Mistletoe At Moonglow

Title: Mistletoe at Moonglow
Author: Deborah Garner
Genre:
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars


This year is the first year Mist is working at the Timberton Hotel, and she has made the hotel look beautiful as ever and is intent on making the holiday season perfect for all their guests.  While the guests spend time together Mist provides special thought out gifts and refreshments catered to each person.  This is the season for warm hearts and happiness, and Mist is determined to provide that to all of her new friends








This little novel was adorable to read, but there wasn't much to it beyond a slice of life type of story.  We don't delve deep into character relationships or backgrounds.  It is a great little heartwarming book to read on a Saturday afternoon with a cup of hot cocoa as it snows outside.  The things Mist does for each guest reminds readers what it really means to spread Christmas joy and love.  It's a cute, easy read. The writing style to clean and crisp, the setting and characters are described nicely and you get a clear picture of the personalities involved in the story.  I think my favorite character was the little boy Robert.  He added an air of innocence to the story.




The book seems to have a nice theme of healing as each of the guests all have their own personal issues to over come from the lose of a loved one to feeling homesick and even physical healing after a medical issue.  I enjoyed reading how each guest helped one another in small ways and the kinship they all had even with the new guests. I was waiting for something to happen, like a freak snow storm or large profession of love or something but nothing happened, it was all happy go lucky which is a nice change from novels that always have something happening in them.


Mistletoe at Moonglow is a sweet, sentimental, heartwarming story that will put you into the Christmas spirit.  I would recommend it if you like these kinds of book or if you are looking for a gentle read for this holiday season.

Unexpected Gifts

Andi has endured on of the hardest years of her life.  She lost her baby and her boyfriend left, leaving her facing her grief and pain alone.  When the Christmas plans turn out less than expected she takes a ski resort up on it's complimentary offer to stay for an extended time.  Upon arrival she discovers they do not have a room for her.  Colin is an attractive acquaintance, who offers a room in his villa.  After mentioning she hated Christmas, Colin makes it his mission to make Andi enjoy Christmas once more.  The two begin to fall for one another and Colin begins to think he just might be able to change his playboy ways and have a relationship with Andi.  When the resort needs someone to help plan their big Christmas party, Andi steps up and fulfills then need calling in her partner to help with the planning.  Everything seems to be going perfectly for Andi, that is until Blaine shows up and changes things.  Where will Andi's heart take her; into the arms of Colin, or back to the man who left her in her time of need?

It wouldn't be Christmas without a review of a Christmas novel.   Normally I would not go for a sappy love story like this one, but I decided to step outside the comfort zone and read something new.  And I admit, I kind of like the sappy love story.  It was well written and the reader really gets a strong feeling for Andi and her lose.  I wanted to cry at her heartache at losing the baby and got angry at Blaine for what he did (won't give away spoilers!)  I loved the setting of a mountain lodge which will be the setting for future novels.  I love how Aitken developed the relationship between Colin and Andi rather than them immediately jumping into bed together.  She even has Andi develop a rule of no sex on the first date AND Colin respecting that.  Which seems to be hard to find now-a-days.

A lot happens in this short novel that drags the reader into Colin and Andi's story. It leaves readers wanting more, and I was a little disappointed to find out that the next novel would not have the two lovers as the characters.  I was hoping to see their relationship develop and grown beyond their time at the lodge.  It almost felt like the book ended too quickly.  Aitken did a wonderful job at creating the romance and bond between her characters, she made it so I could feel the connection from them.  Almost made me wish I could find something like what they had, almost jealous!  I finished this book within 5 hours or so, I couldn't put it down once I began reading it.

I highly recommend this novel for those who love a good romance novel, and for those who want a good novel to test the waters with.  I would give this a 4 out 5 simply because it ended too quickly and I would love more from this couple.  I will definitely be checking out more novels from Elena Aitken.