Publication Date: September 29, 2020

Publisher: HQN Books

Pages: 384

Genre: Romance, Holiday

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis

Treat yourself this Christmas by staying in with this holiday read!

Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances, proves there’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

There’s no place like Happily Inc for the holidays…

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?

Review

This is a very heartwarming small town Christmas romance. This is the second book that I have read in the Happily Inc series and I think this one might have to be my favorite. I love how natural Garrick and Wynn’s relationship felt and how it morphed from genuine friendship and interest to a full blown love story. I also really liked the elements that their kids both brought to the story. Joylyn especially brings a lot of drama and sweetness (in her own way) to the story and I ended up enjoying her storyline more than our main couple. My biggest issue with this book is how frequently outdated gender norms were brought up. I also hope to go my whole life without ever again hearing adults say boy girl relationship when referring to themselves. There was no reason for Mallery to even need to bring up gender in this story and it made me uncomfortable with how much it was brought up. Other than that, I did really enjoy these characters and I am always a huge fan of the Happily Inc world. The characters all get into the festive spirt and this book would make a cozy weekend read.

~Cassie