Review - - Mistletoe in Park City

Mistletoe in Park City

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Christmas in the Canyons - Book 3

Publisher: Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Release Date: December 5, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

Gracie McBride is up to her elbows in Christmas cookie dough at her beloved bakery, Sugarfall, when a health-conscious rival opens a sleek new shop across the street—serving kale cupcakes and protein-packed pastries that threaten to steal her customers. But when a holiday project throws them together, Gracie discovers that sometimes the sweetest treats in life come from the most unexpected ingredients.

At Snowberry Lodge, the season sparkles with love as Cindy and Nicole prepare for a double Christmas wedding. But MJ can’t stop thinking about Matt Walker, the mysterious guest who came and went last year, leaving her to wonder...will he keep his promise to return?

With weddings, wishes, and a sprinkle of mistletoe—will this be the sweetest Snowberry Christmas yet?

PJ's Thoughts:

Scott and Holloway continue to bring the humor, heart, and holiday goodness in this third book of their Christmas in the Canyons quartet. 

By now, these characters feel like good friends and each new book, a much anticipated visit to their beautiful, snowy corner of the world. That speaks to the authors' ability to develop characters to the point that they feel like real people in whom my heart is invested. 

When we rejoin the family, one year has passed since the end of book two. A lot has happened but as I read I never felt as though I was missing anything. It felt like we picked right back up with everyone during an annual visit to the mountains. Romance is in the air for multiple couples with wedding planning in the works, matchmaking kids, and a surprise arrival. I loved every word. 

This heartwarming series has my enthusiastic recommendation. Because each book builds on the previous one, I strongly encourage readers to read them in order. The fourth and final book will be published later this month. 

 

Review - - Snowfall in Park City

Snowfall in Park City

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Christmas in the Canyons - Book 2

Publisher: Holloway and Scott

Release Date: November 14, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Nicole Kessler never planned to fall for the rugged ski patrolman who keeps rescuing her on and off the slopes. Cameron is charming and protective, with a complicated life he’s convinced no woman would ever accept. But when Nicole steps into his world, she starts to wonder...is she risking her heart for a man who’s not ready to let her in?

At Snowberry Lodge, MJ McBride finds herself drawn to a charismatic guest. He’s warm, funny...and clearly hiding something. As his stories start to unravel, she’s left questioning what is he really doing at the lodge this Christmas?

Meanwhile, single mom Gracie takes her son on a new adventure in hopes he’ll connect with other kids—but the experience leaves her realizing it might be time to step out of her own comfort zone, too.

PJ's Thoughts:

Heart, hope, and holidays for the win. 

The second book of the Christmas in the Canyons series takes us back to Park City, Utah for another chapter in the ongoing lives of the multi-generation Snowberry Lodge family. This one really tugged at my heartstrings. I've become invested in these characters, rooting for them to discover not only love but the best of themselves. And, of course, figuring out a way to save their beloved family lodge.

There are new friendships, new romance, plenty of laughter, a few heartfelt tears, triumphs over adversity, a bit of a mystery, and unexpected possibilities from a surprising source. Add to that, the beautiful snow-covered mountains, festive holiday spirit, and unbreakable family bonds and you have a story that will launch you straight into the warmth and joy of the holiday season. 

Grab a mug of cocoa, a cozy blanket, and curl up with Snowfall in Park City by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott. I highly recommend it. 

This is a quartet of books that I recommend reading in order. Begin with Sleigh Bells in Park City then follow that with Snowfall in Park City. Books three and four, Mistletoe in Park City and Midnight in Park City, will be published before the end of 2025. 

Review & Giveaway - - Sleigh Bells in Park City

Sleigh Bells in Park City

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Christmas in the Canyons - Book 1

Publisher: Holloway and Scott

Release Date: October 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

It’s never too late to come home for the holidays. At the cozy, family-run Snowberry Lodge, the Christmas season stirs up more than just festive cheer. For Cindy Kessler, it brings the shocking arrival of her ex-husband Jack—along with the return of his world-famous sleigh rides and the spark they never quite lost. Could this be the second chance at love or just one more goodbye?

Cindy’s daughter Nicole is facing a different kind of challenge. After a childhood ski accident shattered her confidence, she swore off the slopes for good. But when someone she loves needs her, Nicole may have to confront the fear she’s kept buried for years.

Meanwhile, ten-year-old Benny and his great-grandpa Red are cooking up some merry mischief—a secret holiday scheme that just might pull off a Christmas miracle and save the lodge.

PJ's Thoughts:

Co-written by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott, Sleigh Bells in Park City takes readers to the mountains of Utah with the first book in what looks to be another heart-tugging holiday quartet by two of my favorite authors.

Holloway and Scott always bring the feels and there are plenty of them in this heartwarming story. I laughed, shed a few tears, laughed some more, and fell in love with each member of this close-knit family...all four generations...and the horse. How could I not fall in love with Copper? 

If this book doesn't have you wanting to hit the slopes (it's the bunny hill for me), take a ride through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh (preferably under a starlit sky), cheer on a long overdue second chance romance, indulge in the baked delights at Sugarfall Bakery, sip hot cocoa by a roaring fire, and watch an endless loop of hilarious Grumpy Santa videos courtesy of the youngest and oldest members of the Snowberry Lodge family, then are you even paying attention? I'm ready for all that and more. Luckily, I don't have to wait long for more Snowberry Lodge stories. The four books in this series will all be published over the next two months with the final book dropping just after Christmas. 

Note: This quartet has continuing characters with a different family member/couple taking center stage in each book. No cliffhangers!

When do you start reading holiday books? What's your ideal setting for a Christmas getaway, fictional or real life? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 3 will receive a print copy of The Summer We Met (book one, The Destin Diaries) by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Summer We Kept Secrets

The Summer We Kept Secrets

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

The Destin Diaries - Book 4

Publisher: Self published

Release Date: August 15, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Seven summers. Two families. One beach house. And a diary that holds all the secrets.

As the sun beats down on Destin, life at the Summer House takes a dramatic turn—starting with its tiniest new arrival. As Jonah settles into life as a single father of a newborn, he has to imagine a future he never dared to dream. When his seemingly perfect sister shows up with a few secrets of her own, the entire family dynamic is forced to shift.

Tessa is stepping into a new chapter—one that asks her to choose between playing it safe or taking the kind of risk that changes everything. And when Kate returns to Destin to see if her spark with Eli still burns, they face a test that could easily mean the end of this budding romance.

Meanwhile, Maggie must confront her deepest fears as she and Jo Ellen set off on a secret adventure that is equal parts heartstopping and hilarious.

In a season of sunshine and second chances, some secrets are meant to stay buried. But others will come to light and bring these two intertwined families ever closer...and forever changed.

PJ's Thoughts:

Each book in this series has taken me on an emotional journey filled with laughter, tears, heartbreak, hope, and love. And, each book in this series has left me eager to return to this beautiful Destin beach house for more time with the Lawson and Wylie families. I have no idea what I'm going to do when I turn the final page of the seventh book. I guess I'll have to go back to book one and read them all again. I love these characters that much. 

The Summer We Kept Secrets continues the evolving relationships that have grown over the course of the first three books while also introducing course changes that will impact all of our characters. The authors have developed these characters to the point where they all feel like friends which, of course, heightens the emotional impact of every shift and obstacle life throws their way. I am so invested in each and every one of them!

One of the facets I love about this series is the attention given to each generation. Whether it's a young child struggling in school, twenty-somethings searching for their life path, middle-age couples testing romantic waters for a second time, seniors setting off on unexpected adventures, or an unexpected reunion that may (or may not) lead to a fifty-something woman finding love for the first time, each generation is given their due. 

In this book, I especially loved the time allotted to the two family matriarchs and their secret adventure. I laughed, cringed, laughed more, and sighed with deep satisfaction as two women (my age) challenged themselves, expanded their horizons, faced their fears, and opened their minds to new possibilities. 

I can't wait to discover what Holloway and Scott have planned for all of their characters in book five.  As each book in this series builds upon on the previous ones, I strongly recommend reading them in order. 

Review - - A New Year in the Keys

A New Year in the Keys

by Hope Holloway

Coconut Key - Book 8

Publisher: Hope Holloway

Release Date: December 27, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

For Beck and her mother, Lovely, the serene island life they’ve carefully built is about to be upended. Plans for a quiet holiday with no guests at their popular Coquina House Bed & Breakfast are disrupted when they agree to host a trio of last-minute guests. These unexpected arrivals stir up more than just the peaceful waters of Coconut Key, leading to revelations that will transform the family forever.

At seventy-five, Lovely is thriving—healthy, happy, and finally spending her life with Beck, the daughter she never had a chance to raise. But when a figure from the past steps into her home—and heart—in a way she never dreamed possible, Lovely faces the daunting task of reimagining her entire life.

Meanwhile, Beck is standing at her own crossroads. Her newfound love, Oliver, is torn between his native Australia and their idyllic life in Coconut Key. When an opportunity arises that could give Oliver everything he wants, Beck must make a difficult choice: pursue her own dreams of happiness or sacrifice everything for the man she loves.

As a new year dawns on Coconut Key, there's a wedding on the horizon and babies on the way, so celebration should be in the air. But will the changes, choices, and challenges ahead bring an end to this family’s hard-won happiness?

PJ's Thoughts:

My heart. This book. I thought we were finished with this series but Hope Holloway had one more wonderful story in her pocket and it just may be my favorite of all the books she's written.

I have so much love for these characters, for this family. I sighed, I cried, I cheered. I don't think it's possible for Hope Holloway to write a book that does not touch me emotionally but even among the many heart-tugging stories from her various book series, A New Year in the Keys stands out. It celebrates life, love, and multiple generations of family. It's achingly romantic. And, I have no doubt, to the delight of hordes of readers (like me) who rarely see themselves depicted in this manner, it features soul-stirring romance for a vibrant character in her seventies. 

It is never too late to fall in love just as it's never too late to fall in love with Hope Holloway's beautiful stories.

I strongly recommend reading the books in this series in order. They are: 

A Secret in the Keys

A Reunion in the Keys

A Season in the Keys

A Haven in the Keys

A Return to the Keys

A Wedding in the Keys

A Promise in the Keys

A New Year in the Keys

Review & Giveaway - - The Asheville Christmas Tradition

The Asheville Christmas Tradition

by Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Carolina Christmas - Book 4

Publisher: Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott

Release Date: November 1, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, but the Chambers sisters are discovering that even the happiest season has its share of surprises. Noelle, newly married to Jace and managing her own cozy art gallery, is on a mission to perfect the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting. But between stepmom duties, dreams of growing her family, and strong-willed townsfolk resisting her festive plans, Noelle’s Christmas spirit is put to the test.

Meanwhile, Angie’s working at the iconic Biltmore House, where an intriguing new curator has her second guessing both her career and her heart. And their fun-loving stepcousin Hannah is struggling with the fact that her long-term relationship has fizzled out. Will a chance meeting with a former pro hockey player who now owns the Christmas tree farm have her skating her way into a whole new life?

Once again, Christmas brings challenges and change, happiness and heartbreak, and the power of unbreakable family bonds. Join these strong, funny, and loving women as they celebrate old traditions and create a few new ones along the way.

PJ's Thoughts:

Family. Faith. Heart. Humor. Hope. Love. These are the cornerstones of The Asheville Christmas Tradition, book four in the Carolina Christmas series co-written by women's fiction authors Hope Holloway and Cecelia Scott. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and this book. It's been a heart-tugging and heartwarming journey. There were tears but also smiles, sighs, and more than a little laughter along the way. It's my recommendation that the books be read in order.  

Scott and Holloway seamlessly blend their writing skills in this book. I would not be able to tell you which author wrote which words. They all flow together as if written in one voice. The characters are complex, interesting, and fully developed, creating bonds among the full cast of fictional characters as well as with me, the reader. I feel like I've come to know them, flaws, quirks, and all. They have realistic - and relatable - issues. They overcome challenges any of us might face. They have complicated family relationships, not always seeing eye to eye, but that family bond is strong and unbreakable. I love the support given and received among the women in this book, the lessons imparted and learned, and not only within the family. And I love the men in their lives, the committed partners who both give and receive the love, respect, and support we all should be fortunate enough to find. 

There are also romantic elements within this book that offer insight into various characters. A long-term relationship ends, an unexpected one begins, a married couple face a difficult decision, a sweet tradition offers comfort to a widow, and all three sisters - and their partners - look forward to the future with hope, joy, and love in their hearts. 

I would also like to mention the setting of the books in the Carolina Christmas series: Asheville, North Carolina. Most, if not all, of you are aware of the devastation heaped upon Asheville and the rest of Western North Carolina by Hurricane Helene. Scott and Holloway bring the beauty and unique vibe of Asheville to life in these books, all written before the storm. It's an area I love and know well, having lived within two hours of Asheville for more than twenty years. Mountain people are strong, they are resilient, and they will persevere. Of that, I have no doubt. It may take a while but they will rebuild their lives and their towns. In the meantime, they need help. Scott and Holloway have pledged to help that effort by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of the Carolina Christmas series (all four books - all formats) to Samaritan's Purse, an organization doing critical work on the ground in Western North Carolina. To help them in this mission, I have purchased a set of the four Carolina Christmas books in print format.

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 10 will receive the set of books: The Asheville Christmas Cabin, The Asheville Christmas Gift, The Asheville Christmas Wedding, and The Asheville Christmas Tradition. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Inn on Amelia Island

The Inn on Amelia Island

by Hope Holloway

Seven Sisters - Book 7

Publisher: Hope Holloway

Release Date: July 12, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

After coming together following their father’s stroke, the Wingate women have found second-chance romance, faced trials and tribulations, and built wonderful lives on Amelia Island. Their father is fully recovered and healthy, their businesses are flourishing, and the whole family is bursting with love and laughter.

But as they fill Wingate House with wedding plans and celebrations, not everything is smooth sailing down the Amelia River. One final crisis threatens this unshakeable family, and it will test everyone and everything they hold dear.

Before the sun sets on their saga, the sisters must join forces and hearts one last time to earn a truly heartwarming happily ever after.

PJ's Thoughts:

Hope. Heart. Humor. Family. Faith. Love. 

Hope Holloway concludes her heart-tugging Seven Sisters series with another book that kept me reading long into the night. These characters have all found a place in my heart. I simply could not stop reading until I was certain each member of the Wingate family was happy, healthy, and safe. And, in The Inn on Amelia Island, those facts are not a certainty for most of the book. Holloway really had me on pins and needles with this one. 

I don't want to go into specifics because each reader who has become invested in this family should have the pleasure of watching events unfold as they read the book. So, I'll just say this. Unexpected people - and obstacles - find their way into the lives of several members of the Wingate family but as we've learned throughout the series, when someone in this family is threatened, everyone - and I do mean everyone - circles the wagons. I love seeing these characters, these couples, this family as a whole come together, strengthening their bonds, their love, their faith as they confront the many faces of adversity. I will not soon forget them.

If you enjoy family sagas that elicit laughter, tug at your heartstrings, and immerse you in the trials and celebrations of one very special family, I highly recommend Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters series. I also strongly suggest reading the books in this series in order (listed below). I'm already anticipating what Holloway will bring readers next while secure in the knowledge that I know I'll be seeing Amelia Island and the seven Wingate sisters again. These books are too good not to revisit when I need a little laughter and reading comfort. 

The Beach House on Amelia Island (book 1)
The Café on Amelia Island (book 2)
The Bookstore on Amelia Island (book 3)
The Florist on Amelia Island (book 4)
The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island (book 5)
The Dressmaker on Amelia Island (book 6)
The Inn on Amelia Island (book 7)

Review & Giveaway - - The Dressmaker on Amelia Island

The Dressmaker on Amelia Island

by Hope Holloway

Publisher: Hope Holloway

Release Date: May 3, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

A sisterhood saga with threads of drama, dreams, and danger.

Life for the Wingate women of Amelia Island is never dull! While Raina balances the challenge of nurturing newborn twins and a budding romance, trouble arrives on her doorstep to threaten her sweet new life. And when Tori and Justin firmly disagree on an issue that affects the whole family, their love faces a test that could end their relationship forever.

But one person in the family is enmeshed in the adventure of a lifetime, and she’s keeping the secret from everyone but her former flame. Under the guise of creating a wedding dress for a mafia princess, Madeline steps into a thrilling but risky new role. Leaving the safety and security of her quiet life, this dressmaker must put everything on the line to protect the people she loves most.

As the winds of change blow over Wingate Way, the seven sisters continue to face every crisis with strength, grace, humor, and love.

PJ's Thoughts:

Each book in Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters series has been a pleasure to read but this one, The Dressmaker on Amelia Island, ticked all my happy reader buttons in a big way. Holloway is a master at creating a family of characters who leap from the pages of her books. I feel like I know each of them personally and am thoroughly invested in their lives, their hopes and dreams, their challenges, and, yes, their happiness. I enjoy how each book in the series focuses on the storylines of four primary characters while also threading other family members, friends, local citizens, and adversaries throughout. Just as in real life, no one character lives in a vacuum. I also appreciate the age span of the sisters which gives us relatable journeys at various points of life.

I do love an older heroine and never-married Madeline, at almost fifty is a gem. It's such fun to watch her not only rediscover love but rediscover joy and adventure at the same time. Raina is my favorite of the sisters. She has a fair number of obstacles thrown her way in this book with some surprises along the way. She also has a new man in her life who makes me want to shout, "If you don't take him I will!" Her storyline never fails to make me smile, shed a few tears, and want to stand and cheer. Then there's Tori, a character to whom anyone who has ever had teens will be able to relate. I love the possibilities in her future and especially the tear-inducing grand gesture awaiting her. Finally, there's a new - unexpected - character in this book, one who brings disruption and chaos to one of the sisters. I was surprised by the direction this new character's storyline took. I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll just say I love the way Holloway weaves grace, accountability, and forgiveness into the journeys of (some of) her characters. Alas, there will always be villains who stay villains. 

If you enjoy family sagas with endearing (closed door) romance, sisterly bonds that may stretch but never break, heart-tugging emotion, humor, and (in this book) a bit of danger and suspense, Hope Holloway's Seven Sisters is a series that will have you reading late into the night, closing each book with a deep satisfied sigh, then wanting nothing more than to go back to the beginning and read them all over again. 

This is a series where the stories and relationships in each book build upon the previous book(s). I strongly recommend beginning with book one and reading the entire series in order. The final book, The Inn on Amelia Island, is scheduled to be released on July 12, 2024. 

The Beach House on Amelia Island (book 1)
The Café on Amelia Island (book 2)
The Bookstore on Amelia Island (book 3)
The Florist on Amelia Island (book 4)
The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island (book 5)
The Dressmaker on Amelia Island (book 6)
The Inn on Amelia Island (book 7)

Have you read any Hope Holloway books yet?

Do you enjoy family sagas? Have you read any that you would recommend?

In this book, Raina is embracing the joys - and challenges - of life with infant twins. Are any of you twins? Do you have twins in your family? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, May 6 will receive a print copy of book five, The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island

The Chocolate Shop on Amelia Island

by Hope Holloway

Seven Sisters - Book 5

Publisher: Hope Holloway

Release Date: March 1, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

The saga continues with secrets, surprises, and sweet temptations…

Sadie Wingate has been keeping secrets...from her family and from her brand new husband. But once the truth is revealed, her whole world melts like a truffle in the sunshine. Can Sadie finally settle for a sweet life on Amelia Island…or will stability send her searching for the next adventure?

Raina nears her delivery date and signs the papers ending her marriage, but there’s one thing missing in her life. Despite being the fixer in her family, the only solution to heart’s dilemma seems all wrong for this newly-divorced mother of infant twins. But how can she say no?

Madeline's one and only love reappears, and this enigmatic man turns her well-ordered life upside down, while Susannah orchestrates major changes on Wingate Way.

When the winds of change blow over the candy store on Amelia Island, the Wingate women learn over and over again that the bond between the seven sisters is as strong as steel, as soothing as a seaside breeze, and as lasting as their family legacy.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is my favorite book of the series so far. I know. I know. I say that with each new Seven Sisters book that's published. Is it my fault that the author keeps one upping herself? 

As with the first four books, the primary focus of this one is on three of the sisters though all of them, and the rest of the family, are present with storyline threads that weave in and out as the book progresses. It's enjoyable to see the characters - and their relationships, both familiar and romantic - continue to evolve even in the books where their role is a secondary one. Truthfully, with this family, there's no such thing as secondary. There may only be three in the primary focus but all of them have important roles to fulfill, as is true in many real life families. 

Holloway brings the emotion once again in this book along with a few surprises. After meeting Sadie in book four and the twist at the end of that book, I felt sure I knew how her story would continue. Wow, was I wrong! I really like the direction she seems to be heading and applaud the author for taking an endearing, unexpected route. 

I'm also enjoying the fleshing out of Madeline's character. I love a second-chance romance, especially between more seasoned characters (late 40's/early 50's). I'm eager to discover what happens with this pair in book six. 

Raina's journey also continues with the legal dissolution of her marriage, birth of her twins, and the possibility of a new relationship on the horizon. I don't think she's reached smooth sailing yet but I like the direction she's heading.

Holloway keeps me entertained with these stories and more in this fifth book. There's possible ghosts, an engagement, a contest, a new project for the sisters' mom and good health news for their dad. There's humor, poignant moments, betrayals, new beginnings, and the strength, love, and unflagging spirit that bonds this special family together. There are only two more books in the series and I am nowhere ready to say goodbye. 

This is a series that I strongly encourage readers to read in order. 

Have you read Hope Holloway yet?

Do you enjoy closed-door books that are limited to kissing but rich in emotion?

There's some drool-worthy chocolates and cookies in this book. What's your go-to decadent treat?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 3 will receive a print copy of The Bookstore on Amelia Island (book 3).

*U.S. only

*Must be 18