    It’s nice to see it’s a slow romance, I always like that! I didn’t know about this one but it sounds cute and perfect for the period. Thanks for the discovery!