Home Sweet Christmas embodies that Christmas magic and charm that leaves you wanting to sing Christmas carols and decorate your house.

Ok, so it is no secret that I love all things Christmas, incredibly charming Christmas stories, and I will never say no to reading a book set during the Christmas season. I was particularly excited to read this book because I have heard good things about Susan’s writing. So, what better way to get acquainted with Susan’s books than starting with her latest Christmas story, Home Sweet Christmas. This book is “holly jolly” perfection, and I could not put it down. Home Sweet Christmas is perfect for those who like Hallmark movies but wish they had more depth and spice to their storylines. I felt like I was transported into the charming town of Wishing Tree and experiencing all the pre-holiday hustle and bustle. Susan does a marvellous job bringing Wishing Tree to life with lush and vivid descriptions and using secondary characters to help give the town that fun, quirky feel.

Home Sweet Christmas is two charming holiday romance stories in one. We follow Camryn and River (who are friends) as they prepare for another holiday season. Both characters aren’t really looking for love, but as I am sure you know, the universe has different plans for them. Both stories are fun and endearing and will leave you with all those warm fuzzy holiday feelings. Each story has its distinct voice, and I just love how Susan blended them together to create this one phenomenal Christmas book.

Let’s start with Camryn and Jake’s story. Their love story has more of that Hallmark feel to it. Camryn runs a gift-wrapping store, and Jake manages the local resort. Both characters are brought together because of Jake’s meddling mother, who has come up with a plan to find her son a wife, aka Project: Jake’s Bride. There are lots of fun and delightful moments in Camryn and Jake’s story that will put a smile on your face. I enjoyed these two together as a couple. There is this easy banter between them, and underneath that banter is a sizzling attraction. Don’t think that because their story is more Hallmark in nature, there isn’t depth to their characters. Camryn and Jake’s backstories are complex, and their past problems give their characters a sense of realism.

River and Dylan’s story was my favourite, and that is because I just adored River. All the characters in this book are very Hallmark-y in nature; you have a cabinet maker (Dylan), a gift wrapper (Camryn), and a resort manager (Jake). Don’t get me wrong, I love all the characters in this book, but what makes River’s character stand out for me is her un-Hallmarkiness. River is a hacker/cyber guru and is adorable and awkward. River is first introduced to us while helping the cops find a little girl her uncle kidnapped. She uses her cyber skills to look into the uncle’s online history to help locate the missing girl. I was completely hooked on her character and couldn’t wait to see what Susan had in store for her. River’s interactions with Dylan are so wonderfully awkward and just cute. She really has no filter, and there is this social awkwardness that just makes her character so endearing. Dylan is a real sweetheart, and he really could make a girl swoon. I just couldn’t get enough of these two and loved every moment they were together.

Home Sweet Christmas has all that Hallmark charm with just a dash of naughtiness.

Snowflakes Over Primrose Woods has all that romantic charm, and heart readers come to expect from a Jill Steeples novel.

Susan Mallery has penned another Christmas story set in Wishing Tree. This is the second book in the series and although it can be read as a standalone, it continues on from the first book. River has decided to stay and make a home in Wishing Tree after moving there to see her sister settled. She wants to get to know more people besides just her small circle of friends, so they decide to nominate her for Snow Queen. Their goal is that she will get to know more people, and become accepted by more people in town. Her friend Camryn has also returned to Wishing Tree after the death of her mother. She is going to run the family's business, “Wrap Around the Clock,” a store that provides wrapping services with personalized and unique gift wrap, and raise her younger twin sisters. She has no plans to remain in Wishing Tree beyond three years, but plans can change. Jake Crane is a single, handsome hotelier, whose mother plans on finding him a wife. She is actually interviewing ex-girlfriends and setting him up, something he does not want. He and Camryn decide to "date" for the season and get him mother off his back. Meanwhile, Dylan Tucker, Jake's best friend and surrogate brother, is also single and Jake's mother sets him up as Snow King. Will Dylan and River hit it off?

This is a romance with a dual happily ever after. It is full of Christmas magic and fun, so if that is not your cup of tea, you probably won't enjoy this book. It is a story of secrets, self-doubt, friendship, family and all their meddling and romance. The characters are sweet, caring and easy to like. Of course the guys are handsome and swoon worthy. I love how everyone supports each other and doesn't judge based on their past. I have to mention Helen Crane, Jake's mother, town patriarch and gold medal meddler. She loved both Jake and Dylan (her surrogate son that she raised when his mother left town and gave her guardianship) and thought she always knew what was best for everyone, in most cases, she was right. With humour, witty banter and some emotional scenes, Susan Mallery has once again, written a wonderful Christmas romance with great characters, a fun plot and two happily ever afters. I highly recommend this one for those looking for a sweet, uplifting, Christmas romance.

The town of Wishing Tree is so idyllic, especially to someone like me who loves Christmas. (I’m sure it would be a nightmare for those who are annoyed by Christmas decorations and music.) Of course, in this fictional town, everyone is quite nice and has the best of intentions, too.

Both love stories in this book are sweet and compelling. Camryn is raising her teenage twin sisters after their mother’s death. She put her life on hold to return to her hometown to do so and, although she loves her sisters, the town, and their family store, she has one foot out the door waiting for them to graduate so she can return to that other life. But then Jake’s mom sets her sights on Camryn as part of her “Project: Jake’s Bride” campaign and, even though both Jake and Camryn find it ridiculous, the chemistry between them cannot be denied.

River is new to town and is quite an introvert. She moved to Wishing Tree to be by her newly engaged sister and niece and has resolved to put herself out there more and make friends, which she has done. Said friends have put her up for the town’s Snow Queen so she will be required to attend all the town’s fun holiday events along with the Snow King, Jake’s best friend Dylan. Another instant connection, but both have their secrets and have been burned before. They need to learn to trust in each other and themselves.

Jake’s mom (and Dylan’s surrogate mom), Helen, is a force to be reckoned with. She gets people to agree to do things before they even realize what has happened. From being Snow King to attending Thanksgiving dinner, she always seems to get her way. Her intentions are always for good, but sometimes her meddling backfires or gets people’s hopes up. She’s so much fun, though! Helen kept the narrative going, popping up throughout the story to be the voice of experience.

All of the relationships in this story are lovely. From the romance to the sisters to the friends. Sometimes I found things to be a bit uneven, feeling the chemistry between the couples in one scene but not the next. But I still enjoyed all of their journeys. There were also some scenes with River’s sister that made me feel as if there is another book, maybe in a crossover series, in which her story was told. Almost like there was a puzzle piece missing, yet it didn’t affect the overall story of River or Camryn for that matter.

I’m looking forward to finding out whose story will be told next in this perfect little town. I know whom I’m rooting for anyway.

Mallery's first Wishing Tree book, The Christmas Wedding Guest, (9/28/21) planted the seed but this year's installment, Home Sweet Christmas, sealed the deal. Wishing Tree is where I want to spend my Christmas holidays and I plan to show up for all the activities!

I love the community Mallery creates in this book, with the fun traditions, quirky locals, a meddling mama, joyful holiday spirit, and complicated relationships. In this book, she gives us two couples to follow. I found both relationships equally compelling and engaging. Her characters are so realistic...and relatable. These are complex, multi-layered individuals with strengths, weaknesses, baggage to overcome, and flaws just like the rest of us. They could be my friends or neighbors and, honestly, I'd like them to be. Well, maybe all of them except Jake's meddling, matchmaking, take-charge mother. Her heart may be in the right place but that woman scares me.

Though there are two heart-tugging romances along with a supporting cast, Mallery weaves all of them together into a smoothly-flowing story while still giving each individual character room to evolve. I enjoyed the various relationships that play out along with the romances. Camryn's relationship with her younger sisters is poignant and complex, with a growth arc that touched my heart. I also love the twins' relationship with Jake. And then there's the abandoned pup who, let's face it, steals everyone's hearts, including mine. There are great female friendships and a spot-on friend/chosen family relationship between Jake and Dylan that was one of my favorite parts of the book.

If you're looking for a heartwarming, hopeful, holiday romance with engaging characters, emotional depth, plenty of humor, family dynamics, self-reflection, and two happily-ever-after couples, all wrapped up with a festive bow, give yourself the gift of Susan Mallery's Home Sweet Christmas. It's a happy holiday delight.

Though a few characters from the first Wishing Tree book appear in Home Sweet Christmas, both books can be enjoyed on their own without having read the other.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS is the second book in the Wishing Tree series and I can’t believe how quickly it was to read this funny and romantic story. Once again, I am ready to pack my bags and move to this lovely town called Wishing Tree! Camryn and River are both struggling and they will both need help to get through all the drama they are dealing with! Enter Jake and Dylan!! HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. Susan Mallery sure knows how to get her readers in the holiday spirit.

HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS can be read as a stand alone, but why would you want to miss being introduced to this heart warming town in Washington and all of these beautiful people? Camryn is back from Chicago to take care of her twin sisters after their mother passed away. She keeps saying she will be moving back to Chicago after the twins graduate high school. With that said, they adopt A dog they found practically frozen to death they name Tinsel. Jake is trying to stop his mother from finding him a wife and Camryn is on the list of candidates. They spend more and more time together and even though Camryn tells Helen to take her off the list, she finds herself falling for Jake. Jake has a problem with thinking he is just like his dad who cheated on his mother many times.

River is a very shy and introverted woman. Her friends sign her up and she wins the Snow Queen contest. She is afraid but knows it will help her come out of her shell. Dylan is picked as Snow King. He has issues of his own, but is determined to help River overcome her fears. They wind up spending lots of time together and HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS finds them falling in love. River is very honest and upfront with Dylan about her past and the mistakes she made. Dylan is not that forthcoming. He has a big secret and when River finds out it nearly destroys her. That’s all I’m saying on those two because they captured my heart and I want your heart to break just like mine did.

Make yourself a yummy hot drink, get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. I’m so excited to continue with the Wishing Tree series and learn more about my new found friends. Once you start HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS you won’t be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Camryn and River as they try to navigate their way through very different and unique situations. Susan Mallery will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

Favorite Quotes:

“Future nannies shouldn’t trash their ex-boyfriends on Facebook,” she murmured, copying several fairly hostile posts. “And wishing his dick falls off is never a good look.”

I’m like a hothouse orchid. Slightly odd and unable to survive outside.

Sadly, you fight like a kid, saying things you shouldn’t. You really need to up your game in the arguing department. There’s a way to do it productively. I’m sure they have online classes.

My Review:

I know it is far too early to start reading Christmas books but when it is Susan Mallery, it really doesn’t matter what the calendar says. I enjoy her smooth, amusing, and easy-flowing style of storytelling as much as I do her lovable characters, they somehow remain endearing even when they are being obnoxious. She has definitely mastered the nuances of small-town living while also being extra crafty and clever deployment of her well-honed skill set to imbue each small hamlet, resident, and tale with uniquely entertaining quirks and precious pets.

HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS (Wishing Tree Book #2) by Susan Mallery is a contemporary holiday romance that returns readers to the charming small town of Wishing Tree and features two couples and their journey to their holiday romance HEAs. While this is the second book in the series, it is easily read as a standalone, but I can recommend the first book, The Christmas Wedding is also a wonderful read.

Camryn Neff returned to Wishing Tree last October to takeover the family business and care for her young twin sisters and their terminally ill mother. After the death of their mother, the holidays were ignored, so Camryn is hoping for a much happier season for her and her sister this year. She is putting her future on hold, but wealthy hotelier, Jake Crane just may have other plans for her. Is Camryn willing to reach out for what she wants or will fear destroy her future?

River Best is new in town. She has always had difficulty connecting with people and is more comfortable with her computer, but the small-town traditions and friendly people of Wishing Tree have her wanting to be more connected. When she is crowned Snow Queen for the holiday season, she is wary, but the Snow King, Dylan Tucker puts her at ease. Dylan’s good humor draws her in, but River lacks trust from being hurt in the past and she knows Dylan is hiding something. Could the secret tear them apart?

I want to move to Wishing Tree! This is the second time I have opened a book and fallen into the story of Wishing Tree with all its Christmas themed stores and special inhabitants and not wanted to leave. Ms. Mallery gives the reader two memorable HEAs in each book in this series. The sex scenes are all behind closed doors. The secondary characters are all special and as believable as the heroes and heroines. I love each dog featured in the books, too. This book has heartwarming characters that make you feel good about falling in love and the holidays even though you must go through a bit of heartache to get there.

I highly recommend this book, the first book in the series, and this author!

I enjoyed reading the series, but as I sat down to write the review I realized I couldn't give it the stars I wanted to. There are so many issues with Helen's lack of boundaries, especially when it came to the twins. She is shown to have a good heart but needed to recognize that adult relationships often end and the twins should not be involved. Also I felt like both River and Camryn's issues weren't handled as well as they could have been. Maybe River needed more reason to have trust issues. what she did was pretty over the line. And 3 years is a long time, especially for a new relationship. A lot can change. As always the characters are likable, the dialogue snappy, and the HEA satisfying. But this time, for some reason, there were more issues than I'm used to.

First of all can we appreciate how adorable the cover is? Love a good book cover makes me want to display it on my book shelves.

Camryn is back home to take care of her twin sisters after the death of her mother and she's counting down the days till she can go back to her normal life after the girls graduate from school and leave to college. The last thing she's looking for is love and was shocked when she finds herself interviewed by a mother who is trying to get her son a wife. Problem is Jake is a really great guy and she doesn't see herself in town long so doesn't want ties. Then there is River the new girl in town whos pretty shy finds herself in the role of being the towns Snow Queen along side of Dylan the Snow King. Good thing he's a pretty easy going guy.

This was such a nice holiday read I really enjoyed it. Its one of those holiday books defiantly take place during the time, has some holiday things going on but isn't too much about it which I appreciate. Wasn't overly corny if you know what I mean. I enjoyed the characters and getting to know Camryn, Jake, River and Dylan they were so nicely done. I loved how unique each character were and when things happened you can kinda understand why things played out the way they did and can't help but root for things to turn out nice in the end. I enjoyed the little holiday moments and meddling's of some characters. I loved the romance that was in the book and overall this book was pretty sweet. There was ups and downs and I just enjoyed how it all tied in the end. Such a great book defiantly put this on your holiday tbr list if you are looking for recommendations then this is your sign.

Os livros com clima natalino estão chegando com tudo lá fora e eu estou adorando conferir os lançamentos, especialmente quando tem a assinatura da autora Susan Mallery que arrasa nos romances que deixam o coração quentinho...
Neste livro vamos acompanhar duas histórias apaixonantes, em uma delas temos Camryn Neff que no momento está presa na pequena cidade de Wishing Tree cuidando das irmãs, tudo que ela quer é voltar para sua vida real em Chicago e deixar a pacata cidade para trás de uma vez por todas, mas o belo hoteleiro Jake Crane é uma tentação à qual ela não consegue resistir e sendo bem honesta, nem deveria tentar, mas que graça teria, não é mesmo?! O melhor de tudo é o plano brilhante do casal: um relacionamento sem amaras, algo apenas para a temporada e com prazo de validade, vai dar certo? Óbvio que não e é ai que as coisas ficam boas e ambos aprendem mais sobre o que é a vida real que tanto procuravam. Além disso, temos a mãe de Jake que resolve dar uma de casamenteira e rouba a cena criando momentos divertidos no decorrer da trama.
Em paralelo, iremos acompanhar River Best, nova na cidade ela está fazendo o possível para chamar o lugar de lar. Coroada como Rainha da Neve (quem não acha fofo os festivais de cidade pequena?!), ela fica honrada, mas cautelosa afinal, Dylan Tucker, o rei parece bom demais para ser verdade e parece interessado demais nela. As coisas parecem evoluir naturalmente entre eles, mas ao mesmo tempo ele parece estar escondendo algo e a curiosidade dela pode colocar tudo a perder.
A atmosfera aconchegante da cidade é o cenário perfeito para essas duas histórias, elas são previsíveis? São, e fica o aviso, Susan cria personagens encantadores e com características verossímeis que às vezes podem deixar o leitor um pouco frustrado, mesmo assim, o resultado vale muito a pena e quem é que não gosta de um romance gostoso para deixar o coração quentinho no final da leitura?! Eu adoro, e a autora tem o dom de fazer isso.
Ah! Esse é o segundo volume da série, mas pode ser lido de forma independente.

Hallmarkie Christmas Tale. This was a solid Christmas tale with a pair of romances in small town Washington State that features a *lot* of meddling by a mother/ "adoptive" mother who wants grandkids. You've got the expected small town charm, the native-who-left-and-came-back part of the couple (for one of the two romances), the out-of-towner (for the other), the successful businessman, the "normal" guy with a major (yet amazing) secret... basically, everything any Hallmark Christmas Romance movie enthusiast expects to see in their stories. And Mallery, as usual, does a solid job of using her 400 ish pages to fully flesh out this story without ever feeling overly long in the process. Truly a solid story well told, and a worthy addition to this series and Mallery's overall catalog. Very much recommended.

Talk about a delightful and fun story! I just loved getting to know the citizens of Wishing Tree and reading all about their holiday traditions during the Christmas season - what a treat! I just loved this book to bits! I would happily recommend Home Sweet Christmas to fans of Mallery and to anyone looking for their next holiday read - you will LOVE this book!! Check it out!!

I always look forward to a new Susan Mallery book and this book was no exception. The good news was there was two stories in one book. The two stories intertwine yet at the same time are distinctly different. The four main characters in this book are all interesting people in their own right. Each of them have their own back story and then the coming together of these two couples is a holliday delight to read!! The town of Wishing Tree sounds like such a magical small town to live in. The holiday traditions that this little town maintains just adds a level of wistfulness and wonder to the book. If you are looking for a wonderful holiday read with all of the feel good emotions then this is the book that you should pick up.

I just want to move the Wishing Tree, that is all there is to it! Camryn came home from her life in Chicago when her mother was sick and then passed away and she stayed to raise her twin sisters. Now it is a year later and they are settled in and she is running the family business when she is called to Helen's house for a consultation. Little does she know it is really an interview...to be added to the list she is putting together of bride potentials for her son, Jake. Politely declining the invitation to be a bride Camryn stops by the resort to let Jake know he is a groom candidate and this sets off just the perfect attraction. These two are perfection. Also in this story we have another romance going on between the Snow King and Queen, Dylan and River. They each of their quirks and when you get to know them you will love them. River has moved to town and is a reformed hacker but she specializes in computer security and she hates the cold. Dylan is a cabinet maker and no one knows he secretly won the lottery years ago and has become the town Secret Santa. This book is full of heart and joy and so much Christmas cheer do not wait until Christmas to read it!

Home Sweet Christmas
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 0 chili
Pub date: 10/4

Ready for a cozy Christmas read? Susan Mallery delivers exactly that with this one! There is not one, but two love stories. In a town called Wishing Tree, we meet Camryn and River. Both had hardships in their life that tainted their view on relationships. The story gets interesting when River becomes the Snow Queen for the town and has to attend events with the Snow King, Dylan. This is where sparks start to fly and their friendship begins. Camryn on the other hand suggests that her and Jake, someone she went to high school with, pair up for the season and do all things Christmas together. Between "royal" duties, rescuing a dog, and secrets being revealed, this story has all the Christmas spirit you need!

I liked the small hometown feel of this book and how it gave all the Christmas vibes. The double plot line kept you on your toes and it as easy to pick back up with the other characters.

Two friends find love in Wishing Tree.

Susan Mallery does what she does best. Write about friendship, cute towns (Wishing Tree) and the cherry on top is that the two friends find love. Friends River and Camryn aren't planning on sticking around town but meeting Dylan and Jake may just change their minds. Snow King and Queen and plenty of holiday cheer.
Recommend.

Great holiday story that you are going to fall in love with! 5 Christmas stars for this one!
First we follow Cameron and Jake, his mother is searching for a wife for him, and pulls in the wrapping paper designer Cameron. She's so enraged that his mother would do this, she goes to Jake to let him know. Cameron doesn't have time for a relationship, she's busy raising her twin sisters and running the family store. Jake doesn't like to be pushed, but there is something about Cameron that is pulling him in, and she's feeling it too. Can she get past her need to leave Wishing Tree once her sisters graduate high school, can he convince her to stay?
Through out the story, we also get River and Dylan. River has had a rough life, she moved to Wishing Tree and finally has friends and she's truly happy. When she accepts the role of Snow Queen, along side Dylan as Snow King, she starts to open up and come out of her shell. But Dylan is hiding a big secret, and he's afraid it will change the way River see's him, so he withholds it from her. When she finds out, she's crushed that he didn't trust her enough to tell her. Can he redeem himself in her eyes?
This story is the perfect one to put you in the holiday spirit! And Susan does an amazing job with each character in the story! Don't miss out grab this one asap!

Told with the author’s signature wit, this story about two couples who need to find love and a place to belong is one that is heartwarming and laugh out loud funny at times. Camryn is in Wishing Tree because of her mother’s death the previous year and she has sacrificed her life in Chicago to come home to take care of her younger twin sisters. She is also running the family business, “Wrap Around the Clock,” a clever concept to provide wrapping services with personalized and unique gift wrap. River Best is an introvert who is in Wishing Tree because her sister moved there with her niece and as an internet genius, she can work anywhere. Both Camryn and River are thrown out of their comfort zones and into the world of finding true love. The atmosphere of the town is magical, especially the names of the businesses that just sing out with the love of all things about the holiday. There are many characters in this story that just make the entire story come together seamlessly, but my absolute favorite was Helen Crane, the matriarch who sets out to find a bride for her son Jake because she wants to have grandchildren before she dies. What a lovable hoot she is! Of course, one of her candidates for Jake is Camryn and although he admonishes her to back off and allow him to run his own love life, Helen is not so easily maneuvered. I also liked River, the introvert who is encouraged by her new friends to enter her name in the hat for the Snow Queen so that she will get to know the town and its people better. Her Snow King is Dylan, a young man with a big secret that almost destroys the budding relationship that he is developing with River. The twists and humor in the book are numerous and so delightful that this book had me rushing to the end to find out what would happen with the couples, the twins, and Helen. I thoroughly enjoyed the realistic details and the banter between the couples that made the book more like a play that I was watching than a book that I was reading. The plot moves along swiftly to a satisfying conclusion that was not unexpected, but it was so much fun getting there. Pure pleasure from beginning to end, this book is one that touched my heart and definitely prepares me for the season of love, laughter and giving.
This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Home Sweet Christmas gives a two in one romance novel. Full of friendships, humor, family, and character growth and a wonderful dose of Christmas spirit. I really liked the friendship banter between the two male characters and their close friendship. The meddler mom gave comedic moments but also made me grateful that she wasn’t my mother! Love my visit back to Wishing Tree and a small town Christmas Romance. Loved the characters, the story, and the Christmas spirit!
Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (September 19, 2022)
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley

Camryn Neff has put her life on hold for the sake of her younger sisters, with their mother passing unexpectedly the girls were in need of someone to care for them. So, Camryn left her life in Chicago and moved to Wishing Tree to run the family business and raise her sisters. Fully thinking this is just a short term adjustment, but quickly learning that with help of a little Christmas magic and a handsome stranger, sticking around might not be so bad after all.

Newly crowned Snow Queen River Best has never felt more at home in Wishing Tree, everyone welcomed her with opens arms, and made her feel like moving here was the best decision she's ever made... especially after she spends a little time with her fellow Snow King Dylan Tucker!

The pages of Home Sweet Christmas will bring smiles, laughs and swoons! It's endearing characters will swoop in and dazzle you with their charming personalities and have you never wanting to part with them. This little town is quite the welcoming one, with it's quirky and sweet residents, small town feel, and of course Christmas magic. I loved what I found waiting for me between the pages here, it's words warmed my heart and it's characters made me feel right at home! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.