🎄❄️💗 “Love, Lies, and Sleigh Rides” (Blueberry Point Romance #5) (2022) 💗 ❄️🎄– Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Blueberry Point Romance (Book #5)
Paperback: 236 pages
Publisher: Dawn Malone (October 8, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1951516176
ISBN-13: 978-1951516178
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“He values tradition. She's pushing for progress.
Can they find common ground under the Christmas lights this season?
Despite an aversion to all things Christmas, plucky publicist Fallon Gale is in charge of taking the Holly Days Festival to the next level. They might not appreciate her vision, but she's determined to drag these tradition-bound locals into this century, despite the handsome, enigmatic son of the festival’s founders fighting her at every turn.
Marine First Sergeant Kade Behar just retired from active service and returned home to Hendricks. But clashing with the infuriating yet adorable woman who would rather seat Santa and Mrs. Claus in one of those fancy electric pickup trucks instead of his family’s heirloom sleigh is not what he had in mind. He’s caught between saving the festival from a stranger's nontraditional plans and fighting his growing attraction to her.
When Fallon unknowingly enlists help from a Behar family rival for the festival, Kade draws a line in the snow. But 'tis the season for surprises, and with the help of a little holiday magic, snowflakes—and sparks—might fly this Christmas.”
Thank you in advance to the author, D.E Malone, for providing a complimentary review copy through her review team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
About three years ago, I did a “blog” tour with Prism Book Tours for “Sweet Romance for Christmas”. One of the books featured was the author’s Love Like Forever, book four in her Hearts in Hendricks series, which this is connected to. However, this is the first book I’ve read by the author, and likely won’t be the last – though I will have to hit the lottery as she has more than a few books for me to buy – the four books in that series, and the first four in this one.
While this is presented as a standalone, some of the characters from her previous series appear or are mentioned. Darcy (now Stetman) from Love Like Water and Debi’s Donuts from Love Like Air. As I haven’t read the series (though I want to) – I don’t know how many other characters might appear though.
From this series – Wynne and Chase Ford from Love, Lies, and Lullabies and Mila from Love, Lies, and Lemon Pie also appear or are mentioned.
As a result, I personally recommend that readers read the other books from the previous series and this series prior to reading this book.
With that out of the way …
What drew me to this book was not only the cute “Hallmark movie poster-like” cover, but it is a Christmas story, and obviously – it would definitely work as a Hallmark movie as well.
Unlike poor Fallon who runs from everything Christmas, I’m passing by her running to EVERYTHING Christmas.
As of this blog post, I’m SERIOUSLY considering putting up my tree. I’ve had a bad year, yet everything Christmassy gives me good vibes and feels and it really is, as corny as it sounds, “the most wonderful time of the year”.
Definitely her attitude about Christmas was a bit of a pang to the heart. But, I got past it, and went in hoping she would as well.
Anyway …
There are a LOT of interesting characters in this story, and it can get overwhelming without a character listing/guide. That’s usually my suggestion with series and books that have a ton of characters.
Though the two main POVs are Fallon and Kade.
Fallon is not “anti-Christmas”, but she isn’t fond of the holiday, so the fact she’s traveling to a town that personifies the holiday is somewhat amusing and interesting to me. She’s traveling there to help promote the Holly Days Parade.
Of course, things don’t go as planned and she’s forced off the road by a snowstorm. Thankfully, Kade – a former Marine – comes to her rescue. But, she’ll be stuck in Hendricks for a few days because of the repairs. She has nowhere to stay because every hotel or Bed & Breakfast is booked.
She does know someone she can stay with – Elaine, who happens to be Kade’s mom.
Of course, Fallon has NO idea of the great lengths that Elaine goes to for her December 1st Christmas gathering. And, Fallon is feeling a bit uncomfortable. The reason stems from her nomadic childhood as the child of an air force member. Her parents believed in minimalism and that included decorations for a tree. Her boss, June, is more of surrogate mom to her. And, June has even tried to help Fallon over her Christmas issue.
Another thing she’s having issues with – Elaine and her husband are Mrs. Claus and Santa. She finds a truck for them to ride in, Kade prefers the sleigh until he realizes its broken and can’t be fixed in time. He doesn’t like change, but doesn’t like the truck. With Agnes’ help, Fallon finds an alternative. Though Agnes thinks Kade is a troublemaker despite him being nearly 40.
Kade’s mom thinks he and Fallon are pretty cute together, and even Kade’s father likes her. Kade is fond of her, even going so far as to secure one of the local mechanic’s cars for her to borrow. Fallon sees the Behar family together and thinks that’s what she would’ve wanted.
Kade’s father is also under stress, a neighbor wants to buy up some of the Behar land, and doesn’t seem to take no for an answer.
Despite having tickets to the parade’s sponsor dinner, and inviting Kade to go with her, Fallon returns to the big city after her car is fixed. Though, she runs into Kade while they’re shopping for something to wear. And, they end up matching.
However, the parade is a different deal when Kade learns who the “alternative” ride came from – and Fallon is defensive about it. And, she’s already hearing rumors about her “ruining” the parade. Kade is all about tradition, and since Fallon doesn’t have any – she obviously can’t see the huge deal … at first.
Despite their differences and issues, Kade and Fallon are somewhat attracted to each other, but seeing it try to work itself out is definitely a nail-biter that had me reading until the end.
And, what an interesting end it was.
Overall, I absolutely adored the story and book. Though I thought some of the stuff mentioned on the blurb would happen soon than it did.
Malone wrapped it all up nice and neat by the end, so there is no wondering what happened. It was also great to see how she was going to get Fallon over her Christmas phobia and bring her and Kade together.
This is a clean read for those who want a light and fun read without the language or the “intimacy”. In fact, the romance is toned down and only really explored towards the last half (½) to third (1/3) of the book. The affection is kept to kissing or near kissing. There is a “near-kiss” that was a tad aggravating (ugh, really, Agnes …).
But, the majority of the book is focused on the parade, the parties, and the couple spending some time together that isn’t parade related. The plot was adorable and “sweet”.
As of note, the Christmas just before I turned 10, my mother and I had a 2ft tree on a filing cabinet and gifts from Catholic Charities, and we were living in a studio apartment. If that doesn’t make one dislike the holidays it is a miracle. And, despite some issues with certain family members – I LOVE Christmas.
That’s why I found myself not quite empathizing with Fallon over her Christmas woes. While I tried to be understanding – it just wasn’t there. I did find myself thinking “at least no one got sick, divorced, or died” over that time, which would be acceptable reasons for being as against the holiday as she was.
But, that was my only real “issue” with the story – and it was more of a character issue at best. I truly adored Elaine and her family, even Kade. Bart, the mechanic, while “grumpy”, was a delight in how he handed the labor charge for the repairs to her vehicle.
This is a fairly short read – 218 pages of story, and with the short chapters, it tends to fly right by, which was evidenced by my inability to put it down when I was able to spend time reading it. The author’s writing didn’t lag at all, yet it didn’t feel rushed either. It is probably, based on my reading pattern, a nice “day” read, especially on the couch with cocoa – and by a well-decorated tree.
Fans of the author and those who’ve read previous books in this series are sure to enjoy this. And, those who need a pick-me-up will get a good vibe from it as well.
The author has book #6 of the series coming out sometime next year, and I DEFINITELY want to read that.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
The Hearts of Hendricks 4-book Series
(click photo to purchase)
Previous Books in the Blueberry Point Series:
Series: Blueberry Point Romance (Book #1)
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Dawn Malone (May 6, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN: 1951516036
ISBN-13: 978-1951516031
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Old Scars Are No Match For a Second Chance at Love
Widow Hilary Larkin must fulfill her late husband's dream of opening a bed-and-breakfast adjacent to an old orchard. The small farms conference in the Minnesota Northwoods is supposed to be the boost to make it possible. But her fear of change turns to high anxiety when her sister-in-law misses the plane for their trip together after a family crisis.
Along comes Dane Porter, lavender farmer and guest speaker at the conference, and talk soon turns to more than just farming. Even though he locked up his heart after his ex-wife betrayed him, he's drawn to the beautiful and complicated Hilary. But the ring on her finger sets a boundary he would never cross.
Falling head over boots for Hilary, Dane still worries putting his trust in another woman could lead to heartbreak. And Hilary has her own shadows from the past, ones her meddling sister-in-law might use to ruin Hilary's chance of finding love again.
Will two people from different worlds overcome their
pain for the perfect second chance?”
Publisher: Dawn Malone (October 22, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN: 1951516052
ISBN-13: 978-1951516055
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“One stolen kiss. A little Christmas magic. And the snowy inn where love stands a chance.
Interior designer Layla Dean can’t believe her good fortune at snagging the holiday decorating gig at Blueberry Point Lodge. And even though her fledgling business has a growing list of happy clients, her personal life isn’t filled with the same Christmas magic. She needs a man in her life like she does coal in her stocking. But tell that to Brant Johnsson.
Brant is known as the Twin Cities’ Master of Lights and Luminaria for good reason. His company oversees most of the downtown’s outdoor displays every season. But when a professional snag sends him reeling, he’s ready to quit the business. Until he runs into Layla again. Forgetting their awkward mistletoe kiss last year just isn’t possible, but she doesn’t share the pleasant memory. Now that they’re decking the halls together for the newly opened inn’s first Christmas, Brant hopes for a replay of their first encounter. And something more.
When a misdirected text message pairs them together
for a fundraising event, Brant and Layla find they have more in common than
just a flare for holiday decorating and one mistaken kiss. If Layla can overcome
her sour first impression, Brant might get his very merry second chance.”
Series: Blueberry Point Romance (Book #3)
Paperback: 234 pages
Publisher: Dawn Malone (April 21, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN: 1951516087
ISBN-13: 978-1951516086
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“A class reunion. An unrequited love. And the small-town roots that never let go of the heart.
When big-city accountant Wynne Terry dreamed of her future, it looked like the one she’s living. Then an invitation to her high school reunion lands in her mailbox and curiosity beckons her to return for the first time in fifteen years. It has nothing to do with seeing her childhood best friend who unwittingly stole her heart. At least, that’s what Wynne tells herself.
Chase Ford’s regrets come back to haunt him when Wynne walks into his life again. Marrying the first girl who turned his head in high school was mistake number one. Turning his back on Wynne when she needed him most was another. If it’s forgiveness he’s looking for, Wynne may give it to him. But raising his daughter and keeping the ever-elusive Wynne from turning his loveless life upside down take precedence over pleasing his conscience.
When Wynne discovers there’s more to Chase’s story than she bargained for, she wonders if her heart can stand being broken again. But maybe a once-in-a-lifetime love is worth the risk.
Revisit the Blueberry Point series and find out why readers love these sweet, light-hearted romances.”
Series: Blueberry Point Romance (Book #4)
Publisher: Dawn Malone (September 18, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN: 1951516109
ISBN-13: 978-1951516109
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“When Love Gives You Lemons, Make Lemon Pie.
Ambitious pastry chef Mila Warner dreams of winning the Taste of the North Shore Festival bake-off, hoping it will catapult her onto the regional food scene once and for all. Maybe claiming the top prize will be her ticket to earning a livable income without holding down three jobs, including the pleasant but stagnant job of overseeing the kitchen staff at Blueberry Point Lodge. Her only problem is paying that hefty entry fee.
As interim editor of the Lakeshore Weekly, Cam Beckett is sticking around long enough for his publisher to find someone else to fill the role. He has four weeks to plan a special supplement for the local food festival. His first task—interviewing Mila Warner who has charmed the local food scene—and him—with her custom picnics and sought-after pastries.
When a mysterious benefactor steps forward to sponsor Mila, her dream is within reach. But the gift comes with a condition, one Mila isn’t sure she’s willing to meet, especially if the strings are attached to someone’s heart.
Love, Lies and Lemon Pie is a sweet, small-town
romance with endearing characters and an oh-so-satisfying happily ever after.
You’ll love this addition to the Blueberry Point series.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D.E MALONE writes contemporary romance and is the author of the Hearts in Hendricks and Blueberry Point Romance series. She lives in central Illinois with her husband and lab mi-mix rescue.
You can find her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmalonebooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmalonebooks
Website: https://www.demalone.com/
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