Review - - Otherwise Engaged

Otherwise Engaged

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: November 4, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.

Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.

Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.

PJ's Thoughts:

Wow, what a roller coaster of a ride! Mallery digs into all the messy, precarious, sometimes volatile emotions of mother-daughter relationships and the impact they have on her characters' lives. And, in this book, that impact is mighty. 

Imagine discovering as an adult that your entire life was supposed to be different. That's what happens to Shannon and Victoria, two women with very different upbringings and very different relationships with their mothers. For one, the revelation explains so much about why she and her mother have never connected. For the other, it threatens the close - maybe too close - bond between mother and daughter. The fallout is immense, as one would expect, and expertly revealed, one piece at a time, by Mallery.

The twists never stop coming in this story, pulling me into the lives of these characters and keeping me invested while wondering what would happen next. The relationships are complicated, the emotions complex, and the resolutions hard won. Mallery doesn't shy away from the messiness, the ramifications of mistakes made or the devastation of heartrending decisions. It all feels very authentic and relatable. 

Aside from the relationships among the women, there are also romantic relationships (marriage, secret engagement, dating) that do not go untouched in the aftermath of the revelation of those long-held secrets. It all unfolds organically with expected difficulties along the way but results in long-overdue growth, healing, and hope for stronger relationships going forward. The process isn't easy but it's ultimately rewarding. 

This story grabbed me from the beginning and held me enthralled throughout, right up until the abrupt, what-the-heck ending. I was sure I had received a corrupted file and there were missing pages but, nope. That was the end. Maybe it's the romance reader in me but it just felt unfinished. I wanted more closure for these characters. An epilogue or even a few more pages could have given me that and made this a five-star read (for me). Other readers may feel differently. My issues aside, Otherwise Engaged is still a deeply emotional, immersive, well-written book and one I highly recommend. 

Review - - One Big Happy Family

One Big Happy Family

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: October 1, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.

PJ's Thoughts:

Susan Mallery’s One Big Happy Family is one special book. I’ve been reading Mallery for years, enjoyed many of her books, but even among the many Mallery keepers lining my shelves, this book is an all-time favorite. It’s so addictively enjoyable I read it in one day and am already looking forward to my next re-read. I won’t be a bit surprised if it ends up being one of my special annual, in-front-of-the-tree-with-hot-cocoa-and-a-cozy-blanket Christmas reads. It’s just that good. 

Mallery brings an ever expanding cast of characters to this story but it never feels cluttered or confusing. Chaotic? Well, that’s a different story but it’s the kind of holiday chaos I gobble up faster than hot-from-the-oven holiday shortbread. The characters are all developed with care and a thoroughness that brings them to life on the page. They are layered, complex, intriguing, and authentic. Even those who are eminently unlikable at first have layers that slowly reveal unexpected depths. Secrets are revealed, life decisions are made, a romance rekindles, another deepens, broken family relationships take the first steps toward healing, children bring a magical anticipation, and friends and family, old and new, biological and chosen, illustrate clearly that Christmas is the perfect time to open our hearts to the hope, joy, love, fun, and unexpected guests of the season. 

Don’t miss Susan Mallery’s One Big Happy Family. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review & Giveaway - - Home Sweet Christmas

Home Sweet Christmas

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: October 4, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

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.

PJ's Thoughts:

Mallery's first Wishing Tree book, The Christmas Wedding Guest, (9/28/21) planted the seed but this year's installment, Home Sweet Christmas, sealed the deal. Wishing Tree is where I want to spend my Christmas holidays and I plan to show up for all the activities! 

I love the community Mallery creates in this book, with the fun traditions, quirky locals, a meddling mama, joyful holiday spirit, and complicated relationships. In this book, she gives us two couples to follow. I found both relationships equally compelling and engaging. Her characters are so realistic...and relatable. These are complex, multi-layered individuals with strengths, weaknesses, baggage to overcome, and flaws just like the rest of us. They could be my friends or neighbors and, honestly, I'd like them to be. Well, maybe all of them except Jake's meddling, matchmaking, take-charge mother. Her heart may be in the right place but that woman scares me. 

Though there are two heart-tugging romances along with a supporting cast, Mallery weaves all of them together into a smoothly-flowing story while still giving each individual character room to evolve. I enjoyed the various relationships that play out along with the romances. Camryn's relationship with her younger sisters is poignant and complex, with a growth arc that touched my heart. I also love the twins' relationship with Jake. And then there's the abandoned pup who, let's face it, steals everyone's hearts, including mine. There are great female friendships and a spot-on friend/chosen family relationship between Jake and Dylan that was one of my favorite parts of the book. 

If you're looking for a heartwarming, hopeful, holiday romance with engaging characters, emotional depth, plenty of humor, family dynamics, self-reflection, and two happily-ever-after couples, all wrapped up with a festive bow, give yourself the gift of Susan Mallery's Home Sweet Christmas. It's a happy holiday delight. 

Though a few characters from the first Wishing Tree book appear in Home Sweet Christmas, both books can be enjoyed on their own without having read the other. If you haven't read The Christmas Wedding Guest yet, check out my 5-star review here. 

Have you read Susan Mallery?

Do you enjoy books with more than one main couple?

Have you read any holiday romances set in a fictional location you'd love to visit?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 12 will receive a print copy of Home Sweet Christmas.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Tour Review - - The Summer Getaway

The Summer Getaway

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: March 15, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

Single mom Robyn Caldwell needs a new plan for her future.  She has always put her family first.  Now, with her kids grown, she yearns for a change. But what can she do when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could ruin everything?

Take a vacation, of course. Press reset. When her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane to sunny California.

But it’s hard to get away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she loves follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more possibilities she sees—for dreams, love, family. She can have everything she ever wanted, if only she can muster the courage to take a chance on herself.

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been reading Susan Mallery for years. Her books never fail to make me think and make me feel. Among all those stories, this newest book ranks as one of my favorites. There was just something about these characters, Robyn and Lillian, in particular, that resonated with me. 

The Summer Getaway is a story of relationships and connections, of putting the past behind, rediscovering oneself, and exploring the potential in opening one's life to new chapters, regardless of age. Mallery explores familial relationships between Robyn and her adult children, between those same children and their father, and between Robyn and her great-aunt. She also explores the complex relationship between former spouses, as well as new relationships with romantic potential. The ups and downs of all these relationships are seamlessly interwoven into a human quilt fraught with tension, anger, curiosity, humor, sadness, understanding, growth, and love. Even the self-absorbed jerk of an ex grows and, believe me, that's no mean feat. 

I connected with Robyn almost immediately and by the end of the book was emotionally attached to the entire family. The characters became real to me, engaging me as if they were actual friends. I was invested in their success, and in their happiness, experiencing all of the highs and lows right along with them. The story flowed at a steady pace, keeping me involved and turning pages without interruption. Even the sadness near the end of the book, though it caused some tears, was handled with an air of hope. And the conclusion was happy smiles all around. 

This one comes with my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Excerpt Tour - - The Summer Getaway

The Summer Getaway

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: March 15, 2022

One woman discovers the beauty in chaos in this poignant and heartwarming story about the threads that hold family together from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

With her divorce settlement about to run out and a mortgage she can’t afford, Robyn Caldwell needs a plan for her future. She nurtured her family and neglected herself. But how’s she supposed to think when her daughter has become the most demanding bride ever, her son won’t even consider college, her best friend is on the brink of marital disaster and her ex is making a monumentally bad decision that could bring everything crashing down on Robyn’s head? So when her great-aunt Lillian invites her to Santa Barbara for the summer, Robyn hops on the first plane.

But it’s hard to run away when you’re the heart of the family. One by one, everyone she left behind follows her across the country. Somehow, their baggage doesn’t feel as heavy in the sun-drenched, mishmash mansion. The more time Robyn spends with free-spirited Lillian, the more she sees the appeal in taking chances—on dreams, on love, on family. Life is meant to be lived on purpose. All she has to do is muster the courage to take a chance on herself.

EXCERPT #12

THE SUMMER GETAWAY

Her ex-husband groaned. “Can’t you tell her? She’ll take it better from you.”

“No, I can’t. Not only won’t she take it better from me, I’m not willing to be yelled at for you. This is your responsibility. Tell her.”

He sighed heavily. “You used to be a lot more fun to be around. Fine. I’ll talk to her. She’s not going to care.”

“I hope you’re right.” She rose. “Okay, thanks for stopping by.”

“That’s it?”

“Did you have something else to talk about?”

“No.” He stood. “You used to offer me a drink when we talked like this. And a cheese plate.”

She ignored her guilt. “I was running late. Next time.”

He studied her for a second. “Are you going to marry Jase?”

“What?” Her voice was nearly a yelp. She lowered it. “No.”

They hadn’t even discussed living together. Marriage? She wasn’t ready to marry him or anyone. Four years after her divorce, she was finally starting to consider her options. She couldn’t imagine committing to someone else in that way. Living with Jase was one thing, but marriage? Not anytime soon.

“I just wondered,” he said. “You’re different these days.”

She doubted he meant the words as a compliment.

“Good to know. If you think of it, text me after you talk to Harlow so I can brace myself.”

“Sure.”

They walked to the front door. Before he stepped onto the porch, he looked at her.

“You know, most of our years together were pretty good.”

The statement caught her off guard. Is that how he saw things? Her view was entirely different. Not that she would say that to him—there was no reason to revisit that well-trodden road.

“They were,” she lied, going for the kind response rather than the honest one.

“I think about that sometimes.”

With that he turned and walked away. Robyn closed the front door behind him, then leaned against it. The list of things that had gone wrong in their marriage seemed a lot longer than the list of what had gone right. Four years after the fact, she was clear on where she’d screwed up and where Cord had, as well.

They’d married too young. They’d had kids too young. They’d put all their energy into growing the business and raising their family rather than paying attention to their relationship. And when Cord had cheated, six years in, they’d dealt with the betrayal and the pain, but never the why.

Looking back from a safe emotional distance, Robyn thought maybe that had been the first big crack. They should have gotten down to the real issues between them, but the hurt had been so big, she hadn’t been able to think about anything else.

Marriage was hard, and sometimes people failed. Robyn accepted that and knew if there ever was a next time, she was going get it right.

 

 

Tour Review - - The Christmas Wedding Guest

The Christmas Wedding Guest

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: September 28, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

The Somerville sisters believe in love, but they’ve lost faith it will happen for them. Reggie hasn’t been home since the end of the world’s shortest engagement. When her parents decide to renew their vows, she buffs up her twinkle to help with the Christmas wedding. Unexpectedly, Toby, her first love, is back too, and the spark between them shines as brightly as ever. In the spirit of the season, will they let go of past hurts and greet the New Year together?

Done waiting for the one, Dena is pregnant and on her own—on purpose. But then a gorgeous, sad-eyed songwriter checks in to a room at her inn. Micah, unable to write since he lost his wife, finds inspiration in Dena’s determination to be a mom. One snowflake-speckled kiss and he’s a goner. But Dena is afraid to believe that a rock star could fall for a cookie-cutter small-town girl like her.

As the Christmas wedding draws closer, these two sisters just might unwrap the most treasured gift of all—love.

PJ's Thoughts:

Have you ever finished a book with the feeling that the author wrote it specifically for you? That's exactly how I felt while reading Susan Mallery's newest Christmas classic, The Christmas Wedding Guest. I adored it! I'm ready to book a trip to Wishing Tree (don't you love that name?). I'll be staying at Dena Somerville's Wishing Tree B and B where I will happily engage in the evening wine and snacks event while mingling with the other guests, and hoping to catch a glimpse of Micah Ruiz. Yes, I know he's head over heels for Dena and I love him for that. Actually, I love him for a lot of reasons.

Of course, I'll volunteer to help Dena and her sister Reggie with the elementary school's annual holiday charity project. Those kids are so creative and young Harrison (along with his dad) are real heart-stealers (just ask Reggie). Their journey together is an emotional one with some significant obstacles to overcome. I'm pulling for them! 

I'll also be on pins and needles waiting for the horns and sirens to announce the first snowfall so I can join everyone at The Wreath for the big celebration. And I'll probably lose my heart to Belle (who am I kidding, it's already hers), Reggie's fashionista Great Dane. Or maybe I'll just curl up in my favorite chair, with a cozy blanket and a mug of hot cocoa, and lose myself again in Susan Mallery's humorous and heart-tugging novel. It's definitely worth a second read...or more. 

These characters are among my Mallery favorites and will not soon be forgotten. Their book is going straight to my keeper shelf where I will no doubt revisit them each Christmas. 

I enthusiastically recommend adding The Christmas Wedding Guest to your holiday reading list. It made me laugh, made me cry, and filled my heart with joy. 

~~~~~~~~~

Buy Links: 

BookShop.org

Harlequin 

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Books-A-Million

Powell’s 

Social Links:

Author Website

Twitter: @SusanMallery

Facebook: @SusanMallery

Instagram: @susanmallery

Goodreads

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She's passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.

Excerpt Tour - The Vineyard at Painted Moon

The Vineyard at Painted Moon

by Susan Mallery

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: February 9, 2021

Step into the vineyard with Susan Mallery’s most irresistible novel yet, as one woman searches for the perfect blend of love, family and wine.

Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all—a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem—it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him—his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything. Her job, her home, her friends and, worst of all, her family.

Staying is an option. She can continue to work at the winery, be friends with her mother-in-law, hug her nieces and nephews—but as an employee, nothing more. Or she can surrender every piece of her heart in order to build a legacy of her own. If she can dare to let go of the life she thought she wanted, she might discover something even more beautiful waiting for her beneath a painted moon.

Excerpt #11

The Vineyard at Painted Moon

Chapter 3

  

They danced for another three songs before going to get something to drink. Several of the female guests stopped her to admire her ring. Barbara hadn’t had much of a chance to study it herself. She would guess the diamond was at least three carats. A little large and flashy, but she was confident she could carry it off.

 Stephanie met them by the bar.

“That was amazing,” she said with a happy sigh. “I’m so thrilled for you both.”

 “You did a very nice job,” Barbara told her, doing her best to keep the surprise out of her voice. “The moment was perfect.”

Stephanie hugged her. “Next, the wedding. Let me know if you want my help planning that, Mom. It’s one of my skill sets.”

A wedding? Barbara hadn’t thought that far ahead. Obviously she and Giorgio would have some kind of ceremony. At their age, it made sense to make it small—family and a few close friends.

 She immediately recalled her first wedding. She and James had been young and there hadn’t been any money to waste on something as frivolous as a wedding. They’d been married in a small church and the reception had been in the old farmhouse where they’d lived. It hadn’t been the wedding of anyone’s dreams.

She looked at the ring glinting on her left hand, then at the crowd enjoying themselves. She was the matriarch of Bel Après, and the owner of a successful business. Money was no object.

“Giorgio, what do you want for a wedding?”

He drew her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “I want whatever makes you happy, my love.”

He was such a good man.

 Barbara considered her options. Having the wedding at Bel Après made the most sense. There were spaces for large events. Even though the winery wasn’t gauche enough to pimp itself out as a destination anything, they did host parties for major customers or special occasions. Still, a wedding required planning.

Barbara looked at her oldest daughter. Stephanie managed the retail store and tasting room. She could, in a pinch, manage the wine club, as well, and she planned whatever parties were held on the property, including a handful of weddings. While Stephanie didn’t have anything that could be considered talent, she was organized, and honestly, how hard could it be to plan a wedding?

“All right,” Barbara said. “Stephanie, you can plan my wedding. I want a real one,” she added. “Traditional. Nothing ridiculously modern. I’ll accept fun and elegant and a little over-the-top, but that’s all.”

 Stephanie grinned. “We can make that happen. We can even talk about a lot over-the-top.”

Barbara held in a sigh. “We’ll talk about it later. Right now I want to dance with my fiancé.”

 She turned to Giorgio and held out her hand. He pulled her close, then led her to the dance floor. So much happiness, she thought, leaning against him. The night was perfect, and the rest of her life was going to be just as wonderful.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Susan

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Today's Special - - Harlequin Holiday Roundup

 

I love Christmas romances and some of my favorite HQN authors have new stories available just in time for this year's holiday reading. Here are a few of my recent reads.

A Princess by Christmas: A Holiday Romance

by Julia London

A Royal Wedding - Book 3

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: October 13, 2020

She’s discovered his secret.
Now the trouble really begins…

After three years of mourning—and turning her dear deceased husband’s gazette into the ton’s sauciest source of fashion and gossip—Hollis Honeycutt feels her life has been strangely bereft of late… Her sister is living abroad, and her best friend moved to the country. What must a young widow of rank and reputation do? Why, transform her society gossip sheets into serious investigative news, starting with a rumored coup…and the rather dashing, mysterious gentleman whom Hollis suspects might be the villain of her first real story, and she is the only one who can write it.

Marek Brendan is investigating terrible rumors of treachery and treason that threaten his home country of Wesloria, but he must proceed with caution. No one can discover the truth. After all, who would ever believe he is Wesloria’s lost crown prince? Only Hollis Honeycutt’s cerulean-blue eyes seem to know more than she’s letting on—and worse, Marek can’t seem to resist her curious charms. But even as betrayal threatens a nation and a throne, nothing is quite so dangerous as the lovely young widow who’s determined to find the truth…and a prince of her own.

PJ's Thoughts:

What a perfect story to lose myself in this holiday season. Julia London's A Princess by Christmas is chock full of charm, mystery, shenanigans, and heart-tugging romance. Marek and Hollis are both complex, engaging characters who captured my heart. I so enjoyed watching the evolution of their relationship as well as the growth of each of them individually. And I appreciated the happily-ever-after London gave them - not the one I expected but the one that was right for them. Tears of joy were shed. 

But Marek and Hollis aren't the only ones who shine in this novel. London has surrounded them with a cast of supporting characters who enrich the story and help bring it to life; endearing characters who are as well-developed as the leads. In particular, my heart was snared by Donovan, Hollis's manservant, confidant, and dear friend. I adored him. If London ever writes a story for him I'll be first in line to buy it. 

This is the third book in London's A Royal Wedding series. While characters from the first two books make appearances, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. 

The Last Christmas Cowboy

by Maisey Yates

A Gold Valley Novel - Book 11

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Cowgirl Rose Daniels is determined to play matchmaker to ensure her beloved sister will meet someone under the mistletoe. She enlists the reluctant help of family friend Logan Heath, but his insistence that she doesn’t understand chemistry is exasperating. Until they share one electrifying moment that shows her exactly what chemistry is all about, and it becomes outrageously, irresistibly intriguing…

Logan hates the holidays. They are a painful reminder of the family he lost and a time of year he always wants to spend on his own. But Rose refuses to let him. Logan’s worked for years to keep his attraction to her under wraps—she’s his best friend’s youngest sister and she couldn’t be more off-limits. He’s the last cowboy that innocent Rose should ever kiss, but this Christmas, maybe Logan will become the only cowboy she’ll ever want.

PJ's Thoughts:

The Daniels children lost their parents in a plane crash when Rose was a small child, a crash that also took the life of Logan's mother. The effects of the aftermath of that tragedy have affected each of them in deep and not always visible ways. Now that Rose and Logan are adults, and their feelings for one another are beginning to change, each of them will have to deal with long-buried emotions in order to have the courage to reach for the love they deserve. 

I can always count on Maisey Yates to deliver an emotional roller coaster and this book is no exception. She takes both Rose and Logan through a significant evolution before we reach the end. The journey isn't always easy but the end is always satisfying. I enjoyed watching Rose's siblings continue to move forward with their relationships and am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with other characters while those new to Gold Valley should be able to enjoy this story on it's own merits. 

Happily This Christmas

by Susan Mallery

Happily Inc - Book 6

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: September 29, 2020

Wynn Beauchene has a thriving business, a great kid and a mildly embarrassing crush on the guy next door—local cop Garrick McCabe. She’s a strong, independent woman who can’t help dreaming what-if about a man she barely knows. Until he needs her help…

Garrick’s pregnant daughter will be home for Christmas, and his house needs a woman’s touch. Garrick and his little girl were tight once and he’s hoping a small-town Christmas will bring her back to him. But thawing his daughter’s frosty attitude will take more than a few twinkle lights. Maybe sharing the holiday with Wynn and her son will remind her of the joy of family.

As the season works its magic on these wounded souls, Wynn realizes it’s time to stop punishing herself for a painful secret, while Garrick remains haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes. Will he allow Wynn to open the only gift she truly wants—his heart?

PJ's Thoughts:

What a lovely story to put readers in the holiday spirit. Susan Mallery's characters are so realistic and relatable. I could easily imagine being friends and neighbors with both Wynn and Garrick, along with the rest of the town. Wynn and Garrick had great chemistry and developed a sweet friendship, followed by a slow slide into more. I had to laugh at the obstacles to the "more" that kept appearing to sidetrack their plans. Welcome to romance with kids. 

I love how Mallery delves into the everyday challenges within families, guiding characters through issues many of us encounter. I  enjoyed Wynn's relationship with her teenage son. She's a good mom, a good person, but still punishing herself over something that happened fifteen years earlier. Her son's such a great character, even when he messes up. Maybe especially when he messes up as it gives them both the opportunity for growth and forgiveness. Then there's Garrick and his estranged daughter. My heart ached for him. He's such a good man and trying so very hard to be a good father. His daughter wasn't a very likable character at the start but her growth over the course of the book was significant. Their path to understanding was rocky but also poignant, heartwarming, humorous (birthing class), healing, and real. 

The Christmas event that brings them all together was an added, feel-good bonus that had me crying tears of joy. 

Happily This Christmas can be enjoyed as a standalone but a word of warning: by the time you finish, you may have fallen in love with the town and her citizens so much that you immediately buy the first five books in the series. Like I did. 

So those are some of the books I've been reading. What are the holiday romances that are warming your heart?