An instant USA Today bestseller “Heartfelt and delightful ” -RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author Romance writer Julia Landon knows how to write a happily-ever-after. Creating one for herself is a whole different story. But after a surprising–and surprisingly passionate–kiss under the mistletoe at Harmony Harbor’s holiday party last year, Julia thought she might have finally … Julia thought she might have finally found her very own chance at true love. Until she learns her Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broodingly Handsome has sworn off relationships. Well, if she can’t have him in real life, Julia knows just how to get the next best thing….
Aidan’s only priority is to be the best single dad ever. And this year, he plans to make the holidays magical for his little girl, Ella Rose. But visions of stolen kisses under the mistletoe keep dancing in his head, and when he finds out Julia has written him into her latest novel, he can’t help imagining the possibilities of a future together. Little does he know, though, Julia has been keeping a secret that threatens all their dreams. Luckily, ‘tis the season for a little Christmas magic.
The Harmony Harbor series: Mistletoe Cottage Christmas with an Angel (short story) Starlight Bridge Primrose Lane Sugarplum Way Driftwood Cove Sandpiper Shoremore
Favorite Quotes:
“I just wish they’d remember I’m thirty-two and not fifteen.” Colin looked down at her feet, and his lips twitched. She followed his gaze. She had on a cozy red plaid onesie with fake fur lining the hood and reindeer slippers on her feet. She shrugged, smiling up at him. “What can I say? I love Christmas.”
Maybe because he didn’t smile often, it felt like a precious gift when he did, like you meant something to him, like you were special.
She ignored her inner hussy, who yelled Who needs a bed and suggested Julia throw herself on the floor at his feet. Her inner hussy was way more optimistic about their chances of getting lucky tonight.
…her fluorescent pink vibrator sailed through the air to land with a splash in the goldfish bowl sitting on the bench at the end of her bed. She slapped her hands over her mouth, releasing a muffled “I’ve killed Eric and Ariel! … It’s not funny! My fish are drowning. Save them!”
A lie means saying something with a deliberate intent to deceive, and what I did is more like embellish the truth.
My Review:
Sugarplum Way was a sweet and amusing story with an entertaining and active storyline. Colleen celebrated her first anniversary as a ghost, the holiday season was in full swing, romance was in the air, petty small-town rivalries/politics/ gossip continued to rule, snow was falling, Julia kept the firemen busy and broke the record for false fire alarms from burning her food, and The Secret Keeper of Harmony Harbor book was still unaccounted for, which kept the vast majority a bit on edge and more than a few extremely anxious about their deeply-held secrets being exposed. I smirked my way through this fun and jovial tale, although it was not all easy breezy for Julia as she was busy as a beaver daydreaming and maintaining a long-held secret crush on a growly and complicated Gallagher while actively cloaking her secret identity, organizing the community Christmas committee, writing a book, covertly playing fairy godmother, running her store, and attempting to bolster and imbue the entire town with Christmas cheer. I adored her tremendous heart, clever wit, and sweet nature and have enjoyed every installment of this endearing series thus far. I doubt I could ever tire of learning the dark secrets and personal shame of the various townspeople, as I’m snoopy like that.
When it comes to love stories Julia Landon knows how to create them on paper, but in real life the words just aren’t there, meaning her love life is pretty much non-existent right now… but she has her eye on someone special. After sharing a heated kiss with single dad Aidan at the Harmony holiday party, she thought they were onto something, but unfortunately she found out that the master at heated smooches doesn’t do relationships. Now she is just stuck with her swoony memories of their little connection…
Being a single dad has taken it’s toll on Aidan, but it’s a job that he’s very proud to have, and one he strives at doing his best at. Which means all of his free time is dedicated to his parental duties, and also means very little time for relationships, not that he wants to make that mistake again anyway. However, the idea of kissing Julia again does sound appealing… especially after he learns that he has left her inspired enough to include their little moment into one of her romance stories. It’s just to tempting to pass up…
Sugarplum Way is delightful holiday read that is sure to stir up some seasonal feelings, and leave readers hearts rejoicing! I thoroughly enjoy reading single parent romance stories and I have to say this one definitely measured up to my expectations, it was filled with many sweet moments that warmed my heart and made me smile. These characters were a treat to meet, they were well crafted, their situation was very plausible, and easy to picture visually. It was a slower developing romance, but with children involved, I appreciated that the author took that into account, and paced things a little slower, to give it a relatable feel, and to be considerate of everyone’s feelings. Overall I’d say it was a well-rounded read, it came with lots of palpable emotion, a smidgen of heat thrown in here and there, and lots of holiday spirit to put you in a seasonal mood! Highly recommend this one, it’s sure to leave your heart happy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.
Sugarplum Way is all about the three H’s: heart, humor and hope. Ms. Mason gets in touch with her lighter side this holiday season. With a little more laughter and not as many tears, she makes the heart rejoice and delights the inner romantic with an irresistible comedy that continues to give long after the last page is devoured. Endearing characters, a hint of drama and tempting secrets serve as the backdrop for a deliciously sentimental carol of the heart.