Review: Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses

By Jenny Hale

October 16, 2015

305 pages

Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance

Content: Clean

Source: eARC for Honest review

An uplifting, beautiful story about never letting go of your dreams, the special magic of a family Christmas… and the rush of falling in love under the mistletoe. 

Single mother Abbey Fuller loves her family more than anything, and doesn’t regret for a moment having had to put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold. But with her son, Max, growing up, when a friend recommends her for a small design job she jumps at the chance. How hard can it be? 

Nick Sinclair needs his house decorated in time for his family’s festive visit – and money is no object. What he doesn’t need is to be distracted from his multi-million dollar business – even if it is Christmas. 

When Abbey pulls up to the huge Sinclair mansion, she has a feeling she might be out of her depth. And when she meets the gorgeous, brooding Nicholas Sinclair, she knows that she’s in real trouble… 

With the snow falling all around, can Abbey take the chance to make her dreams of being a designer come true? And can she help Nick to finally enjoy the magic of Christmas? 

'Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses' was just the holiday read I was looking for. A sweet, clean, holiday romance, but not cheesy in the least. This story was full of heart, hope, and happiness, but also laced with honesty and real life and completely genuine. The cover says it's "a feel good Christmas romance novel" and that statement is spot on.

Abbey, single mom to adorable 6-year-old Max, has a new job decorating the home of her nursing client's millionaire grandson, Nick, in time for Christmas. Sounds like your standard Chick-Lit romance, right? But really, this story as so much more. Abbey and Nick have each lost their personal dreams in one way or another. But this new business relationship sparks a glimpse for each of them into another world, another reality, if they are brave enough to take a chance on it. 

What I loved about this book is the special attention and care it took to explore Abbey and Nick. Abbey's honesty and boldness is truly what made things happen. I loved her heart and her willingness to put a brave foot forward, knowing it may get stepped on. Now Nick was far slower to come around, but I actually loved the pacing of his transformation. He was so set in his ways, yet Abbey was able to slowly but surely coax him out. I also loved the parallel between him and Señor Freckles. 

The romance between Abbey and Nick was slow but perfect. I loved the situations they ended up in, the special times they spent together, and the way they made each other better. They were a fantastic couple. Then add in Max, and the story came alive even more. With a few more endearing family members thrown in, this story was truly special. This was a beautiful holiday read, and I can see it becoming a yearly favorite of mine :)

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