Quinn Hardwick is one of the many Hardwicks of her generation, but the only one gifted with the connection to the family business: Hardwick Ornament Company, whose line featured hand-blown glass ornaments from its inception. Bequeathed the company, family farm house and outbuildings. But the company was shuttered in the 1960’s, and since she inherited Quinn has spent every penny in her vision, cleaning, planning and hoping to make a new start.

Nolan Vesser is one in a long line of glass blowers, it was his ancestor Milos who, with the first Hardwick, combined skills and vision to start the company. Through the years, Nolan’s family has always blown glass, in fact he learned at his father’s right hand as a child, moving to taking over the family’s business when his parents died, and he took responsibility for raising and supporting his sister. Now with his own reputation as an artisan who crafts quality pieces, a fire that destroyed his shop and apartment have left him at loose ends. An offer from Quinn to join the HOC comes at the right time – for he’s in possession of the deed to the company, and perhaps this will be a place for a new start.

This was cute, if one can get past Nolan’s big secret and his absolute inability to be honest with Quinn from the start. Sure there is an attraction, and he’s experiencing emotions and a connection to the place that he never thought he was capable of, but the dishonesty, and his very understandable phobia about fire after his own losses back in California made for some interesting times. With the Hardwicks being all kinds of welcoming, with that pushy, in your face edge, and Quinn’s rather immature, if refreshingly naïve, approach to their partnership and the business as a whole, the conclusion is foreshadowed but still rather lovely in the concept. Better suited, I think, to the actual film version than the writing as the glass descriptions didn’t quite stimulate visual imagery, the story was an easy, clean and sparkly read 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-aaf/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

So, this is a Hallmark story, so you can pretty much guess what you’re getting. It’s adorably sweet, suitable for all ages, and pretty low angst. All in all, if you’re in the mood for a comforting holiday read, this will fit the bill!

“Your family big on Christmas, then?”
Now it became her turn to laugh. “At the Hardwick Ornament Company, Christmas doesn’t just come once a year. It’s a way of life.”


After the death of her grandfather, Quinn has inherited the family Hardwick Ornament Company, once famous for its beautiful handblown glass ornaments, but shuttered after no one in her parents’ generation wished to continue it. Growing up with her grandad’s stories, she’s eager to relaunch the company and turn the farm where it’s located into a tourist destination. Just one problem – while she’s talented at problem solving and business matters, she has no creative talent. Enter Nolan. With both his apartment and studio lost in a fire, relocating to the other side of the country to work at the same company his great-grandfather designed ornaments for seems like a good idea – even more so when he discovers old paperwork revealing that he is actually the real owner of the company. Problem is, Quinn isn’t the rich businesswoman he expects, but someone who’s both sentimental about the family company and driven to make it succeed. Will realizing Nolan’s dreams of following in his family’s footsteps crush Quinn’s?

“Nothing had prepared him for Quinn Hardwick. She grabbed risk with both hands and blew away caution like the seeds of a dandelion. She worked from the moment the sun rose to well past it setting. Quinn had invited him into her world, shared her plans and her hopes, and he’d caught her contagious enthusiasm. She cared about everyone around her, and that included him.”


Nolan’s a bit of the classic Christmas grinch. Since the death of his parents, he’s been too busy taking care of his sister to do much other than work, and he avoids getting too close to people. So it’s a surprise to him when Quinn seems to worm her way past his defenses and into his heart, and even more of a surprise that he doesn’t seem to mind. Quinn is compassionate and hardworking, and like the rest of Bethany Springs, she looooves Christmas, and she’s excited to share that joy with Nolan. She’s also excited about the possible attraction between them, though Nolan seems to be holding back, both from work and from her. I found the descriptions of Nolan’s anxiety after the fire very realistic, though it did seem to take Quinn quite a long time before she realized what was happening with him. I also liked that Nolan realized that he couldn’t possibly have a relationship with Quinn with the whole ownership of the company up in the air. They were quite sweet together, however, and I also loved Nolan’s reactions to Quinn’s boisterous and Christmas-loving family.

As for everything else, the story’s plot is, well, very predictable, while extolling the virtues of small town living, family, and the Christmas spirit. The main conflict in the book is Nolan’s deed to to company, and, well, besides Nolan’s attempts to get past the anxiety being around fire causes him, it’s actually the only conflict in the book. It’s hard, though, to get too worked up about it, as it’s such a cozy and enjoyable read due to Quinn’s quirky family. There’s a lot in here about glassblowing, which isn’t something I was familiar with, but the author managed to make it quite interesting and informative without feeling like I’d wandered into Glass Blowing 101.

Overall, this is perfect if you’re in the mood for a cozy and comfy holiday read, full of Christmas spirit and a big warm family!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A beautiful shop filled with ornaments in need of saving... a glassblower who is in need of a job... and a beautiful woman who inherits them both... just in time for Christmas.

This is such a stunning story and perfect to read on a cold winter's day. With a fabulous cast of witty characters and a gorgeous setting, At the Heart of Christmas will have you grabbing a hot chocolate and get ready for the holidays. Wonderful!!!

A sweet Christmas story!

Quinn Hardwick has wanted to reopen the Hardwick Ornament Company and she’s working very hard to make this a reality after inheriting the property. She hires Nolan Vesser who is the grandson of the man who worked with her grandfather when the company was going strong. Nolan is her master glass blower, and Quinn fully trusts him. But he has a plan to undermine Quinn’s plans. Throw in Quinn’s grandmother and her jewelry for comic relief.

This is a sweet Christmas story of forgiveness as the two work through various situations, fall in love and find their HEA in true Hallmark fashion.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

At the Heart of Christmas is a charming book that features everything we love about a Hallmark Christmas. From page one you are instantly drawn into the world Jill Monroe is creating, and this book won't let you go. Quinn and Nolan are sweet are the sweetest, most caring people I have ever read. They have sacrificed so that others may have, and that makes them tops in my book. The ending is so sweet and perfect. I'm so glad I had the chance to read this book.

Thanks to Net Galley and Hallmark Publishing for an ARC. Thank you, Jill Monroe, for the honor of reading and reviewing.

I fell in love with At the Heart of Christmas from the first page… and I also grew to admire two people who could be the answer to each other of everything they ever dreamed possible – or the worst nightmare situation imaginable.

Nolan and Quinn’s family once created the most beautiful Christmas ornaments. Now Quinn is giving everything she has money, time, love and devotion to bringing that company back to life. Hiring Nolan, a gifted glassblower himself, just like his ancestor, would be the perfect combination once again to get Hardwick Ornament Company up and running once again. Unknown to Quinn is one small, important fact – Nolan has a secret that could change absolutely everything. And as they begin working together, and perhaps falling in love during this magical time of year that secret could shatter dreams and futures.

At the Heart of Christmas has everything that defines a really good Christmas Romance for me. That magical time of year when anything is possible, two people who belong together but have some issues or obstacles to overcome… and interesting secondary characters that bring it all to life. I love small towns with all their quirks and special events unique to only them. You’ll laugh out loud at times, get a bit misty eyed, and hope that love can in fact overcome anything. I loved Quinn and Nolan’s story, and if you also love a good Christmas Romance then you’ll want to pick this one up. I know I’ll be re-reading this come next Christmas, that’s what a good Christmas story should do – make me want to experience it again.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I really liked this cute, Christmas story about the Hardwick Ornament Company that seems to have two owners both related to the original company. I liked Quinn Hardwick who is hardworking and gave up everything to make her dream of reopening the ornament company come true. I also really liked Nolan Vesser who lost everything when his home and workplace went up in smoke. Bethany, Massachusetts is the perfect small town with quaint shops and everybody knows everything. What is not to like about Reindeer Ruckus and The Longest Night of Life but my favorite part has to be the beautiful ending. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

A Sigh-Worthy Romance from Hallmark!

Author Jill Monroe has given us a sigh-worthy romance set in a Christmas backdrop that is so beautiful it ought to be on a Hallmark card. Quinn Hardwick has dreamed of restoring the Hardwick Ornament Company ever since she was a little girl. Now that she’s inherited the property, she’s ready to make her dreams come true. She’s certain she’s on the right path when she hires Nolan Vesser, a master glass blower and grandson of the man who worked alongside her own grandfather back in the ornament company’s heyday. But Nolan has his own secret agenda, one that threatens to undermine everything Quinn has worked for. At The Heart of Christmas is a touching story of forgiveness and redemption as Quinn and Nolan overcome real obstacles, fall in love and find their happy-ever-after.

Thank you Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

At the Heart of Christmas by Jill Monroe is a sweet, clean, charming Hallmark story that reaffirms love is at the heart of Christmas.

Quinn Hardwick puts everything she has into reopening the Hardwick Ornament Company, which has been dormant for many years. Nolan Vesser is a celebrated glass-blower whose great-great grandfather had been part of the company. Both Quinn and Nolan are looking for a new beginning in the ornament company and find a new beginning with each other. Quinn taps into Nolan's creativity, and she opens his eyes to the joy and wonder of Christmas.

Monroe's descriptive writing gives you a vivid picture of the town, the ornament company, and the art of glass blowing. I especially enjoyed the character of Quinn's grandmother and her holiday outfits and jewelry. She was a pistol!

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Because this is a Hallmark published novel there is no sex and no cursing in this book. If you don't prefer those things in a book you do not have to worry.

At The Heart Of Christmas reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie and that is a total compliment – it is everything a person could want in a holiday story. If you love a sweet happily ever after, you're going to love this book.

Quinn Hardwick's goal in life is to bring her family's ornament factory back to it's former glory. Nolan Vesser has lost everything in his life but his sister, so when the chance to help revitalize the blown-glass ornament company that his ancestors helped create, he jumps at the chance and moves to Bethany Springs, Massachusetts. Nolan arrives with a secret but as he grows more and more fond of Quinn and of the entire town of Bethany Springs, his vision for the future also starts to change.

Nolan was such a great book hero. He was damaged and imperfect, and I didn't love that he kept secrets from Quinn, but there was no denying that he was a seriously good guy despite that. Quinn's love for her family, her town, and for the business that she had inherited was really beautiful. I loved everything about the way that Quinn integrated Nolan into her life and into the town, and the way that Nolan embraced them all despite the fact that he had suffered so much heartbreak and didn't want to open himself up again. The grand gesture was perfect and wonderful and gave me the warm-fuzzy feeling that is exactly the reason I read books like this one.

I also was seriously jealous of the traditions Bethany Springs has. I loved how the author included them in a way that added so much to the story without overwhelming it. I want to move to Bethany Springs!

This was a sweet, new beginnings, story in true Hallmark style. I enjoyed reading it but was sometimes annoyed by Nolan. I loved the descriptive writing of the author and the glass blowing process. I would love to see Hallmark have a series of the ornaments they created. this is a beautiful Christmas read.

At the Heart of Christmas is the epitome of a Hallmark moment. Quinn and Nolan’s romance is heartfelt and endearing and the circumstances surrounding their initially meeting seems somewhat fated. Ms Monroe paints a beautiful visual of the craft of glassworking, and touches on the difficulty faced by sufferers of PTSD. I look forward to reading more of her books.

I love Hallmark books because they make me feel so good and they are heartwarming.
This book is no exception: it makes you feel the magic of Christmas and the warmth of a cozy room in winter.
A real page turner with a cast of wonderful characters and a lovely setting.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Hallmark and Netgalley for this ARC

“At the Heart of Christmas” by Jill Monroe, a heartwarming story that oozes with charm, is a real page turner. I felt every emotion that the characters felt.

When Quinn Hardwick inherits her grandfather’s farm and workshop, she wants to revive her family legacy by reopening the Hardwick Ornament Company. She hires Nolan Vesser, the great-great grandson of the man who blew glass for Quinn’s great-great grandfather. When the company shut down in the 1960s, the two families went their own ways. When Nolan enters the picture, he discovers that he is the true hier to the Hardwick Ornament Company. He agrees to work for Quinn but under the guise of either selling the company back to Quinn believing she is rich or taking ownership for himself to re-establish himself because he lost everything in a fire. He did not count on what would happen next. You’ll have to read this heartwarming story to find out what happens.

Monroe does a great job with creating details that bring the reader into the story. I could visualize this quaint little town as if I was standing right there with Quinn and Nolan. You can also feel the tension the details create between these two characters. The story is inspirational with a hint of humor.

Quinn inherits the Hardwick Ornament Company, after her grandfather's death. She quits her job and sells her condo to move out to the property that is the site of the original glass blowing facilities. She is determined to bring back the grounds and the company and make it successful again.

Nolan was almost 18 when his parents were killed in a car crash. He was left to raise his younger sister. He took over his father's glass blowing company and built it up. He took care of his sister and sent her to law school. One night, he awakens to find the building that houses his apartment and this of several other families, as well as his business and a restaurant on fire. He barely escapes after making sure the neighbors are safe but then runs back in to rescue a dog. He suffers smoke inhalation and burns. After a few days, he recovers but everything else is a total loss. His business is gone. Later, when he and his sister go to his safe deposit box for some insurance papers, his sister finds some other papers.

Nolan's family used to create the ornaments fur the Hardwick Ornament Company. He goes out there to be the new designer/glass blower. Quinn is thrilled but senses something is wrong. Nolan has two secrets that he doesnt share with Quinn. Thus past of the story was frustrating for me. Evidently he hasn't t read romance books. Otherwise he'd knew nothing good would come from keeping a secret like this.

It's a sweet yet predictable story. I recommend this book.

This book is a wonderful. Christmas read. I enjoyed reading about these two characters and the storyline tan smoothly.
Thank you Hallmark Publishing via Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this book.

This was a sweet Christmas romance. The plot is pretty predictable. In a romance novel, you know that when the hero is keeping a big secret from the heroine that, at some point, the truth will come out and their budding romance will fizzle out until they eventually work things out.

What helps this novel overcome the predictability is the sweet and appealing character of the heroine, Quinn, who is working so very hard to revive her family’s company that makes Christmas ornaments. She has a zillion ideas and she’s thrown herself with enthusiasm and hard work into trying to achieve her dream. When Nolan Vesser shows up, almost out of the blue, with just the artistic skills working with glass to provide the creative force for the company, it seems that everything is going to work out. And it’s a bonus that Nolan is a good-looking and kind guy.

But there is that secret that, despite knowing he should tell Quinn, he’s keeping from her. Dude, that’s never a good idea. If only he’d read all the other romance novels with that plot device, he’d have fessed up right from the beginning.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

At the Heart of Christmas is definitely a feel good, happily ever after romance. I loved the characters. Both Quinn and Nolan have fears. Together they overcome the fears and make their hopes come true.

This is Quinn and Nolan’s story, trusting each other to love. Doing so would accomplish something their ancestors could not make happen. Revitalizing a historical ornament company which began as their ancestors joint dream turned into their dream and a chance at Love.

At the Heart of Christmas is a wonderful romance. I enjoyed the plot, the Christmas setting and the author’s writing. I highly recommend this book. This is my unbiased review.