THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER is the second book in Jenn McKinlay’s “Happily Ever After” series. Although this is part of a series, I believe THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER also works well as a standalone novel. At the opening of this story, it’s very apparent that Joaquin aka Quino Solis is wild about Savannah Wilson and is desperate to figure out how to win her for the long-term. I like a charming, sincere hero pursuing the heroine and who thinks about the future. Quino is exactly that kind of guy. Despite Savannah’s frequent rebuffs, she and Quino are often thrown together since they are both friends of another couple – Maisy and Ryder. Their determination to help Maisy’s independent romance-themed bookstore succeed ends up aiding in a romance blooming between the pair.

Having this story told from alternating perspectives gives readers a better understanding of why Savannah is so determined to resist Quino’s charms, and it also shows Quino’s hidden depths. It’s a little bit frustrating when Savannah keeps throwing down roadblocks in her developing relationship with Quino, but Jenn McKinlay gives a good explanation for why she is the way she is. Likewise, at first Quino is nothing short of perfect – charming, fun, sweet, caring, and a superfan when it comes to Christmas. However, as the story progresses and family stress weighs on him, Quino proves to be just as flawed as anybody else and a more realistic hero. Savannah’s friend Maisy and Quino’s friend Ryder help break the tension in this book, and act as much-needed sources of support and as sounding boards for the two main characters.

THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER is festive and fun with a little sweet and sexy thrown in for good measure. Lanie and Luke had an interesting dynamic in THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER, and I hope to read more about them in future “Happily Ever After” stories. I look forward to reading the next “Happily Ever After” book by Jenn McKinlay.

This book just wasn't for me, as someone with a southern accent, she tried way to hard to make the characters speak a certain way. She also mention "Smokey Mountains" like four times in the first three pages. This was a DNF for me.

I absolutely loved The Good Ones so I was so excited for The Christmas Keeper. Savannah was a force of nature in the first book and I couldn’t wait to read her story. Plus I wanted to find out more about Joaquin!

The Christmas Keeper was everything I had hoped it would be and more. The chemistry between the two was sizzling and I loved how they slowly came to trust each other. Plus there was a mysterious and reclusive writer, a bookstore potentially in danger, and the return of beloved characters from the first book.

This one was full of Christmas cheer and I fully plan to read it again closer to the end of the year. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we keep getting more installments in this series for quite a while, I adore the characters and the setting. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance, I’d recommend checking this one out! Plus there’s plenty in this series to appeal to book lovers (I dare you to not want to visit the Happily Ever After Bookstore after reading this).

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

✦Review: THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER by Jenn McKinlay https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bkg
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars

I loved this installment in the Happily Ever After series. The series title says it all. This author has a gift for writing smooth dialogue, witty as well as somber. It isn’t just Savy and Quino’s flirtatious banter, but all those around them. This is one of those stories that make you wish you lived there, and I hated for it to end. I connected immediately with Savy and Quino and although story and romance progressed in a predictable manner – I loved every word of it. This was a sweet and steamy romance that has me smiling long after the last page was read.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/2JXAyZX

Going into this book I had really high expectations. I love McKinlay's cozy mysteries and I absolutely adored the one romance by her that I had read. But honestly, this one fell a little flat for me. Right off the bat I had problems getting into this one. Maybe this was a case of expectations leading me astry. Usually McKinlay's books just pull me in right from the start but this one just never grabbed me.



It took me too long to connect with Savannah and honestly I'm not 100% sure I ever did and Joaquin wasn't much better though I did like him a bit better. Savannah was to prickly and too negative and while Joaquin was much nice he never felt truly fleshed out. But my biggest problem was the pacing in this book. It felt like there was far too much showing and not telling and that kept me from really becoming invested in the story. I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the first book but it could be more that this just wasn't for me.



This was still a McKinlay book so it wasn't a complete flop. The side characters were a lot of fun and I really loved the setting.

Okay, I LOVED The Good Ones, which is the first book in this series. I was so excited for this one! I kind of wanted to smack Savannah, but the tension was good at times. A lot happens in this book and I am here for it! I also love that the romance bookstore is a big part of this one, just like the first book. Weaving in romance writers is just so genius, and really makes me feel connected to the entire story. PLUS, this one takes place at Christmas, which just adds more warm and fuzzy feelings to Savannah and Joaquin's journey to each other. Ineed all my fellow romance readers to go read this series!

Thank you @netgalley for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was such a fantastic addition to the Happily Ever After series. I adored the first book, The Good Ones, but the characters in this story immediately stole my heart. Savannah is such a spitfire. It’s no surprise that it was going to take a very special man to rope her into a romance and boy did she snag a good one. Quino might have just made his way to the top of my all time favorite male leads. A kind, thoughtful, charming guy who is great with kids, operates a horse farm and is utterly obsessed with Christmas. Oh my goodness, wait until you see the extremes this guy goes to in order the celebrate the festive season. His hideous Christmas sweaters cracked me up and his use of mistletoe made me swoon. Did I mention he’s quite handsome too? As in a local romance writer, modeled the cover of her well known book after him and his horse! Trust me, it’s utter perfection. The chemistry and banter between Savannah and Quino was extremely entertaining and kept me flying through the pages to get to more of their interactions.

With all of the flirtations, humor and sweet romance, the characters had a lot of depth. Both are struggling with overcoming their past. Savannah has never felt included with or supported by her family. The holidays are extra tough because she has no amazing memories of the season to fall back on. I enjoyed watching her slowly open up to the holiday and find what brings her joy once again. Quino gave up everything to move back home and become his sister’s caretaker after his parents were killed in a accident. He’s learning that life needs to be celebrated. It does continue to go on and change is difficult, but good. He also learns the hard way to let his sister go so she can fulfill her own dreams. I also enjoyed the side story with the romance novelist who has been a recluse for many years.

It was fun seeing the same cast from the first book. Maisy, Perry, Ryder and of course King George made several appearances. Fingers crossed the series continues!!! Looks like there could be at least two more romances to watch unfold - Hannah / Sawyer and Lanie / Luke. Can’t recommend this light, romance series enough. Both books would be so fun to see made into movies.

Of all the romances I've read over the last year or two, I think this is my first Christmas themed one? And now I want to read more, and I didn't expect they would be that much my jam. This was super sweet and very fun to read. Even though I think she'd be mad at people feeling upset for her, Savannah's past and the career hurdles she was trying to overcome made me so mad for her, and I loved Joaquin's determination to make a Christmas (and Joaquin) lover out of her. As a book lover, I love the bookstore setting of this series and particularly enjoyed Savannah's determination to pull a reclusive author out of hiding as a career save. Thoroughly enjoyable, this would be a great stocking stuffer for any romance lover!

Joaquin and Savannah’s love story in The Christmas Keeper by Jenn McKinlay, book two in her Happily Ever After series, was a wonderful, sexy, and enjoyable tale. Joaquin Solis fell in love with Savannah Wilson at first sight. He just knew she was going to be his wife; however, Savannah had a different plan in mind. Savannah was determined to leave their quaint town in North Carolina, get her former boss fired, be able to return to New York and her old job. Until that happens she will pretend the scorching sexual chemistry between them isn’t happening. Joaquin is at a lost to find a way to convince Savannah to give them a chance. Savannah learns that Joaquin gives riding lessons to the one person who can help boost her career. Joaquin doesn’t hesitate to help her and invites her into his world at Shadow Pines and woos her with all of his Christmas loving power. It’s a gamble for him since if it works Savannah will most likely return to NYC. Joaquin believes in the magic of Christmas and he knows that with a little help from his friends at the Happily Ever After Bookstore, he just might be able to convince Savannah, the woman of his dreams, that he is the man for her. Not just the man for her but truly a keeper; a Christmas keeper and maybe the man she was in love with.

Ms. McKinlay, a talented story teller, wrote a joyful, funny, tender sweet, and heartwarming tale that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and amazing characters giving Joaquin and Savannah a chance to discover their happiness by finding love and a future together. I highly recommend The Christmas Keeper to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

The Christmas Keeper is a swoon-worthy holiday romance about a Christmas-obsessed cowboy trying to convince a 'city girl' that he is a keeper. I loved how Jenn McKinlay gave us to characters that had so much chemistry that made the anticipation so worth the wait!!

Joaquin (Quino) Solis is a cowboy who is sexy, sweet, and LOVES Christmas. He loves wearing ugly Christmas sweaters any day he can and is a gem. I mean he is checking off all the things on my list for a dream guy!✔️✔️✔️

When he lays his eyes on Savannah, he knows she is going to be his wife. Now, he just has some convincing to do! She is confident, assertive, and isn't focused on finding love. She is the first woman to turn down Quino, which is a shock to him and is focused on saving her friend's bookstore and her reputation in the publicity game.

As Quino and Savannah start to spend more time together, Savannah's wall she put up starts to come down. She is sharing things she hasn't shared with anyone in a long time. Quino is amping up the charm which is irresistible at this point. They can't deny their attraction any longer and agree to have a fling knowing that Savannah plans to leave Shadow Pine soon.

Their relationship blossoms and is so captivating. I would definitely love to see this book come to life. Hallmark, do your thing and make it happen 😉.

I give The Christmas Keeper 4 stars. It's a holiday romance with an unexpected romance that was even more enjoyable because of the Christmas magic!

I really enjoyed the pacing of Joaquin and Savannah's romance and fell in love with them as a couple but I am utterly and hopelessly in love with Joaquin!! He's charming, sexy, persistent, protective AND HE LOVES CHRISTMAS!!! Really, he's basically my dream man.

Even though he was overly protective of his sister, it made sense and, despite his anger over her decisions and path, he never overreacted in a way that went too far...until he did. The conflict of the story was mild but the timing was less than ideal, which lent to the natural and necessary progression of the story.

It wasn't just Savvy and Quino's relationship that really made this story for me though. It was all of the secondary characters and the glimpses into what might be to come that really put this book over the top for me! I'm particularly interested in reading Desi's story. We're getting that right?

The Christmas Keeper is the second book in the Happily Ever After series by Jenn McKinlay. A fun fast-paced Christmas romance that is heartwarming and full of holiday spirit. This sexy, sassy and humorous cowboy uses all his charm to sweep the only woman who has ever made his knees weak off her feet. Can she resist the sexy cowboy who believes in the magic of Christmas? McKinlay has written a sweet, well-paced romance that is perfect for the Christmas season and sure to get you in the holiday spirit. I enjoyed reading The Christmas Keeper that is both sweet and spicy!

Joaquin and Savannah do not see things from the same lens, or so everyone thinks. She is trying to get back to her city life and fast paced career after coming to help a friend. He is trying to keep the family ranch business going and continue to keep his kid sister safe and happy. Can the Christmas season bring about more miracles this year? Or are these two destined to just burn hot before burning out? Featuring plenty of humor and heartfelt moment, a great follow up to The Good Ones in the Happily Ever After series.

Thanks to much to Netgalley and Berkleypub for a digital copy of this books to review! I have loved Jenn Mckinley books for years including her Cupcake Mysteries, Library Lovers and my personal favorite the Hat Shop Mysteries! I was immediately intrigued by a romance series from her since I’ve only ever read cozy mysteries. This book did not disappoint! Savannah won’t give Quino the time of day. She is too busy trying to jump start her career again. This was a sweet story and a fun read especially with the upcoming holiday season. 🙂

…”Oh what fun it is to…” read a heartwarming and witty tale of a cowboy with an overabundance of Christmas spirit determined to get the woman of his dreams to say, “I do.” Okay, so maybe Joaquin Solas is going to be extra good to even get Savannah Wilson to give him the time of day, but their sizzling sexual attraction is undeniable. She just has other things on her mind and refuses to be sidetracked by the cowboy who believes in the magic of Christmas.

Jenn McKinlay’s THE CHRISTMAS KEEPER is sexy, sassy and humorous as one man pulls out all the stops on his charm to win the only woman to make his knees weak. Joaquin is a quirky, sexy character on a mission. Savannah tries her best to ignore her feelings, but there is no denying their chemistry, making this a wonderful holiday tale with just enough spice to melt an icecap.

I received this ARC copy of The Christmas Keeper from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review.

The Christmas Keeper is a keeper *groans at my own pun*. I think of it as a Christmas cozy, giving a warm and fuzzy feeling of the season as these two trying to figure out what they're doing.

Joaquin fell hard for Savannah when he met her. Savannah didn't. Does she find him attractive? Sure. But she's got a life to get back on track. I thought this book would take place quickly after the last but it's been months since the first in the series ended.

I like that Savannah isn't a Grinch about Christmas - it's just not her thing because her family is not close. Her parents are awful so I love that she has a found family in North Carolina.

Joaquin's world has been shaken up by his sister accepting an internship in Kenya and telling him after she left. He has been very protective of her since a car accident cause brain damage when she was a teenager and left them orphaned. This also starts him on evaluating the rut he is in and how cautious he's been since his parents' deaths.

Savannah and Joaquin start working on a major event for the bookstore to help their friend who owns it (from the first book, The Good Ones). This involves getting a famous author who hasn't toured in years out to do a signing.

The thing with this being a romance is that despite Savannah's longing to get her career back in the city, you know they're going to wind up together. The suspense is low stakes for how they're going to make it work once they decide to make a go of a relationship.

The Christmas Keeper is perfect for a cozy afternoon read. The characters are engaging and I liked how they worked together to help the bookstore. The character growth was well-paced and those threads tied together nicely as they developed a relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed this swoony holiday story! Best friends starting a romance book store in North Carolina, complete with requisite fiesty animals, horses, kittens, and even a rooster! More, more, more in this series, please!

Fun book in this series. I enjoyed the characters, and their story. It was a fast, cute read as the second in the series.

I really enjoyed this second book in the series. The heroine and hero both have their insecurities and do well to help each other and make each other better. The subplot featuring a reclusive romance novelist was great, too.

If there is any book out there that SHOULD be a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel it is THIS book. What a wonderful read! I have fallen in love with McKinlay's cozy mysteries but am absolutely OBSESSED with her romances. She writes swoon worthy men that quickly steal your heart and heroines that any woman can relate to! I highly recommend it!