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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

loved this romance and seeing the family come together at times and loved the enemies to lovers and being in the small town and would love to see what happens to all of them.

I was so very excited to read this Winters siblings book.

Holly and Declan definitely make a great lead couple. The banter is amazing. The story has its twists and turns.

It was well written. I love following the Winter's family.

This one was cute. It was a light easy holiday read with a cute plot. Thank you to the publishers for an advanced copy.

I loved the characters. They were all so likeable and well written. But I didn't love that the chapters occasionally jumped forward in time without warning. For example, one chapter you're at a party and the next chapter starts 2 days later.

Overall, the third book in the Mistletoe Romance series doesn't disappoint!! It can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first 2 and it's a really sweet Christmas romance that will give you the warm and fuzzies!!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

3.25/5
I had no idea that this book is book three in a series when requesting...oops? Safe to say, the other couples in the book fell flat to me. But me? reading a christmas story in august? That's new. I love reading about the banter and pranks and maybe it's time for me to admit that annoyance to lovers romance trope is top tier. I also love reading about the friendship between Holly and Delilah.

Nick and Noel. Merry and Clark. And finally, Holly and Declan. The third book in the series (and I’m hoping not the last?) was really good.

Grumpy/sunshine, which is one of my favorite tropes, but with a Christmas theme. Starting out, they played pranks on each other and generally disliked each other. But as they actually got to know each other better, they realized maybe they had more in common than they originally thought. Gave off a very Hallmark Christmas movie vibe.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Along Came Holly to come out September 26, 2023.

I was give an ARC by Netgalley and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series and Codi Hall has done it again! The banter between Holly and Declan was top notch! I mean Elf really!!! So good!! I ate it up! I loved how this was a grumpy sunshine romance! Holly lives and breathes Christmas holiday cheer and Declan has a bit of the Grinch in him he could care less! The prank war was hilarious and really well executed! A bit slow on the pacing more of a slow burn but when that fire ignites it’s going up fast like a Christmas tree!!!

Go pick this up next month September 26 because Christmas came early baby!!!

I have read the first book in this series and have the second one on my list to read around Christmas this year. Even though we’re out of July now, I was still happy to add Along Came Holly to my ‘Christmas in Summer’ reading list.

Holly and Declan own shops next door to each other and have battled over all things holiday cheer for two years. As they each start to lay their armor down, they discover more about each other and find a lot more to like than either expected.

This was a quick, cute Christmas read filled with familiar characters and lots of great grumpy/holiday sunshine moments between Declan and Holly. There is depth in Declan’s backstory that explains why he’s Christmas-avoidant and it’s charming to see how he softens to Holly’s exuberance. He did give me a bit too much emotional whiplash at times with his back and forth treatment of Holly. He got there in the end but some of the in between got frustrating. Overall, this was a good addition to the holiday season lineup for this year.

I loved this book about holly and declan its a very slow burn do if you want something that happens quickly this isnt your book but if you love a nice slow burn, some pranks and christmas time and guy who doesnt like christmas this is your book its funny, charming, fun and everything in between and i couldnt put it down