This Christmas he has big plans until he meets a beautiful distraction….
Army reservist Cameron Walker loves everything about the holidays in River’s Edge—celebrating with his big family and carving out more time to work on his custom design furniture in his studio. But when he meets a visiting artist and niece of a family friend, he’s eager to break his work plans for play. He knows first-hand life’s short.
Teacher and artist Harper Gaines is bowled over by the handsome and friendly finish carpenter she meets during her vacation. His admiration for her art and his enthusiasm for life light her up, and remind her of how much she’s been missing since her soldier husband’s death. But when she discovers Cam’s also a soldier, she retreats, unable to risk another loss.
Cam has never felt such a strong connection, and he won’t give up without a fight. But will Cam’s persistence and the magic of Christmas be enough to convince Harper to take a chance on them?
PJ's Thoughts:
Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge books are always hopeful and heartfelt but those set during the holidays seem to have that extra punch of emotion. Made for Mistletoe has all the feelings.
I adored Cam. How could I not? He's like a Golden Retriever puppy with his huge heart, kind soul, over-the-top love of all things Christmas, and dedication to helping others. Harper really has no chance against all that sweetness, charm, and sex appeal, except...
Harper Gaines is stuck, mired in grief, and unable to move forward. Reinhardt's depiction of her is so realistic, so relatable. My heart bled for her. I could feel her pain so acutely, moved to tears more than once. I appreciate the journey that was crafted for her, the time and patience given as she navigates the incredibly difficult process of moving on with life and courageously opening her heart a second time.
I enjoyed the gradual evolution of the friendship between Cam and Harper that slowly deepens into more, the respect and support they give to one another, and the sizzle of attraction that, while always there, waits patiently on the back burner until the time is right. I love the connections that are forged between Harper and other women in River's Edge, how each one opens a pathway toward healing. And I love the layers within Cam that give his character unexpected depth without losing that special light that shines from his heart.
River's Edge really is a magical place. I wish it was real. I wish I could visit and spend time with all of the wonderful characters who inhabit Nan Reinhardt's fictional world. They feel real to me. I'm emotionally invested in their lives, their well-being, their happiness.
If you're looking for heart-tugging, small-town, contemporary romance with a strong sense of community, emotional depth, a sprinkling of humor, feel-good romance, and a hard-won, happy ending, check out Made for Mistletoe. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. If you're new to River's Edge, don't worry. You can jump in with Made for Mistletoe and do just fine.
