Susan Mallery takes us back to Wishing Tree in this standalone contemporary holiday romance. Filled with meddling mothers, dogs, Christmas cookie bake-offs and unexpected romance you won’t want to miss. Home Sweet Christmas is the perfect read for a cold winter’s night.
by Susan Mallery
Series: Wishing Tree #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
With twinkling humor and heartfelt Christmas spirit, two friends find love in a town called Wishing Tree…
Until Camryn Neff can return to her “real” life in Chicago, she’s in Wishing Tree to care for her twin sisters. She’s not looking for forever love, not here. But handsome hotelier Jake Crane is a temptation she can’t resist, so she suggests they pair up for the season. No golden rings, no broken hearts. At his side, she sees her hometown through Christmas-colored eyes. The cheer is cheerier, the joy more joyful. She thought she had put her future on hold…but maybe her real life was here all along, waiting for her to come home.
New in town, River Best is charmed by Wishing Tree’s homespun traditions and warmhearted people. When she’s crowned Snow Queen, she’s honored but wary. Dylan Tucker, her king, seems like the stuff of sugarplum dreams, but she can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something big. As they perform their “royal” duties—tasting cookies, lighting trees—Dylan’s good humor and melty kisses draw her to the brink of love. But she can’t let herself fall until she uncovers his secret, even if her lack of faith means losing him forever.
Yesterday, I shared the first novel, The Christmas Wedding Guest, and I was excited to return to this quaint town and its holiday festivals. Our tale begins right before Thanksgiving and takes us through the holiday season.
Camryn Neff has been back in Wishing Tree for two years now. She cares for her teenage sisters after their mother died and runs the family business. Last year the holidays were hard, and she is hoping to make wonderful memories for Lily & Victoria this year.
Meanwhile, Jake Crane is the head of his family’s hotel. After past mistakes, he’s not looking for romance. However, his mother, who recently lost her spouse, is lonely and wants grandchildren. She is determined to find Jake a bride. I love meddling grandmothers and laughed from the start.
The story that unfolds is filled with wonderful moments, holiday treats and character growth as Jake and Camryn navigate romance, the teens, a dog and his mother. Oh, his mother! The woman is relentless and adorably ornery.
We get a second romance featuring River & Dylan. River is a newcomer and has her own business overtop of Camryn’s shop. She is hoping to make friends in Wishing Tree if she doesn’t freeze to death first. Dylan is Jake’s best friend, and in fact, lived with his family as a teen. Jake’s mom has plans for Dylan, too. He will be this year’s Snow King.
We see characters from the first novel and get updates, but you can read Home Sweet Christmas on its own. You’ll love the town with its holiday street names and town wreath. The romances were sweet and filled with character growth, tender moments, and more.
No one does holiday romance and small-town charm quite like Susan Mallery. I loved every moment spent in Wishing Tree as I cheered for these characters. From the cute little dog to the problems they had to resolve, I found myself all in.
Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery takes us back to Wishing Tree with romances, holiday activities and a meddling mother. #NewRelease #RomanceNovels #HolidayReads #bookreview Share on XAbout Susan Mallery
Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I always like Susan Mallery. It’s on my list, even though Christmas has come and gone.
Jodie
I enjoyed this book as well and haven’t been disappointed in any of her books. I just finished The Sister Effect which releases in March ‘23 and highly recommend it! Great review!
Kimberly
Thanks for the recommendation, Jodie.
Bookworm
I like these cozy small town Christmas stories and this series sounds good. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie Haupt
Well said my friend I loved it too!
Merry Christmas
Kimberly
Yay. She writes good stuff.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I haven’t read this author, although I’ve seen her books around a lot. This one sounds good! Thanks for sharing your review!
Kimberly
Thanks Lisa. Happy Holidays!
Katherine
The town in this book reminds me a bit of the town in Emily March and RaeAnne Thayne’s books. This sounds wonderful and so Christmas-y!
Kimberly
Yes, exactly Katherine!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’ve read one Susan Mallery, but looks like I should try her again. Glad to hear this was a hit, Kimberly!
Kimberly
I am enjoying her holiday books.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve read a few of her books and did like them. This sounds good too.
Kimberly
It was perfect for the HoHoHoRAT
Melliane
Oh nice! Another christmas story!
Kimberly
Tis the season🎄
Wendy
I also enjoyed this book! Susan Mallery is such a gifted writer and I love her Christmas books. Wonderful review, Kimberly.
Kimberly
She really does Wendy!
Ethan
There’s something about a small-town hotel amidst the holidays that is always a winning combination. It reminds me of Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter series.
Kimberly
I completely agree Ethan.