🎄 💋 💗 The Christmas Kiss 💗 💋 🎄 (2019) - Book Review

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Christmas Kiss

(Back to Bluestone River #2)

By Virginia McCullough

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

December 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will working together

…lead to together forever?

Recently divorced, Parker Davis needs to focus on his new job so he can provide a stable home for his daughter in time for the Christmas holidays. The problem is, he’s frequently at odds with his boss. He and Emma O’Connell approach everything differently. Yet he finds her intriguing, and Bluestone River festivities keep pushing them together—often enough that two people at odds could find themselves evenly matched in love!

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Other Books in the Series

A Family for Jason

(Back to Bluestone River #1)

By Virginia McCullough

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s not home for keeps

Unless he proves first love is forever

Bluestone River is a minefield of memories for Mike Abbot—all involving Ruby Driscoll. Twenty years after scandal divided them, they’re both back in their hometown. Ruby’s visit is strictly temporary. But as she uses her trauma expertise to help his vulnerable son, Mike faces what his heart has always known. Ruby’s still his one and only. This time, can he convince her to stay?

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About the Author

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card

- Open internationally for those who are eligible

- Ends December 18, 2019

ENTER HERE

My Take:

It’s that time of year – Christmas. Not only a time for joy, gift giving, snow, and romance!

This is my first visit to Bluestone River with Parker and Emma. This is the second book in the “Back to Bluestone River” series. This is a perfect standalone title on its own.

When I thought of Parker as a single dad – I thought his daughter was younger. But, that wasn’t too much of a disappointment. What did tear at me was the divorce issue, which is especially harder on children – of any age. Nicole; Parker’s daughter; is torn between being mad at her mom for walking out on them, and hoping that her mom will invite her to move in with her. In addition, there is some manipulation that her mom is pulling behind the scenes that makes this more realistic.

Parker’s initial perceptions of Emma – being older is interesting. Despite Emma’s disability (which I loved the author included) and his perceptions of her – he enjoys her company as they work on the bird sanctuary in Bluestone River. McCullough does a great job of realistically weaving in the disability so that the character still enjoys her life and doesn’t feel sorry for herself.  

The attraction between the two is immediate and apparent, but doesn’t rush through. It is a slow and natural progression with how they work together to bring the sanctuary to life.

This was an endearing story with all sides have equal representation.

As always, the Harlequin books have happy endings. And, especially the Heartwarming series. This is no exception.

If you enjoy a clean romance without Christian references – these books fit that description. This one was a “curl up on the couch, cup of cocoa, warm blanket, cloudy day” read. Cozy and beautiful.

Definitely a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.

Thank you again to Prism Book Tours and Virginia McCullough for including me in this tour. A positive review wasn’t required, and all words are my own.