This USA Today bestselling author invites you to the delightful small town of Sweetwater Springs where the magic of Christmas brings two strangers together in this “story you won’‘t forget” (RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author). Christmas is coming to the North Carolina mountains, and the air is fresh and crisp and filled with promise. After the devastating loss of her job in the … After the devastating loss of her job in the big city, the small town of Sweetwater Springs feels like heaven to Kaitlyn Russo. She’’s inherited her grandparents’’ charming (if a little rundown) bed and breakfast, and it’’s just the new lease on life she needs. Only “heaven” comes with a catch – and a handsome and completelyinfuriating one at that.
After what he hopes will be a quick trip, Mitch Hargrove wants nothing more than to put his hometown in the rearview mirror. But his plans get derailed when he learns he’’s now half-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. The fact that he’’s given only two months to make the inn a success is a huge problem, but it’’s his pretty – and incredibly headstrong – partner who’’s the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he’’s been given?
Includes the bonus short story “A Midnight Clear” by Hope Ramsay!
What readers are saying about Christmas on Mistletoe Lane…
“This book was exactly what I needed to kick off the holiday season.”
“A holiday story full of second chances, romance and magic…It’’s got all the feels-and a fabulous holiday message.”
“I truly enjoyed this fun holiday read.”
“This book needs to be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie!”
uccess is a huge problem, but it’’s his pretty – and incredibly headstrong – partner who’’s the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he’’s been given?
Includes the bonus short story “A Midnight Clear” by Hope Ramsay!
What readers are saying about Christmas on Mistletoe Lane…
“This book was exactly what I needed to kick off the holiday season.”
“A holiday story full of second chances, romance and magic…It’’s got all the feels-and a fabulous holiday message.”
“I truly enjoyed this fun holiday read.”
“This book needs to be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie!”uccess is a huge problem, but it’’s his pretty – and incredibly headstrong – partner who’’s the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he’’s been given?
Includes the bonus short story “A Midnight Clear” by Hope Ramsay!
What readers are saying about Christmas on Mistletoe Lane…
“This book was exactly what I needed to kick off the holiday season.”
“A holiday story full of second chances, romance and magic…It’’s got all the feels-and a fabulous holiday message.”
“I truly enjoyed this fun holiday read.”
“This book needs to be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie!”uccess is a huge problem, but it’’s his pretty – and incredibly headstrong – partner who’’s the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he’’s been given?
Includes the bonus short story “A Midnight Clear” by Hope Ramsay!
What readers are saying about Christmas on Mistletoe Lane…
“This book was exactly what I needed to kick off the holiday season.”
“A holiday story full of second chances, romance and magic…It’’s got all the feels-and a fabulous holiday message.”
“I truly enjoyed this fun holiday read.”
“This book needs to be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie!”st . . . or will he realize the true gift he’’s been given?
Includes the bonus short story “A Midnight Clear” by Hope Ramsay!
What readers are saying about Christmas on Mistletoe Lane…
“This book was exactly what I needed to kick off the holiday season.”
“A holiday story full of second chances, romance and magic…It’’s got all the feels-and a fabulous holiday message.”
“I truly enjoyed this fun holiday read.”
“This book needs to be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie!”more
A good old fashioned down-home Christmas! With the first book in the Sweetwater Springs series, we’re taken into the heart of small town living as two unlikely partners enter into the journey of getting an inn fixed up before continuing on with their separate lives. Only problem is, they never expected to fall in love along the way! Great characters, a heartfelt story line and tons of small town charm!
When Kaitlyn Russo finds out she’s inheriting her grandparents bed and breakfast in cozy Sweetwater Springs, NC just after her big city job has fallen apart in New York, she figures fate must be looking out for her and vows to make this new venture a success no matter the cost. There’s just one little hiccup in her plans … she didn’t know she was only inheriting half of the inn!
Recently discharged military man Mitch Hargrove makes a stop through Sweetwater Springs to settle the paperwork on the inn and visit his Mom on his way to the new security job he has waiting on him in Virginia. He didn’t know there was a stipulation on the inheritance saying he had to help run the place for two months before he could sell his half!
Kaitlyn Russo is looking for a new start and she has found the right place. She thought she was inheriting her grandma’s B&B. Only there was a stipulation in the will is that she run it with Mitch Hargrove. She wants to run it and Mitch doesn’t. It is fun watching these two work towards getting the place in shape to open up again. In the meantime, Kaitlyn is learning about Sweetwater and all its little traditions. You are going to love the people that come to stay at the B&B. The are characters. Just when she thinks that Mitch has changed his mind, the past comes backs. It takes some tough love from Gina, Mitch’s Mom, and Alex. Is it to late? An absolute cute puppy comes to the rescue. I enjoyed reading this book!
Favorite Quotes:
“You’re a crappy excuse for a Santa,” Mrs. Krespo bellowed from one of the tables. “Though I can see why Mommy was caught kissing Santa under the mistletoe if he looked like you.”
“No kissing and telling, Marvin,” Mrs. Krespo muttered, reaching for her coffee cup. “Kaitlyn doesn’t need to know you got lucky last night.” Mr. Krespo’s face turned beet red. “I didn’t tell her that, Evie.” “Well, you might as well have.” Mrs. Krespo gave her husband an assessing look. “I haven’t danced in years. I forgot how good of a dancer you were. It did things to me.”
“Didn’t he have a pet squirrel for a while?” “That was better than the pet skunk that lasted a day.”
She grabbed a box of Kleenex along with a large bag of chocolates because if you were going to have a pity party, you needed to do it right… She was hoping to find a Hallmark movie and live vicariously through the actors and actresses on-screen. Their problems could be fixed in a two-hour time slot on television.
My Review:
This gentle story was perfectly minted for Hallmark, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it listed next year as a holiday movie. I enjoyed this sweet, feel good, small-town tale, it was holiday treat with no calories – although I was frequently taunted with mentions of diet-shattering fudge and other culinary delights. The characters were enticing and highly likable while the storylines and writing were entertaining, engaging, and easy to follow with alternating licks of humor and heart squeezes. With her career in tatters, Kaitlyn packed up and left New York City behind and headed toward her inheritance and only hope, which was her grandparents’ run-down B&B in a small North Carolina town. Although she was unpleasantly surprised to learn she had a partner, one she needed to convince to stay and meet conditions of the will within a two-month time frame or she had nothing. And of course her partner was a handsome and rugged Marine who had other plans in the works, no desire to stay, and an unfortunate history to flee. At least he was smart enough to know that when you mess up and need to grovel, bring a puppy.
As far as I’m concerned it’s never too early to read a Christmas story! This weekend I decided to crack open my first holiday read for the season and it was a such a feel good holiday read. Kaitlyn is looking for a fresh start after leaving New York. Mitch is forced to come back to his hometown when this is the last place he wants to be. I loved Kaitlyn so much, her character was a spitfire and she held no punches. After everything she has gone through she still has a selfless heart and loves to help people. Mitch was so broken and broody. As much as he tried to hide his soft side he couldn’t help it when it came to his mom and Kaitlyn. When you hear his backstory it all makes sense. The book setting takes place in a small town and for some reason I love small town holiday reads the most. I guess it’s because I’m from a big city. The story was centered around the BnB and I loved the diverse set of characters I met while reading. The secondary set of characters were well written and honestly it felt like I was among old friends. This was a wonderful holiday story about taking chances, forgiveness and being with the ones you love. This book had EVERYTHING I love in a holiday read and I highly recommend this story to get you in the spirit!
Wonderful holiday Romance to put you in the mood for Christmas.
What a wonderful tug at your heart, oh who am I kidding. At all of your emotions! What a great way to start off the holiday season. I love this book and I’m so sure you’ll love it too! Thank you Anne!
Annie Raines’s Christmas in Mistletoe Lane is the first in her new Sweetwater Springs series. I was hooked on this lovely read from page one. Mitch and Kaitlyn were relatable and fun and the story fit them perfectly. The supporting characters had me laughing out loud; Paris so needs his own book. If you are looking for a warm-hearted holiday read, run to your local bookstore for a copy.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
If you’re looking for a wonderful holiday read, this romance won’t disappoint!
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane is the perfect book to build anticipation for the upcoming holiday season! Annie really brings this town and these characters to life. I can’t wait to visit Sweetwater Springs again!
Such a great book to read I loved this book I picked it up and could not put it down. Annie Rains is a great Author I give this book a 5 star if you haven’t read this you need too. You will not be disappointed!
This story tugs at all the heartstrings and is the perfect holiday read. A beautiful story about healing wounds and having the courage to go for what you want. You’ll love Mitch and Kaitlyn!
Make a cup of tea and grab the cookies before you start this delightful holiday romance because you won’t want to put this book down once you’ve been surrounded by the cozy town of Sweetwater Springs. The Bed & Breakfast setting is very appealing to me because I love to entertain family and friends and I would love to run a B&B. I think it would be a wonderful way to make a living. In the beginning of the story Kaitlyn and Mitch have no idea that Kaitlyn’s grandmother made special provisions in her will hoping that a romance would develop between them. Forced to work together or forfeit their ownership these charismatic characters make the best of the situation and I could easily imagine Grandma Mabel clapping her hands in delight at the success of her machinations. Sweetwater Springs is the quintessential small town with a tradition of community spirit and a wonderful cast of characters that romance readers are sure to enjoy. I read an early copy of this book courtesy of Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
Wonderful contemporary romance that occurs during the holidays. The characters are delightful. Ms. Rains did an excellent job developing the main characters of Mitch and Kaitlyn. The story is entertaining and pulls at your heartstrings. The author describes the town, Sweetwater Springs, as a place where everyone in town looks after one another. It reminds me of childhood when neighbors got together and helped one another in times of duress. It’s sad the world has changed so much. This is part of why the romance between Mitch and Kaitlyn draws the entire town. I received a complementary copy via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Rains.
When I saw this book all over social media I knew I wanted to read this book and one thing I wasn’t sure of if it would live up to all the hype. Well I was not disappointed it completely lived up to the hype I fell in love with this book. I have never read anything by this author and to be honest I can’t wait to read more. I loved the small town of Sweetwater Springs and it seemed like one of those towns you just want to go visit, total small town America for sure. I loved the heart of the story and I loved how in the end you want to follow up with some many more characters wondering whats happening in there lives as well. I felt this book was a quick read even though its a larger book. I will also say that in this book it does imply adult situations but over all this is a good clean read which was completely refreshing. If you have never read or even if you have by Annie Rains grab this book you will not be disappoint at all totally worth the read and it will totally put you into the Christmas spirit.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
This book has totally put me in the mood for Christmas!!
Kaitlyn and Mitch have inherited her grandparents’ B&B. Kaitlyn is thrilled to start over. Mitch isn’t looking to come home. Kaitlyn’s grandmother had a plan in mind for these two: run the B&B together for six months or neither gets to inherit it.
Sweetwater Springs is such a cute town and I loved getting to know some of its quirky residents. This town is going to be an amazing place to visit during this series. I loved everything about Kaitlyn and Mitch and all of their friends. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
Ms. Rains is a new (to me) author. This is the first book I have read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas on Mistletoe Lane. When I received the ARC from Netgalley, I wasnt’ sure I was ready to read a Christmas story in September. It didn’t take long for me to get hooked on the story and the wonderful characters.
Kaitlyn’s grandmother was a matchmaker…even from the grave. She left her bed and breakfast to Mitch and Kaitlyn in the hopes that they would fall in love.
Kaitlyn left her home and interior decorating career in New York after being hurt by a lecherous client. She felt that operating her grandmother’s bed and breakfast was the perfect new start.
Mitch returned to Sweet Springs, his hometown, after serving in the military. He joined the service to escape the memories of a terrible time in his life. His plan was to turn down the offer of half ownership in the bed and breakfast and take a security job in a new city, but he didn’t count on the stipulations Kaitlyn’s grandmother had written into her will.
This is a delightful story. I highly recommend it. It will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.
I truly enjoyed this fun holiday read which kicks off a new series from this author. It is wonderfully written with some pretty amazing characters. Kaitlyn Russo comes home to Sweetwater Springs after her job and life in the city implodes. With her Grandmother’s recent passing she expected to inherit the family b&b. What she didn’t expect is the rundown condition the place was in or the fact that she had to share ownership with Mitch Hargrove. Mitch just wants to sell the place and be done with it but the conditions of the will don’t allow for that. Since he has two months to kill before his new job starts he agrees to stay and help get the old place up and running again. Never did he expect the bossy Kaitlyn to get under his skin and have him rethinking his future. I highly recommend this one.
Rains was blessed with an empathetic voice that shines through each character she writes. Christmas on Mistletoe Lane is the latest example of that gift. Kaitlyn and Mitch tackle heartache with an appealing dose of reality and an abundance of heart. That’s what makes this journey of false starts and new beginnings relatable. Mistletoe Lane is about rebuilding trust in the people around you and the person we’re all meant to become. It’s a celebration of the lessons that help a person grow.
Christmas On Mistletoe Lane is the perfect way to start getting me ready for Christmas.
Broken hero? Check!
Independant woman? Check?
Run down B & B in a sweet little town? Check
Mitch and Kaitlyn’s story is sweet and cute and adorable. There is plenty of snark that is hiding the spark of attraction between them. You can’t help but wait for all that UST to fall to the ground and for our lovelies to make happy.
There is a great group of secondary characters that made me smile as I was reading.
It was a joy reading along as our lovelies fell in love, loved the small town vibe, especially loved it being set around Christmas. It has made we want to find a B & B to stay at this Christmas (even though it will be stinking hot, not nice and snowy!)
This is my first Annie Rains book, and it won’t be my last.
Kaitlyn Russo thought she had everything she could possibly want in her life, then in an blink of an eye it was all gone, all the hard work she had put into her career felt meaningless at this point. She gave so much of herself to her job, and now that she was jobless she felt completely lost… then divine intervention steps in and she gets a call from North Carolina, one that holds lots of hope and promise. Her grandmother, that recently passed, had left her the B&B her and her husband had ran for many years, and it was now Kaitlyn’s, and she couldn’t help but be excited to have a second chance given to her; especially one that comes with so many wonderful memories. But once she arrives in Sweetwater Springs she learns that her grandmother had one last miracle to work before she left this earth… hook her granddaughter up with the sweet boy from the down the street. As soon as she meets Mitch Hargrove she knows she is in trouble, yes he is pretty to look at, but he is also stubborn as all get out and he intends to fight her every step of the way with her new plan for the B&B!
When Mitch Hargrove thinks of Sweetwater Springs, he often thinks of the elderly couple who he spent many afternoons with as a child, while his mother was busy working her tail off to make ends meet. The Russo’s were like a second family to him for many years, and they often delighted about their granddaughter Kaitlyn, but every time she came to town for a visit he always seemed to be out of town and missed meeting her. Mrs. Russo about to take care of that though, before she passed she decided to leave their B&B to him, but of course it comes with a hitch… he has to share ownership with their granddaughter. He doesn’t have time for this little adventure, he’s fresh out of the military and ready for the next chapter in his life, and it does not involve taking care of a B&B… or does it?
With the pages of Christmas on Mistletoe Lane readers will find a delightful tale riddled with heart, humor, romance, and of course seasonal tidings that will put them in the perfect mood for the impending holidays! I absolutely adored this one, the story line was well crafted and contained many moments that made me smile, swoon, and put a nice little squeeze on my heart. This pairing came to Sweetwater Springs for very different reasons, but little did they know Mrs. Russo had a little plan in place that would give them both everything they ever wanted, and even something neither set out to find… Love, and boy was it fun to watch them find it! I really enjoyed my first visit to this series, and I am anxious to see what my next visit will bring… if this one is any indication I am sure I will love what I discover. I highly recommend you get your hands on this one it promises to leave your heart happy!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.