Member Reviews

A fully predictable and heartwarming holiday read. Super lightweight and a very quick read, easily finished in an hour. This book is exactly what it claims to be.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

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Thank you to #NetGalley and #SOURCEBOOKSCasablanca for letting me read this book.This is book # 3 in a series. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a light, fun, holiday romance.

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Thank you NetGalley, Codi Hall, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

This book has me craving the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas! I LOVED the first two books of this series. If you know anything about this author, then you will know that theses stories originally were published exclusively to audio. If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend checking those out as well!

When I saw that this was being released FINALLY I couldn't request it fast enough!

Read if you love:

-Small Towns
-Grumpy/Sunshine
-Christmas Romances
-WONDERFUL side characters
-Enemies to Lovers
-HILARIOUS banter and pranks

Holly is the QUEEN of Christmas. Being a part of the Winters family in an adorable town called Mistletoe - how could she not be, right?

When she becomes determined to win the town's Festival of Lights, she has no choice but to enlist the help of the grinchiest grump around... her shop's next door neighbor, Declan.

Declan HATES Christmas. Which is ironic with him living in a town that THRIVES on the date. What he hates even more is the cheery, Christmas LOVING shop neighbor Holly. Her spunk, determination, and mischievous witt also drive him wild in more ways than one.

Soon the pair find themselves working together to make unexpected Holiday Magic happen. This story is everything you want in a Holiday Romance. It brings the comfort of the Hallmark movies and warm cocoa reminding me of my childhood. I can't wait to add this one to my shelf soon!

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What a cute, fun, Christmasy story!!! Merry and Clark's story is still probably my favorite, but Holly and Declan's is a close second! I love Holly's Christmasy excitement as she gets ready for the Holidays and her sister's wedding. And here come's Declan's grouchy anti-holiday vibes irking Holly and getting her all hot and bothered. I loved this one part of the book where Declan makes Holly see that the Holiday's are not a happy, jolly time for everyone, and for some really brings them down. I loved how gently and honestly he explained that to her, because it is absolutely true the holiday season means something different to everyone, and not being into it is not a character flaw. I loved how Declan and Holly so honestly communicated their annoyance with one another, and agreed to be nicer to each other, and always be honest as the develop a friendship and relationship. I also totally love with the cat-dad vibes Declan gives, making him a hottie on a whole new level.
Absolutely fun, spicy, tender & sweet Holiday story! Thank you for the ARC!!!

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Along Came Holly is a great light read for Christmas. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. The only thing that I really didn’t like is how long this book felt.

Holly and Declan are feuding over the holiday season. They own neighboring stores and play some pranks on one another. Holly is in desperate need of a handyman to put up her Christmas display and hires Declan to do the job. After a rooftop kiss, can they admit that they don’t hate each other as much as they thought they did?

I loved how Holly and Declan were able to communicate! There was no miscommunication or misunderstanding (even if it looked like it was heading that way for a bit). I adore a good grumpy x sunshine trope, especially when it’s a Christmas book.

The side characters were great! I adored Clark and Nick, but I think everyone offered an amazing sense of humor to this book. I will probably read the first two books in this series closer to Christmas, but I didn’t feel like I missed out on much by not having read them!

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I loved the story and plot line. Its well written and felt myself connecting with the characters. Definitely recommend

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2.75 stars

This is the third book in the Mistletoe Romance series and we follow the final of the three Winter siblings, Holly. She's a outgoing lover of Christmas and has a little daredevil streak. Next to her holiday decor shop works Declan, a grumpy, bearded man who came back to Mistletoe to help out his father with his hardware store. Holly and Declan don't really like each other and after two years of grumbling with each other, their irritation intensifies until a full-on prank war ensues.

I absolutely loved the premise. The grumpy-sunshine trope is something that I very much enjoy. And I was actually having a great time: the grump was grumping and the sunshine character was outgoing and fun and a little quirky, I absolutely loved the sibling and friendly banter between the Winter siblings and their friends and there was, of course, Leo the cat.

But then it kind of dragged a bit towards the middle. The novel touched on a couple of things, like both MC's reluctance to dive into a relationship, Declan's family affairs, Declan's art, Holly's social media career. But I needed a bit more when it came to these aspects. More details, more depth. With most of these topics, the author just kind of scratched the surface and it left me a little unsatisfied.

I also felt like the writing and the banter kind of went downhill too at that point. I don't know if that was just me, but things started to get more descriptive (in a bit of an unnecessary way) and the banter between both the MCs and the side characters just didn't hit as hard as in the first half of the book.

I liked the love interests communication. They started to open up more and I loved to see that. Except for that small stunt of jealousy that felt kind of out-of-character for Declan. Didn't enjoy that.

I haven't yet read the previous two books in the series, but I did like the side characters from this book enough to still want to check those out, so that's a good thing. I just hope that the sex scenes in those will be better.

In short: this book was a little bit of a mixed bag, but for the most part I thought the romance was cute and I was enjoying myself.

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Got my holiday fix early and I loved it! I really enjoyed the other 2 books in this series. The first one is still my fave but this one was still very fun to read. I loved the banter and the humor and of course the romance!

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This was a fast and fun holiday romance with a enemies to lovers storyline. It's the third in a series but can be read as a stand alone with no difficulty.

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There’s just something about a Christmas romcom that makes you feel like you’re curled up by the fire with a warm drink—even if it’s August and you’re hiding inside form the heat.

This is the last installment in the Mistletoe series and Holly and Declan are sure to make you smile with their banter.

3.5/5

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Codi Hall has woven a heartwarming holiday tale that captures the essence of love, laughter, and the magic of Christmas in her book Along Came Holly. From the moment I delved into the story, I was enchanted by the delightful world she created in Mistletoe, Idaho. The synopsis aptly teases the entertaining clash between the lively Holly Winters and the brooding Declan Gallagher, neighbors whose interactions spark with electricity.
Holly's jolly holiday shop on Main Street and Declan's hardware store stand as symbolic opposites, just like their personalities. Hall's depiction of their relationship is a true gem, showcasing the grumpy-sunshine dynamic that unfolded before my eyes. Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry kept me both chuckling and swooning, and the inclusion of a mischievous cat added an extra layer of charm.
The story's depth is further enriched by the intricate web of friendships and family bonds. The Winter siblings' dynamic, as well as the exploration of Declan's complex family history, adds layers of authenticity and relatability. I found myself yearning to know more about these characters, hoping for spin-offs that delve into their stories.
The unique blend of present-day scenarios, such as Holly's TikTok fame and Declan's off-grid existence, adds a modern twist to the timeless holiday romance. Hall's skillful storytelling made these seemingly disparate elements merge seamlessly, creating a captivating narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish.
While the story occasionally lingers, Codi Hall's ability to craft genuine emotions and paint vivid scenes overshadowed any minor pacing issues. The slow burn romance between Holly and Declan, coupled with the charming small-town setting, struck all the right notes for a heartwarming holiday read.
Along Came Holly is a delightful addition to the Mistletoe Romance series, wrapping up the saga with a satisfying blend of holiday cheer, family bonds, and love that defies expectations. Even though it might not have quite surpassed its predecessor, the book stands as a testament to Codi Hall's ability to weave tales that warm the heart and leave readers with a sense of joy and contentment. If you're seeking a festive escape filled with enchanting characters, simmering romance, and the magic of the season, Along Came Holly is the perfect choice.

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This proved to be a delightful and brisk read, an indulgent mix of charm with a hint of playfulness. My sojourn in the enchanting hamlet of Mistletoe was thoroughly enjoyable, offering a glimpse into a series that interlaces its narratives. While this entry marks the third in the series, I've yet to delve into the first two installments; however, the allure of these tales has piqued my interest, and I'm now tempted to explore them, particularly as Christmas approaches. Remarkably, my lack of familiarity with the preceding stories didn't hinder my engagement, thanks to the astute context provided within these pages.

While my appreciation for this book remains high, I must admit that its potential for rereadability is a topic of contemplation. The narrative, although delightful, doesn't necessarily carve a distinct niche for itself amidst the myriad contemporary Christmas romances vying for attention.

The dynamic between the "grumpy sunshine" protagonists was a highlight, their journey toward a romantic connection feeling authentically portrayed. A refreshing aspect was the absence of a conventional third-act breakup; the open and earnest communication between the adult characters was a welcome departure from the norm. Witnessing their misunderstandings promptly addressed without undue prolongation was a breath of fresh air.

Yet, a lingering thought centers on the several instances of potential conflicts that briefly appeared but were ultimately left unresolved. These glimpses of turmoil hinted at compelling central conflicts or obstacles, yet they fizzled out without substantial impact. A more overarching narrative goal or a resolute conflict might have provided the finishing touch needed to elevate this tale into a more rounded and satisfying package.

In its entirety, "Along Came, Holly" effectively captures the essence of a lighthearted Christmas movie reminiscent of Hallmark's offerings, ushering readers into the festive spirit.

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Along Came Holly was a cute romance with solid Christmas theme and ambience. The grumpy-sunshine trope was cute, and I enjoyed how the characters' families were important to them and still had a role in the story. This was a quick read with easy writing, and I can see many others enjoying it during the holidays. While this was not my favorite Christmas romance despite checking ALL of my romance trope boxes, I know others will find it enjoyable for the light-heartedness readers seek for Christmas reads.

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I'm honestly a huge fan of Codi Hall's holiday romances, and Along Came Holly did not disappoint. It's such a fun and easy read, with great banter, plus I adore the grumpy/sunshine romance between Declan and Holly.

If you're looking for something light and cozy, this is it!

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3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This was a super fun, quick sweet (& a dash of naughty) read. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the small town of Mistletoe. I know that this book is the third of an interconnected series. The first two of this series have been on my radar, but I have not read them, reading this does make me want to read them a little bit closer to Christmas. Despite not reading the first two I don’t feel like I’m missing that much due to the contacts provided in this book, as much as I enjoyed this book, to be perfectly honest, I don’t know how much reread-ability this book offers. It didn’t do too much to truly set it apart, and make it stand out in the overwhelming titles of contemporary Christmas romances.

I enjoyed the grumpy sunshine aspect of the book, and their progression to relationship felt real enough. Also love the fact that there was not a third act break up. The level of communication between these two adults was really refreshing even if it took them an extra moment to get there it was nice to see it happen, and their misunderstandings not be drawn out over chapters and chapters.

One of the things that keeps sitting on my mind is that there were multiple instances of potential conflicts that could have been the central conflict of the story, or obstacle to overcome, and nothing happened with them. They were stated, and then it all just fizzled out and I think this novel really needed an over arcing end goal or conflict to overcome to be the pretty ribbon on a nicely wrapped gift.

Along Came, Holly is a fantastic light-hearted Hallmark-like Christmas movie to really help you get into the spirit of Christmas.

What to expect;
- Mistletoe, Idaho
- Heavy Christmas influences (Not too cheeses or cringey)
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Small-town Romance

Thank you too NetGalley & the publisher for a copy of the early e-book in exchange for this review.

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Such a unique book, I loved the plot, and oh my god the characters we're so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!

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I read an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
Admittedly, I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but I don’t think it takes anything away from the story.
Holly and Declan are easy characters to understand once you know their backgrounds. I like their chemistry and how they navigate their relationship around other people.
The hens and bucks was fun to read. It did take them a while to get together but it was part of the fun.
3.5 stars

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This was a very cute and quick book. The writing was easy to get into and I felt very invested into how would things improve between Holly & Declan when he hates Christmas and she's always in the spirit for it ever year. I must say I loved the banter between them. Also, Holly's family members were really entertaining and added some more humour in the book. Holly was really bubbly but Declan was unnecessarily rude at times. Also I felt kind of bored in the middle but despite that, it was a fun, light-hearted and heartwarming read!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review

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In terms of a Christmas romance novel, this ranked pretty high! There is character development, plenty of Christmas cheer and fun, and a wide cast of characters to keep you on your toes. Coming into the series (without knowing it was a series) I felt a little thrown off not knowing the characters, and with them all having somehow similar names, it took me a bit to figure out the rhythm. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine aspect, as well as the enemies to lovers. It made sense why the two were at odds, and it was clear from the beginning that there were seeds of attraction so it doesn't come out of left field when the two get together. This was a fun Christmas read if you enjoy reading themed books year round or during the holidays! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

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Heavy exposition, heavy backstory, and use of flashbacks took up the majority of the first two chapters (7%). I stopped there. I don’t enjoy that type of writing style, and it wasn’t particularly gripping, although the last line of chapter 2 was quite amusing.

“Snuffed out by a Christmas decoration. What are the odds?”

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC.

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