What’s Christmas without family drama, an accident, and mistletoe? If you ask Portia Spears, it’s a horror movie—especially since she’s never the one caught under that mistletoe. And who thought it was a good idea to spend the last Christmas as a family unit away from their family home? Her bossy older sisters, that’s who.Christmas at his parents’ house with his son—just the way Reese Whitaker … son—just the way Reese Whitaker likes it. But a chance encounter on the beach might just change everything. How often do you meet someone who loves kids and knows American Sign Language?
Not often. Trust him.
However, with just two weeks to get to know each other and two families that couldn’t be more different vying for their time, will they even have a chance to test out that mistletoe they found?
Find out today in Sand & Mistletoe.
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Sand and Mistletoe… two things that ordinarily do not go together but in signature Chautona Havig style they somehow go together perfectly. This book is a stand-alone that does have a Christmas theme; however, I think it can be enjoyed year-round.
From the beginning, I was sucked into Porta and Reece’s story. It was realistic, filled with sarcasm, wit, and self-reflection. I felt like ai got to really know the characters and their personalities throughout the book and I got to watch them grow. Which is a big plus in my book. I also enjoyed how Chautona Havig incorporated so much about the deaf culture and how she conveyed ASL conversations seamlessly into the storyline it was interesting to read. Reese’s son Duncan was fun and a great addition to the array of characters in this book. I loved the big family atmosphere and enjoyed the typical family arguments/emotions through the book, as they added a very realistic bent to the book.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, fun twists, and great characters. Now I am ready to go to the beach for Christmas too! Thanks, Chautona Having
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Sand & Mistletoe is a fun story that takes a real close look at family relationships, romance, expectations and insecurities. Relying on the Lord proves to be the answer needed to make relationships work. Enjoyed the view from different perspectives.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own.
Any time I receive the opportunity to read and review a book by Chautona Havig, giddy excitement fills my soul. Chautona Havig writes books that capture my imagination, soul, and spirit. And this book delivers in a major way.
With a family of parents, five daughters, a spouse to one daughter, three grandchildren, and a beach house, a lot is going on in this book. But I loved reading every page. I loved getting to know the characters and reading the story of one sister meeting a deaf boy and his father.
Add in an accident, a possible, disagreements between family members, and family dynamics, and this book became one of my favorite books this week. I adore how Ms. Havig not only writes scenes, but she also allows her readers to discover what her characters are thinking and feeling. So when Portia and Reese interact, I actually felt like I was present.
So if you like books set at Christmas, set at the beach, or about families, check out this book for yourself. I promise it delivers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
What I think you should know:
Sand and Mistletoe is a contemporary Christian Romance by Chautona Havig. It is a stand alone story. The story has a backdrop of Christmas and many scenes involving Christmas Activities, however the story would still be entertaining and enjoyable any time of year.
What I think I think about this book:
Portia is the fourth of five daughters named after Shakespeare characters, in a family with bold personalities. I enjoyed her character and even though I didn’t always identify with her character I did understand most of her emotions during the book. Reese was wonderful, even though he had made choices that didn’t align with his faith, he didn’t shy away from the consequences of his actions. I love how he wholeheartedly put his son and his needs first. The interaction between Reece and Portia was entertaining and I found myself rooting for them. I love the details that Havig included about ASL, and the tidbits about Deaf culture. Duncan was a delightful character and I love the impact that he had on the story. My only complaint was that the story ended too soon!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Sand & Mistletoe by Chautona Havig is a fun holiday read, especially if you are looking for a book with a beach setting. While not your typical location, the beach offers an interesting backdrop to family dynamics and Christmas traditions. The characters face difficulties with life challenges and with each other. The family fights were quite intense and detailed at times. Somehow, in the midst of all the quarreling and challenges, family bonds and Christmas cheer conquer all. Readers looking for a unique holiday read with lots of intense family drama will enjoy this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. I also purchased a copy. These opinions are entirely my own.
Chautona Havig became one of my favorite authors after I read my first book by her (one of the Meddlin’ Madeline books) and since then I can’t get enough of her books. As soon as I see a new one out I’m reading it on my kindle. And they read so fast that I forget what I’m doing and then it’s all done and I’m ready for the next one.
Sand and Mistletoe is a cute holiday tale that is unlike other holiday tales. Of course, that might be because it’s semi based on one of her own holiday fails. I loved it!
Portia, really the names in this book made me laugh, is a redhead with a temper to match and she’s not happy to be spending her holiday in a different location than normal. And of course, she’s not shy about saying so.
When she sees a child playing too close to a dangerous area she goes all out to get to them and make sure he’s safe. Only, he’s deaf. Lucky for him she knows sign language, or at least some.
And so begins a great tale. I do have to say I laughed so much in this story. Reese is a fun character even if he did trust Portia way too much just because she was signing to his son on the beach. Duncan is cute and precocious and I wanted to scoop him up and kiss him multiple times.
The accident having a basis, in reality, is crazy! It’s definitely one of those scenes that you’re like that would never happen but then you read it actually did happen in the author’s life.
I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. It’s one of those holiday books that you can read year-round and definitely one that I would read again and again.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Chautona Havig always finds ways to incorporate intriguing elements along with some quirky characters in her fiction. This novel takes us to a family Christmas celebration, where three generations gather at a large California beach house for two weeks. The Spears family may be overly enthusiastic in their verbal sparring, but their love for each other is genuine. The snappy interaction may be fun to watch, but Portia isn’t sure this “vacation” was the best choice for them all. However, her longing to escape changes after her loveless life gets tossed to the waves when she meets a wonderful man with his deaf son. She’s attracted to both, and her knowledge of sign language adds a big bonus. Will things work out for her and Reese, or will this possible dream romance be ruined before it has a chance to flourish? Throw in her dad falling off the cliff, and her stress goes off the charts. Life should surely give the girl a break. Reese helps her through the crises and raises her hope that a fairy tale ending may not only be found in story books. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts On This Book!
I love Christmas books and it is never too early for me to start reading them. Sand & Mistletoe turns out to be a sweet Romance, but the drama between Portia and her sisters gets a bit annoying at times. And I really felt sorry for mom and dad, because they were the ones trying to calm them all down. That didn’t make for a very good Christmas in my book. I was beginning to think it was bad idea to spend Christmas together on the beach until Reese comes into the picture.
I really like Reese, and his son. They turned the story around for me. I love the interactions Portia has with Reese’s son and the way she picked up using sign language with him. I could just imagine how Reese felt when he first saw that scene. All in all, in the middle if all the drama, there is a sweet Romance going on, as much as it could be with all the family. And I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the end and the makings if this story. If you are ready to pull out the Christmas stories, I highly recommend this one for you to read. And if you know someone with a child who is deaf, this would be a special book for them to read. A lot if touching moment here. This book is a 4 stars for me!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A heartwarming Christmas time romance, stemming from a chance meeting while on vacation that changes everything.
Portia Spears has a passion for working with children, she is thoughtful and kind, and has plenty of patience from growing up with 4 sisters. I loved the realistic chaos and complications in the dynamics of the growing Spears family, who can’t relate to the love, laughter and drama of Christmastime. I loved how she is thoughtful and makes Duncan feel right at home with her.
Reese is a wonderful father who has been burned in the past by love, but Portia seems too good to be true. Reese is fun and outgoing, willing to take risks and make gestures. He is close with his family, and I loved how important faith is to both Reese and Portia.
Overall, this is a sweet holiday time romance, filled with family, faith, and new beginnings. I really liked how the author presented Duncan and the challenges that he faces, sometimes being unintentionally left out. He is a darling boy, clever with a good sense of humor. This is a pleasant read, though sometimes I thought that the plot had times when things fell into place too easily, and lacked tension, but that could be more of a personal preference. But in the end a sweet story of love and new beginnings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I can read Christmas stories all year round and still not get tired of them. Being around Portia and her family would absolutely drive me crazy. So much bickering, anger and jealousy made me want to scream. The plan was to have a memorable loving Christmas as a big happy family. No attitude was allowed but it came anyway. Get ready for an adventure like no other in this holiday story.
Portia is not pleased to be at a place where it is hot for Christmas surrounded by family that is opinionated about everything and everyone. Portia irritated me at times with her sour attitude and then I noticed that I was relating to her more than I realized. Part of her family is determined to have the best family Christmas ever, while the others just want it to be over. I didn’t mean to laugh when Portia’s dad ended up in the hospital but everything else was going wrong why not have poor dad have an accident. Then why don’t we fight over his care and who stays with him. Oh my this family kept me intrigued wondering if they would ever celebrate the holidays.
I can’t forget about Reese and his adorable son Duncan. They are perfect for Portia but I’m not sure she sees that yet. I liked how the author implemented a deaf child into the story and showed how much they want to be a part of everything. It worried me that Duncan took to Portia so fast. I don’t want his little innocent heart broken when Portia goes back home. The story is filled with emotion, faith and a look at family dynamics. I liked the romance in the story that wasn’t over the top but slow and tasteful. Portia and Reese do have times where their communication between each other is not exactly perfect. I loved this quote from the book, “I think when we hide stuff from our ‘other half…‘that’s when we start listening to the lies of the world.” That statement should remind us to always be open and honest with our other half . Secrets always come out and sometimes hurt others. The big question I wanted answered in the story is, “Will Reese and Portia become a couple?” I’m not telling. You must read the story and fall in love like I did with the characters that are realistic and draw you into their lives. Well done Chautona. Once again I have spent my time immersed in a story filled with hope, faith, family and a heart full of joy.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Sand and Mistletoe is another good read by by Chautona Havig. She has once again written a fun and entertaining book. I loved that she was added a character who is part of the hard of hearing / deaf community. There are not many stories out there that feature unique abilities. I appreciate this addition as a mom of a child who has hearing issues. The faith, love, inspiration and romance were fun and entertaining. I liked that the author incorporated true events within the pages. I enjoyed getting to know Reese and Portia.
I am giving Sand and Mistletoe four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy clean and faith filled romance set during the Christmas season. It is definitely not one to be missed and worth a read.
I received Sand and Mistletoe from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
How do you not fall for the single dad who has old fashioned values and can quote Jane Austen?
I enjoyed the way that Reese fell so quickly for Portia. Not love at first sight, just “I really want to get to know you better”. And I liked the way that he pursued her, yet in a gentlemanly and compassionate way. The fact that even when he knew she wanted him to kiss her, he waited. And waited. And waited.
Portia and her family were fun, though I’m not sure how long I would have lasted in their house! The tempers! The turmoil and the interactions of the daughters of the house were a bit crazy! There were so many lessons that they needed to learn. How to love each other, show patience and kindness.
This is a great romance filled with sweet moments and spiritual lessons.
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I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Laugh out loud writing – she writes like she’s my best friend, ha. Good story – I’m a sucker for compassionate, shy people, and the main character, though strong, is sweet. I was a bit confused with some of the explanations of the “signing” – moving of hands, etc. Maybe if one knows sign language, it’d be easier.