The Jingle Bell Bride by Scarlet Wilson
Contemporary Romance
Released: October 3, 2017
Tule Publishing
Reviewed by May
Powerhouse wedding planner and all around over organized woman Jessica Christie is strong armed just days before a huge client’s wedding into flying to Alaska and picking up a rare flower. While she knows it is a terrible idea and doesn’t have time for it – she goes anyway wanting to do anything to satisfy her impossible to please client. What she doesn’t expect is to find that the flowers in question are being tended to by a handsome recluse.
Matt Holden has the quiet life he wants since losing his fiancée years ago. He works a reindeer farm, as a botanist, and avoids all romantic entanglements. When a storm rolls in along with the woman sent to collect the flowers he finds himself hosting her – and finding feelings he thought long since dead.
If you’re looking for a sweet, tender, almost Hallmark movie type rated PG romance this holiday season – this is the book for you. It delivers us an overworked stressed out business woman not pursuing her passions, the reclusive good with his hands mountain man, and a very thin but serviceable plot.
This is a quick read, and one I totally enjoyed. While there were glaring problems with the plot and story and the characters barely developed beyond cliché stereotypes – it was fun. They are likeable and kind people, they had some time and space living together to get to know each other and know what they wanted, and it was easy to envision a happily ever after for them. In addition the location and details lent to a decidedly holiday read perfect for a cold rainy (or snowing) evening.
I do wish this author had put more effort into the plot most especially the twists regarding the ending because it could have led to a much more satisfying read. Indeed I feel like if this story had a few more rounds of writing, a few more edits and adjustments it could have gone from a nice sweet holiday romance to something more memorable, something that could have been a favorite.
If you’re seeking action (most of story is inside his cabin), heat (kissing is barely even described), or anything wild and crazy – this isn’t your book. If you just want something simple and cozy to warm up with this holiday season? Well this may be just the story for you. I know I enjoyed it and the time with the reclusive Matt in small town Alaska.
Grade: B-
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