I ended up struggling with Hale's writing style, I don't think she's the author for me. I can't pinpoint the issue but I just cannot get into the stories how they are written.

This was a great holiday read, even post holiday. She has everything - except money. He has money - but really nothing else. So much holiday magic and exactly what the holiday season SHOULD be about, this is a book that has innocence and Christmas magic and all the things that make you smile!

This was a cute Christmassy read. I thought this was pretty slow for the first while but it did pick up. There were some eye roll moments when Nick and Abbey keep getting brought together. By the end I was completely hooked and rooting for their HEA.

Abbey is a single mom who's working very hard to make ends meet. Abbey is a nurse and she takes care of Caroline, an old lady who's living in a guesthouse owned by her grandson Nick. Abbey always dreamed of being an interior designer but to pay the bills she had to put her dreams on hold. Caroline is very fond of Abbey and when Nick needs an interior designer she makes sure that he hires Abbey. Will Abbey be able to transform Nick's mansion into a Christmas dream?

Nick has taken over his father's business after he passed away. He's determined to uphold the business' success and to make his father proud. To accomplish this he has turned into a workaholic and his marriage failed because he was never home. Now he has a woman in his house who's full of happiness and doing what she loves to do. With each passing day Nick has more problems with being able to focus on his work. He would rather be spending time with Abbey and her son Max. Will he be able to balance the two?

Abbey wants nothing more than to increase her income, so she can take better care of her son and her grandfather who needs more expensive medicine than he's getting at the moment. When the opportunity presents itself to decorate Nick's mansion she's nervous, but she's up for the challenge. The paycheck is more than she could ever have wish for and Abbey is looking forward to giving her son the most magical Christmas ever. Abbey's sweet, caring and loves her family and friends dearly. She is the kind of person who can get along with everyone and I loved her creative mind. I was wishing that all of her dreams would come true.

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses is a heart-warming and festive love story. Jenny Hale's vivid descriptions made me able to picture each and every room. The way Abbey 'fixes' up the house sounds like it was done by Santa himself. I read Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses in one sitting and wasn't ready to let it go. This story put a smile on my face and I can't wait to read more books written by Jenny Hale.

This book is EXACTLY WHY I put so much stock in endings. For example, I loved Outlander but hated the ending. In fact, the ending RUINED the whole book for me.

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses, however, had such a lovely ending that it redeemed a book I almost gave 2 stars. That’s me being honest, not mean!

Christmas Wishes started out slow, but I’m a sucker for a merry Christmas story, so I marched on. The middle was more interesting, but also contrived. I mean, how many “accidental” ways are we going to get Nick and Abbey in the same room?

And then came the last third of the book. The third where I was so invested I could feel the scarf on Abbey’s neck, I could hear Nick’s mom’s crazy voice, I could see the excitement in Max’s eyes. I cried, people. Cried!!!

So, ultimately, I’m glad I read Christmas Wishes. Hale wrote a wonderful hero in Nick, and gave him realistic charm. Abbey being a nurse / designer was a fresh take on the young-woman-figuring-out-life trope. Most importantly for me: a happily ever after in the best way possible.

NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I just finished reading this and I LOVED every moment. Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses was so inspiring, wonderful, and magical. I fell in love with Abbey and Nick within the first few chapters. Nick Sinclair was a closed off, independent businessman focused on making his business a success. When he met Abbey, he was interested. She was unique and different than any person he ever met. This story was about finding your own happiness, following your dreams, and taking risks. The Christmas setting just made this story much more magical and enchanting to read about. One of my favorite Christmas reads!

Stevie‘s review of Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses by Jenny Hale
Contemporary Holiday Romance published by Forever 30 Oct 18

I decided I might as well start reading Christmas books early for once, and the blurb of this one appealed because it mentioned interior design, which is a topic I’m rather keen on in my own small way. Added to which it has a wealthy hero who seems to actually do some work for his money, rather than just being wealthy, and a heroine who may finally get to follow her career dreams. So far so good…


Abbey Fuller had plans to be an interior designer from an early age; however, pregnancy, coupled with a no-good boyfriend, led to her raising her son alone and training as a nurse instead, because that seemed a more practical way to start earning and paying her bills. Now with her son an energetic six year old, and her mother struggling to take care of her own disabled but fiercely independent father, Abbey is working as a carer for the elderly grandmother of a multimillionaire. She hasn’t entirely give up her creative aspirations, though, having helped brighten up her lady’s cottage with a few carefully chosen – and well outside her own budget – pieces. That leads to the suggestion that she take on the project to decorate her actual employer’s home in time for Christmas, when he’ll be entertaining the rest of his immediate family, all of whom have been nagging him to actually turn his house into a home.

Nick Sinclair is driven by the need to make the businesses he inherited even more successful than they were when his father was alive and to constantly add to his portfolio just to prove that he can. Although he owns a big house, he lives in only one or two rooms, leaving the rest shut up and empty after his wife walked out on him. Having hired Abbey to do one job, he now believes she is capable of doing something totally different in her spare time, thus saving him the bother of hiring any of the professional decorators who’ve already quoted for the work. And this is pretty much the point at which I decided I didn’t like Nick; he tells Abbey the lowest sum that he’s been quoted – presumably to hire more than a one-person crew – without detailing what that included, then offers her half the amount, plus expenses. Abbey for her part is so astonished at the chance of earning in a few weeks what she’d normally take home over three years, that she doesn’t question what sort of deal she’s getting or how she’s going to juggle two jobs with her responsibilities towards her son and the rest of the family.

This being a modern fairy story, things work out far better than I’d have expected, and Nick comes to realise that making money isn’t the be-all and end-all of his life. I liked both Nick’s and Abbey’s families, which saved this from getting a lower grade than just being average, but I did get a feeling that the author might have originally written Abbey as a good few years younger and then been asked to age her up. None of her backstory or current personality seemed to fit with a woman who’d had a child at 24, having failed to get any qualifications beforehand. Nor did anything about her feel like she was now a thirty-year-old mother to a six-year-old. Not the best start to my festive reading, I’m afraid.

Grade: C

A captivating and delightful holiday romance. Jenny Hale hit the spot with this book the loving warmth of the holiday spirit, finding true love and finding out what's most important in life. It has the right amount of holiday cheese ( I love the cheesiness of Christmas movies) without it getting too cliched. Nick Sinclair was an obvious Scrooge but showed signs early on of being redeemable. Abby Fuller's pregnancy put her dreams of being an interior designer on hold but now her son is older and her grandfather's Parkinson's getting worse any extra money would be great, so when one of her in-home nursing patients recommends decorating her grandson's house Abby would be foolish to turn it down.

Nick's father died young and left the company to Nick. Nick feels a sense of obligation to make sure the company is successful, as a result Nick becomes an even worse workaholic than his father to the point it ruined his first marriage and his relationship with his mother. Nick has an instant attraction to Abby and he's patient and kind to Max, her son, he finds himself constantly distracted by them and spending as much time as he can just being with them. Nick feels like he's being pulled in two directions his want to be with Abby and his obligation to work. Nick needs to figure out what's more important to him before he loses his chance with Abby for good. Abby didn't intend to fall in love with Nick but when he makes time for her and Max in his busy day and takes time to text and call her it's hard not to see the wonderful man he is but he keeps running hot and cold with her pushing her away and than holding her close and to top it all off Nick is in the process of moving away and she doesn't think his feelings for her are strong enough to keep him in a house he hates.

Overall, it's a great story to get you in the Christmassy mood and appreciate your family and what you have. I loved the characters and the writing it's my first Jenny Hale book and it won't be my last.

Abbey is a single mother who works as a nurse but is hired to be a personal nurse for Caroline. Caroline's grandson hires Abbey to also decorate his home for Christmas. He is a workaholic worth millions and never has time for family or play. Until he meets Abbey who shows him what it is like. We get to start seeing a soft side to him and what makes him be the person who he is. Abbey has been raising her son along with the help of her mom and Gramps. Gramps has health issues and needs meds that are expensive so what Abbey will make doing the interior designing of the mansion, she can afford his meds. Abbey's son Max falls for Nick and spends what time he can with him. Can Abbey and Max show Nick that family and fun is just as important as work?

Abbey and her son Max have always managed to get by, with a ton of hard work and scrimping, and an open door at her mother’s house. With her grandfather now battling Parkinson’s, her mother’s broken ankle and Christmas coming, Abbey would like nothing more than to lose some of her financial burdens and give Max the Christmas he deserves. For the past 5 years she’s managed to push off his disappointment in not getting everything with the excuse that Santa’s sleigh can’t hold it all – and she’s been guilty that he feels ‘less’ than his schoolmates. But, an opportunity comes up for her to decorate Caroline’s grandson’s home – she’s been a carer for Caroline in her small cottage on the estate grounds, and redecorated the cottage to add warmth, functionality and a touch of style. But her grandson Nick lives in the ‘big house’ which is desperately in need of decorating.

Nick is consumed with making a success of his late father’s company – always working, single-mindedly focused on the task at hand. With a divorce behind him – he’s hiding many emotional scars behind a gentle, if firm, remove from the ‘messiness’ that is life. Doing all he can for his family and making sure they have what they need, from a distance. He hires Abbey on the spot, with little to no interest in ‘what’ she puts in the rooms to decorate – only that it be done for his family’s arrival before Christmas. An enigma where Abbey is concerned – so buttoned up in contrast to her own emotionally open and curious nature, her own rather quick-to-judge impressions of his remove all based in the differences in their economic statuses is perhaps the first thing that has Nick surprised and intrigued.

Slowly we see Abbey as she struggles with her guilt over Max and not being able to be ‘everything’ for him as a single parent, and her struggles with the curiosity she has about Nick, and his discomfort with her questions. But, beneath it all, Nick is intrigued with her – and finds himself putting his work aside to share meals, shopping and even some truly lovely moments with Max, who instantly gravitates toward him. With Abbey’s understandable hesitations about the connection that is building between Max and Nick, and the shock with which Nick’s family recognizes just how different he is since Abbey arrived, there are moments galore that show Nick’s remove slipping, by his own actions and the ‘take no prisoners’ approach that Abbey shows him – from picking up pieces after breaking promises, to sitting beside him as he shares a piece of himself that his family never saw – this is a lovely story of second chances and growth, perfect for the holidays.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aaX/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Now I’m going to start off with a warning about this book, if you are looking for a hot and steamy Christmas romance, this is NOT the book for you, but if you are looking for a book that will make you cry, feel your heart with warmth, and will give you so much happiness, well this is the book for you!

The book is set around 3 people; Abbey, single mom, nurse, interior designer, has a heart of gold. Nick, a hardworking man, hasn’t known love since his father died, struggles to relate to people. And then there is Max, who is the sweetest little boy and who just wants a Dad.

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses is a Booz set around these 3 tricky relationships, and a book that I absolutely loved! It not only restored my faith in humanity but in the Christmas spirit too!

Jenny Hale is a new to me author, but definitely, one that I will read again and again! Her book was simply wonderful, and even now I get a lump in my throat, just thinking about it.

I give Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses 5 stars

This book lives in a place of magic, wishes and never giving up on your dreams. Abbey doesn't regret putting her life on hold to be a single mother, but now that she has an opprtunity to persue her decorating dreams she feels nervous and excited. When she starts to have feelings for her client she opens her self up to a holiday miracle. Very sweet story.

Favorite Quote:

“Your happiness and security is all I want for Christmas.” The man who had everything had found something to ask for this Christmas.


My Review:


This was a sweet and thoughtful read and one of those rare books that I could thoroughly appreciate yet was chaste enough that I could recommend to my elderly mother’s book club. Due to the vast disparity in our reading interests, those books seem to be as common as mega lottery wins. I enjoyed every aspect of this book; the premise was fairly realistic and interesting; the characters were well fleshed out and sincerely endearing and worth knowing; while the writing and storylines were full of feels and well crafted with poignant and observant insights and considerable attention to detail. Ms. Hale’s writing was so easy to fall into that I expected to see her characters in front of me when I put my Kindle down.

I enjoyed this book, but there was something about the story or the writing style that I didn’t 100% connect with.

I still enjoyed my experience and liked the story, but it was just a middle of the road story for me.

This is a fantastic Christmas romance which made me laugh and do a lot of crying. I love Abbey, Nick and Max. You know they will make a great family. Abbey has a lot to teach Nick so that he knows how to relax sometimes. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I couldn't put this book down! I have been feigning for my crack... I mean Christmas stories for months, and when I found this one on NetGalley, I HAD to have it! This time of year, if you have been following my posts, it should be no surprise all I seem to read are holiday, feel good romances! I don't need super angsty, I don't need drama for the sake of drama, I just want to be swept up in a story that highlights the magic of the season.

From page one, I fell in love with little Max. What a little charmer! He still believes in the full magic of the season, and it makes me remember my childhood days leading up to Christmas. All the family, parties, and presents made me so happy! Max, even though he lives with his single mom and doesn't even remember his father, has never lost his faith. Everything is joyous to him!

Nick is the millionaire recluse of the story, but he is not the stereotypical recluse who has major control issues and required order and perfection from everyone and everything. He has different motives to being the recluse he is, but I won't spoil it for you! I loved seeing him just let loose when he forgets to not have fun when he is with Abbey.

Abbey is the type of heroine I love to read! She always puts her son first, but also strives to make a better life. Even with all the knocks she's had to endure, she thrives and has a sunny outlook on life.

Abbey and Nick had the slow-burn type of chemistry, and it was exciting to watch their relationship become a friendship, and slowly blossom into something more.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I am sure this will be one I re-read every holiday season!

Christmas Spirit Rating : 5 of 5 stars

Abby is finally making her dream come true by working as an interior designer. Lucy for her her first job for the wealthy Nick Sinclair has no limit. As she works to do the best she can and till be around for her family and son things start to get a bit complicated with Nick. Nick is a brooding work-a-holic and isn't interested in having a family to call his own, he tried and isn't one for failure and refuses to be distracted from his work of building up his families company. But it seems that armor hes hiding behind is cracking has he spends time with Abbey and her boy.

I thought that this was such a cute book and if you are looking for a book to get you into the christmas spirit then your going to want to get your hands on this book. It was cute reading along to holiday themed moments, seeing how nick played along with Abbeys son, seeing him hang out with Abbey and getting to see that struggle he was going through to balance his work life which seemed to be the only life that he had since he seemed to be eat sleep and breathing work. There was plenty of cheesy moments in this book and I loved seeing every bit of them. Overall this was a pretty great book I really enjoyed it.

3.5 stars

I have not read anything by Jenny Hale in the past, however I am a sucker for Christmas stories, so reading this book was a no brainer.

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses is a sweet and tender story, and I adored Abbey and Nick.

Abbey dreams of being an interior designer, whilst working as a nurse. She never gives up on those dreams, and when she gets the chance to decorate a mansion, well, who is she to say no?

Nick owns said mansion, which is a cold and dreary empty place - kind oflike where his heart is at.

Neither of them gives up on their dreams though, and those dreams end up bringing them together, even when it was the last thing either of them were expecting.

I was drawn in to their story and it put a big old smile on my dial - it also got me motivated to finish my Christmas shopping! It is kind of like reading a Hallmark/Netflix Christmas movie.

I enjoyed it and I will read more Jenny Hale in the future.

Jenny Hale’s CHRISTMAS WISHES AND MISTLETOE KISSES is like a shining star at the top of the Christmas reading tree! One woman, rich in everything but money meets one man with far too much money and not enough love in his life and the magic begins!

Like a plain house can be transformed into a Christmas wonderland, this story transforms one lonely man into one who finally finds a reason for happiness in life. Abbey has been hired to decorate a mansion that is as barren as the soul of the man who owns it. In turn, she will receive money desperately needed to help her family and to give her young son the Christmas she longs to be able to do.

If you need a Holiday read to remind you of what the season is all about, this is it! All the sweetness of a slowly building romance, the innocence of a young fatherless child and the magic of Christmas fills each page with realistic moments, touching moments and moments of pure bliss!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Bookouture!

Publisher: Bookouture (October 16, 2015)
Publication Date: October 16, 2015
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 360 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses is a sweet and cozy read. It's got everything I want in a Holiday romance as well. With a strong heroine, a perfect backdrop for the season, and a lovely romance, this book has it all. I may even want to read it again next to a toasty fire this holiday season!