I love reading feel-good, Christmas stories and even though it is only October, I have started enjoying this seasons batch. Christmas From the Heart fits the bill nicely. Olivia Berg runs a non-profit called Christmas From the Heart and is in a fix this year. Their main contributor, Hightower Enterprises, has decided not to donate to the charity this year, leaving them high and dry. When Guy Hightower ends up in Pine River after his fancy, foreign car breaks down, he learns that Olivia is not what he expected and the small town has a heart of gold.

I loved Olivia's character. She was generous, loving, persistent, hard-working and caring, all characteristics that are needed when running a non-profit. She is so busy all year long, that she still lives at home with her dad and has no significant other in her life. There is someone who wants to be in her life, but she sees him as just a friend. When Guy realizes where he is and who Olivia is, he immediately makes up a name so she doesn't know who he is before he can make an escape. He is handsome, caring and smart and only doing what he needs to do in order to save Hightower, of course most people do not know the situation the company is in. He can't resist Olivia's charms, generosity and loving spirit. There are several roadblocks in the way of any kind of relationship, some angst and happily Christmas Magic that bring this story to a satisfying conclusion.

Christmas is about the giving, not the receiving (unless you're on the receiving end of a charitable donation)

Olivia Berg lives in a small town in Washington state. She runs the Christmas from the Heart non-profit with almost all the money going out to the needy in her community and other small towns in the area.

Christmas from the Heart has always gotten their biggest donation from Hightower Enterprises since her great-grandmother's time - until this year. Guy Hightower is the new CFO for Hightower Enterprises and he's made cuts to the budget this year.

The story was okay but I wasn't particularly fond of Olivia (she felt the money from Hightower Enterprises was somehow due to her and her attitude when she didn't get it was childish) and Guy Hightower, a rather privileged Grinch (at least at first).

Parts were good, parts were not - it was a mixed bag for sure.

I received this book from MIRA Books through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

Olivia Berg’s life revolves around running her charity, Christmas from the Heart, which assists struggling families in the small town of Pine River, Washington. Christmas from the Heart was started by Livi’s grandmother and run by the women in the family. Livi’s mother ran the charity until her recent death. Now the task falls to Livi and she takes the responsibility very seriously.

When the CFO of Hightower Enterprises, Guy Hightower, informs Livi that they will not be giving their usual donation this year, Livi is crushed. Hightower has always been one of their most generous supporters. It looks like Christmas from the Heart will not be able to help as many families this year.

Guy has been thrust into the job of CFO by the death of his father. The company is struggling and he has a difficult job ahead to pull everything together. He declined to donate to Livi’s charity because he had no choice and guilt sets in immediately. He is not a bad person, but you couldn’t convince Livi of that.

When Guy is on his way to his mother’s house for Christmas, his car breaks down in Pine River. As luck would have it, Livi is the first person to come by. She offers guy a ride into town to her friend’s auto repair shop. Livi shares information about Christmas from the Heart on the way back to town. She gives him her name and asks his. Thus, Joe Ford was created. Guy was not about to tell her his real name.

This book has small town charm, wonderful characters and a charming story line. It really got me into the Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed Sheila Roberts’ newest Christmas book and recommend it to anyone who loves Christmas spirit and warmth wrapped up in a great book.

I received an ARC of Christmas from the Heart from NetGalley and the author in exchange for my honest review. These are my honest thoughts about this book.

Oh wow...this book brings all the feelings, it's warm, sweet and full of love and so perfect for holiday read.
It has all the drama that keeps me turning page after page, it's like those holiday's drama TV shows,
It has complex story, there's enemies to lovers, there's insta-love, there's frustrations, so many lies and love, yup those are the things that makes this book unputdownable. A bit predictable but still enjoyed it and love it nonetheless.
So many amazing characters too, although I wanted to slap them most of the time, sometimes they're just super frustrating, but still love them all though.

If you need a holiday read, this book is perfect for you.

This was such a sweet Christmas story, I’m so glad I read it! Livi runs the charity, Christmas from the Heart, a non-profit that’s been run by the women in her family for decades. This year though, her biggest corporate sponsors backed out, leaving the charity facing a huge deficit. When she personally reached out to the new CFO of the company, she was turned down and called a leech. Guy Hightower, the new CFO didn’t react nicely to the many emails from the head of the charity, but he was stressed. His family’s company wasn’t performing up to the standards set by his father and grandfather and he needed to figure out what to do about it. His ideas were being downplayed by his brothers, and now this strange woman is harassing him for money for her charity. He’d had to cut the budget, and her charity was one of the ones being cut.
A couple of days before Christmas has Guy on the road from his Aunt’s to his mother’s when a belt breaks on his Maserati. He’s picked up while walking into the nearest town by none other than Livi. Once she introduces herself, the guilt creeps back in and Guy decides that he’s going to lie about his name to keep the peace. Things go from bad to worse when he finds out that not only is he going to be stranded in her town, but he’s going to have to stay with her and her father after finding out the only hotel in town has no vacancies.
This is such a sweet book! I fell in love with the characters, the setting and the story. I whipped right through because I wanted to get to the happy ever after that these two deserved. This is my first book by Ms. Roberts, but it definitely won’t be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. If you’re looking for a feel good Christmas romance, I highly recommend Christmas from the Heart.

*I received and ARC of this title from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Olivia runs a charity called Christmas from the Heart. For many years, the charity has received a sizable donation for Hightower Enterprises. This year, the CFO Guy Hightower has decided the company cannot make a donation. Olivia is beyond miffed. When Guy's car breaks down right outside Olivia's hometown, she just so happens to be his rescuer. Because the local inns are all full, she also offers to let him stay with she and her Dad. When Guy realizes who is savior is, he gives her a fake name. Suddenly Guy is drawn into this little town and especially Olivia. But he knows he must eventually tell the truth about himself. The question is - what will Olivia do when she finds out?

While I thought the story and ending was a little predictable, I still thought it was an enjoyable read. I liked the town of Pine River and it's inhabitants. The author kept me guessing as to how Guy's secret was going to come out. I was ready for an early holiday read and this was a good choice.

My thanks to Harlequin - MIRA and Netgalley.

Christmas from the Heart is a cute, fun holiday read. Sheila Roberts depicted a sweet love story between two unlikely people. I would have like to see a little more between the two of them, but it was definitely a sweet small-town story. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie. Very well written and interesting characters!

Well, it’s that time of year again. Christmas romances are on the loose.

I love Olivia’s tenacity. She needs something…she goes and gets it. But, she goes and gets it to help others. Olivia is in charge of a non profit organization which helps people in need. She has lost one of her major contributors (all Guy’s fault!) and she is struggling to meet all the demands. Olivia has a huge heart. She is really an admirable character.

Guy starts out as someone you kind of despise. But as the story unfolds, he grows into someone the reader loves. AND you cannot wait for Olivia and Guy to realize they need each other.

This is your typical romance. Olivia and Guy start out hating each other. But then circumstances draw them together and sparks fly. What makes this story different is how sweet, kind and true all the characters are. It is a wonderful Christmas story. It made a great palate cleanser.

3/5 stars

If you're looking for that Christmas sugar cookie sweet romance, then look no further! Even though it was an enemies to lovers romance, it was filled with holiday spirit and plenty of tender moments.

<u>Characters</u>
Olivia was the embodiment of holiday spirt. Her life's mission is to give back and take care of her community, even at the cost of her personal life. Guy has a completely opposite way of thinking in that he works his life away to ensure his family's company stays afloat and his workers aren't unemployed. The only character I didn't truly care for was Morris. I felt there could have been a different romantic obstacle then her friend. I felt he took up unnecessary space on the page that could've been used to delve deeper into the main characters feelings.

<u>Pacing & Points of View</u>
The overall pacing was average. This story took it's time and let you get to know the little town of Pine River and all the side characters. There was somewhat of a love triangle situation so there were three points of view which included Olivia, Guy and Morris.

<u>Overall</u>
This story was sugar sweet like a Hallmark movie and will put you in the holiday spirit. If anything, it will make you crave those holiday sweets and classic Christmas movies you grew up with. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a holiday story on the lighter side of romance.

*Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for allowing me the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a complete sap for Christmas romances. If there's a Hallmark Christmas movie on, I am watching it. Ice sculpting competition - fascinating. Home for Christmas - love it! When given the opportunity to read Christmas from the Heart by Shelia Roberts, I was delighted. Even though it is still in the 90s on the East Coast, I cranked up the AC and dove into the world of Pine River. This is a sweet story that brings together two characters from different socioeconomic groups to help a modern-day Scrooge remember what the holidays are all about.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Christmas from the Heart is the name of this novel but also the name of the organisation that Livi runs as a non profit to bring joy and love to families at Christmas. The only trouble is... this year it has been very difficult raising the money to make this possible. To cap it all, the Hightower corporation have refused to give any donation, and they have been the main contributors since her grandmother's time.

Livi herself lives on a shoe string, she lives at home with her Dad and scrimps by with very little. Guy on the other hand - the CFO of Hightower has his own swanky apartment and lives rather well. He is rather cautious though of women who have their eye on the money and that leaves him a little cynical. And that includes Livi the do gooder. To be fair he is hardworking and the Hightower business is struggling despite all the long hours he works. If only his brothers could contribute their share of the work.

Can a scrooge business man's heart take on the spirit of Christmas? Can a woman bent on spreading the Christmas spirit have her heart persuaded to take a second look at the man she has come to despise. Will a deception be forgiven?

Christmas From the Heart is very much in the Christmas feel good, spread good spirit genre. Those who like such movies should enjoy this story.

This stand alone story from Sheila Roberts was a lighthearted read; a good start to my holiday reading. It was nothing spectacular, probably because I found Livi to be a bit entitled and rude. When soliciting donations you don't berate those who don't give as much as expected. Her reaction to a reduced donation from one of her previously generous corporations was not professional.

The give and take between Guy and Livi was fun, and there were portions of the story that were enjoyable, while other sections dragged. It took Guy too long to make his move in getting back in Livi's good graces. They f you want a fun and lighthearted read, this is the story for you!

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher for my honest opinions.

This is a guaranteed feel-good Christmas novel! It's fun, it's light and it's got a lovely sweet tone to the whole story. I did notice some typos in the book - I think the main female character must've been named Jenna at one point as there was a point in the book where the type said "Jenna...." instead of "Livi...". And thank you for including the recipes in the back! I can't wait to try them!

3,5/5

Livi lives and breathes for the non-profit company she runs. Her grandmother started "Christmas from the heart", then Livi's mother took over and now it's in the hands of Livi.
This year Livi is struggling with getting enough donations. Even their biggest benefactor can't help them this year.

Livi lives a comfortable life not wanting or willing too much for herself. She settles for less even if she dreams of more.

Suddenly a stranger is stranded close to her home due to a car breakdown, and Livi is there to rescue this stranger.
This meeting will turn both their lives upside-down for the better and for the worst. He has a secret, the secret will be revealed.

Christmas from the heart is a lovely story. You got Chritmas traditions and kindness, you got love and drama. Even a fight.

I feel like Livi could have been a stonger character, believing more in herself, it's used a little too much how she wants the world but settles for much less.
It made me not enjoy this story as much as I wanted to do. All in all I liked the story. It's sweet

** Arc provided by Netgalley **

Christmas from the Heart was an okay small-town romance, but it didn't quite live up to its potential. It does have its moments of levity, and there were some sweet scenes between the characters as well. In fact, I could easily see this one playing out in a made for TV movie on the Hallmark channel. That said, the story is more drawn out than I felt entirely necessary, and I ended up skimming part of it, especially when the story started to lag. Some of my disappointment can be attributed to my feelings about Olivia. Try as I might, I just couldn't warm up to her. She was irritating and came across with one of those 'all about me' attitudes.' I understand that she was trying to build funds for her nonprofit, so it was really all about the people she could help, but her attitude left something to be desired. The nonprofit was important to her as well as the people depending on it, but she was just plain rude when she didn't get what she expected. In my experience, you don't 'expect' a donation, you ask for one and hope for a good return. You certainly don't school those who donate even if it's way less than you think it should be. I assume the back and forth between Olivia and Guy was meant to be witty banter, which is usually something I like, but Olivia's snark just left a bad taste in my mouth. Surprisingly, I did like Guy even if he was a little self-absorbed. Then we come to the conclusion of this romance, which should be the big work it all out, exchange I Love Yous, and fall into the big kiss. The problem is that after all that buildup and the lengthy storyline, the conclusion felt a lot rushed. The secondary characters and their interactions with Guy are what saved this one for me. The ladies at the fruitcake competition, Morris and his jealousy, even Olivia's dad. These secondary characters stole the show. There quirky and fun, and I loved reading about them. In the end, the romance just didn't work for me. It's hard to get behind a romance when you don't like one of the characters involved. I did like the other parts of the story, and Roberts does a good job with the small-town feel, so I ended up somewhere in the middle.

I truly enjoyed reading Christmas From the Heart and found it to be a completely entertaining and charming story. Sheila Roberts is known for her warm-hearted, small town romances and this story is an excellent example of her wonderfully descriptive “feel good” writing style. This standalone book is a fast paced, funny and really satisfying story that makes the perfect read for a quiet, cozy weekend.

Olivia “Livi” Berg lives a simple life. She runs a charity- Christmas From the Heart, in her hometown of Pine River, Washington. This charity assists many struggling, local families during the holidays and was established and run by the women in her family for generations. However, since her mother’s death, Olivia is struggling to keep everything going. Her father is lost, grieving, and treats the holidays as an “unwanted guest”. Running Christmas From the Heart without her mother is emotionally draining and lately she feels as if she’s “going through life with a broken GPS.” She’s still single, living at home and waiting for her someone special. Despite feeling like her life is small and lonely, Olivia is determined to honor her mother’s memory and to carry on with the many Christmas From the Heart traditions that were started by her great-grandmother.

When Olivia reaches out to Hightower Enterprises, a major contributor that has supported her family’s charity for years, she is told that they will not be receiving a donation this year. Confused by this new development, Olivia contacts Hightower Enterprises and is informed that there is a new CFO-Guy Hightower. She’s also informed that the company is struggling and will not be able to make a donation. Heartbroken for the families that will have to do without this year, she refuses to take no for an answer. After exchanging multiple emails with the new CFO, some of them unkind and mean spirited, Olivia is convinced that Guy Hightower- aka “Scrooge” is her number one enemy!

Guy Hightower is now the new CFO of Hightower Enterprises and he’s trying to run a company under the mighty shadow of his father, a man that was larger than life. Being the youngest, his brothers have chosen to ignore his advice about the need for the company to diversify. Now, the company is struggling and going through some hard times. Choosing to tighten the company’s belt, Guy decides to reduce the company’s charitable contributions this year and to only make donations to more visible causes. Unfortunately, this decision means that the company will not be making its usual donation to Christmas From the Heart. After several heated emails, Guy becomes frustrated with Olivia. He just wants her to go away! He thinks she’s pushy and like most women in his life she only wants his money. Although he feels he’s made the right decision, for some reason he can’t get Olivia Berg out of his mind.

When Guy decides to spend the holidays with his mother, he is asked to run an errand first. Unfortunately, while taking care of this errand his Maserati breaks down in a small town and a woman comes to his rescue. When he finds out that his rescuer is the “pushy” Olivia Berg, he decides to keep his true identity a secret and introduces himself as Joe Ford. When Olivia comes across “Joe” and his expensive Maserati she decides to help. Hoping for a new donor for her struggling charity she invites him to stay with her. Soon she has “Joe” participating in community events, judging fruitcake competitions and distributing food for Christmas From the Heart. As they spend more time together, Guy discovers how special Olivia and her small town community are. Soon sparks begin to fly! What will happen when Olivia finds out who Joe Ford really is? Will Olivia and the community of Pine River forgive Guy for his deception? What will it take for Olivia to accept Guy for the man he truly is?

I really enjoyed reading Christmas From the Heart. Both the storyline and plot were excellent! Sheila Roberts’ descriptive and heartwarming writing style held my attention from the very beginning all the way to the end. The characters were well developed and absolutely wonderful! I loved tender hearted Morris and the warm, supportive community of Pine River. There were so many entertaining and humorous moments- the fruitcake competition and the “accident” in the restaurant with Morris and Joe. At several points in the story I was hysterically laughing! There were also many emotional moments. Unfortunately, I found Olivia to be very annoying and at times it was very difficult to understand her motives and actions. Despite my inability to connect with Olivia, I thought Christmas From the Heart was a completely entertaining romance story with wonderful happily ever after ending!

I would like to thank Mira books and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity to receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. Much appreciated!

Many thanks to Mira Books and #NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book. What follows is my unbiased review.

It's never too early to read a touching Christmas story that has a focus on kindness and building community and Sheila Roberts has done a great job in this novel set in the community of Pine River.

Livi Berg and her father are still grieving the death of their mother and wife and the non-profit group Christmas From the Heart, is Livi's way of honoring her mother and the work she did in making sure that everyone in the community can have a Merry Christmas.

As the story begins, a series of emails goes back and forth between Livi and staff at the Hightower Company. They have a history of supporting the charity, but as months go by and the emails become ever more frantic it seems clear that money is less and less likely to be forthcoming. The new CEO, Guy Hightower has made his budgetary plans and they do not include supporting Christmas from the Heart. Even attempts to speak directly to Hightower fail and leave Livi in shock at being called a "leech"!

In a strange twist of circumstances, Guy Hightower finds himself just outside Pine River with a car in need of repairs. The first person to stop and offer assistance is Livy Berg and realizing how awkward things could get, Guy decides to introduce himself as Joe Ford. This is a decision he will come to quickly regret. When parts need to be ordered for his high end vehicle and the local Inn is full up, he finds himself forced to stay with Livi and her dad. Livi sees him as a possible new source of funds for her charity and as Guy sees her at work he becomes increasingly attracted despite the fact that her high school boyfriend (also the mechanic who must repair his car) is very much around and interested in resuming his romance with Livi.

What follows is a story filled with humour, some sadness and grief and a real opportunity for self examination and a discovery of what is important in life. It was great to read about a community that really worked together and friends who could always be counted on for moral support. The author also included some very interesting recipes including several fruitcake recipes for fruitcakes entered into the Pine River fruitcake contest. Yum!

I'm on vacation this week and this story made for a very nice quick read. It's the kind of book that makes me stop and think of how I can be more like the heroine and experience more of the joy of Christmas and less of the stress that sometimes tends to overwhelm at such a busy time. Maybe it will do that for other readers too.

Christmas from the Heart is a must-read for Hallmark fans! While Olivia came off a bit entitled, she's still a wonderful character to watch develop throughout the story, especially her interactions with Guy. I enjoy when people from two different walks of life are forced together, fireworks explode and the fallout is beyond entertaining.

This enjoyable read delivers just what you would expect. Some drama, tension, humor, romance and sweetness. I think that if you are looking for a feel good read or something to get you in the mood for the holidays, this book is just what you are looking for. I'm not going to lie, I felt a few pet peeves for both main characters, but still, I really liked the book. The small town setting is charming and it is one that I would like to explore further.

Christmas from the Heart a non-profit charity is everything to Olivia Berg since her mother’s passing. She is determined to help as many people as she can this Christmas with the help of her many donors. One donor she counts on every year just turned her down! Who is this scrooge who now runs the company?

Guy Hightower is busy trying to keep his family business from going under by making some very difficult decisions. One being turning down a small non-profit his family has helped since its inception called Christmas from the Heart. In the end it’s all about what’s best for the business right?

While Olivia is busy getting ready for the holidays, Guy is on his way to visit his mother when his car breaks down. A lovely stranger stops to help him, and it’s none other than Olivia. She not only calls the only mechanic in town, she offers Guy a place to stay until his car is ready. When she asks his name, Guy can’t tell her the truth without giving away that he is the man she is terribly angry at.

Olivia is rushing around getting ready for the holidays and enlists Guy’s help at every turn. He is really getting a lesson in helping others for the right reason and is starting to really like Olivia. Should he come clean?

I loved this book by Sheila Roberts. It was such a heartwarming story of helping others, forgiving one another and making Christmas special for those less fortunate. I loved the banter between Olivia and Guy along with all the supporting characters in the book. It’s a feel good, cozy Christmas story with all the trimmings. Thank you so much to Harlequin-Mira, Sheila Roberts and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review.