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St. James Sisters #5
Cupid's First Christmas
If the cold didn't kill him, nosey Santa Clauses would!
"Prepare to be transported this holiday season with book six in the St. James Sisters' sweet, island romance collection!" Dr. Zack Albertson may have returned to Mackinac Island, but he's counting down the seconds until he can leave. He can't stand the overwhelming Christmas cheer that envelops 'America's No. 1 Christmas Town' as soon as Thanksgiving is over. Meanwhile, Linda Noelle Christianson has come back to the island to help her family with their Christmas tree farm. After a tumultuous marriage in Miami, she's grateful to be home. When fate brings Zack and Linda together through a mysterious box of adorable puppies that shows up on his doorstep, they begin to realize that there's something special about this place and about each other. As the snow falls and the lights twinkle, will they discover that it doesn't matter where you are as long as you're with the right person? Or will they let their pasts hold them back? Find out in this enchanting Christmas romance!
With a cast of charming characters and a picturesque setting, this grumpy sunshine, second chance, sweet romance will warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.
"Prepare to be transported this holiday season with book six in the St. James Sisters' sweet, island romance collection!" Dr. Zack Albertson may have returned to Mackinac Island, but he's counting down the seconds until he can leave. He can't stand the overwhelming Christmas cheer that envelops 'America's No. 1 Christmas Town' as soon as Thanksgiving is over. Meanwhile, Linda Noelle Christianson has come back to the island to help her family with their Christmas tree farm. After a tumultuous marriage in Miami, she's grateful to be home. When fate brings Zack and Linda together through a mysterious box of adorable puppies that shows up on his doorstep, they begin to realize that there's something special about this place and about each other. As the snow falls and the lights twinkle, will they discover that it doesn't matter where you are as long as you're with the right person? Or will they let their pasts hold them back? Find out in this enchanting Christmas romance!
With a cast of charming characters and a picturesque setting, this grumpy sunshine, second chance, sweet romance will warm your heart and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2023
19 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Tana Jenkins
24 books62 followersNamed Debut Author of the Year in 2022 by RSJ, former attorney Tana Jenkins is an EMMA Award-Winner for Sweet & Clean Romance and an OTFS Finalist for Paranormal Romance. Mensa's literary publication, Calliope also nominated her short story, Little Black Ugly, for the Pushcart.
Tana has always been passionate about the magic of love. Her storytelling brings this magic to life, using richly imagined plots featuring characters who are often as loveable as they are quirky. As a multi-racial/African American writer, Tana is particularly interested in writing diverse characters in interracial romances--a nod to the notion that love knows no boundaries.
After practicing law in several locales, including on the beautiful island of St. Croix, she writes from the Great Lakes region, which features in her beach romances. There, she lives her own HEA with her college sweetheart and their adorable rescue. When not penning the next novel or planning beach escapades, she can be found snuggled up with a good book and a bowl of ice cream.
**Tana is always looking for ARC readers, so if you're interested email her: tanajenkins@tanajenkins.com
Tana has always been passionate about the magic of love. Her storytelling brings this magic to life, using richly imagined plots featuring characters who are often as loveable as they are quirky. As a multi-racial/African American writer, Tana is particularly interested in writing diverse characters in interracial romances--a nod to the notion that love knows no boundaries.
After practicing law in several locales, including on the beautiful island of St. Croix, she writes from the Great Lakes region, which features in her beach romances. There, she lives her own HEA with her college sweetheart and their adorable rescue. When not penning the next novel or planning beach escapades, she can be found snuggled up with a good book and a bowl of ice cream.
**Tana is always looking for ARC readers, so if you're interested email her: tanajenkins@tanajenkins.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 25, 2024
Don't let the 2 star scare you. I feel like it is very hard to create a story that really sticks with me and I think is perfectly flushed out in less than 200 pages.
This one was cute; I thought the plot was fun, and loved the inclusion of puppies. I also really liked the island setting at Christmas time. I did not realize that this was a part of a series, but I will say that you definitely don't need to have read any of the other ones. I liked both MC's and thought that if this was longer and some things were explored a little longer this one really may have worked better for me. While this one probably wont stay with me forever, I do think that this is perfect for anyone looking for a closed door Hallmark-like novella. I do own a few other books by this author and I am looking forward to getting to them in the summer for some beachy vibes.
This one was cute; I thought the plot was fun, and loved the inclusion of puppies. I also really liked the island setting at Christmas time. I did not realize that this was a part of a series, but I will say that you definitely don't need to have read any of the other ones. I liked both MC's and thought that if this was longer and some things were explored a little longer this one really may have worked better for me. While this one probably wont stay with me forever, I do think that this is perfect for anyone looking for a closed door Hallmark-like novella. I do own a few other books by this author and I am looking forward to getting to them in the summer for some beachy vibes.
December 3, 2023
What a sweet holiday romance novella. My second Christmas book with puppies!!
The relationship felt realistic and not rushed and it just left me feeling warm and fuzzy.
If you’re looking for a short christmassy (spice free) read that will make your heart melt, this is for you!
The relationship felt realistic and not rushed and it just left me feeling warm and fuzzy.
If you’re looking for a short christmassy (spice free) read that will make your heart melt, this is for you!
November 24, 2023
This was such a sweet book. A grinch meets a Christmas Miracle. I was not a fan of Zack’s dad until the very last second. I want a look into Zack and Linda’s relationship after they really got together. Only took a couple of hours to read.
December 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐ rounded up! This was our book club pick, bought in person (and signed!) at Toledo's Romancecon! Set on Mackinac Island, this winter love story was super sweet. I think if it were longer, it'd have potential to build that small town found family that I just eat up. At less than 200 pages, we are mostly focused on our MCs but that worked too!
December 30, 2024
Heartwarming and sweet. The perfect holiday book to get you in the mood for the festivities.
November 28, 2023
Tana Jenkins has done it again!
Book Six in the St. James Sisters (and friends!) Collection: Cupid's First Christmas, gave me the warm fuzzies I've come to expect from Jenkins' work.
I've read and enjoyed each of the books in this series, and can't wait for the next.
All you need to know about this book is that there's a sexy, though grumpy, doctor, Zack, who has returned to his childhood town, Mackinac Island, and doesn't plan on staying one day more than he needs to. He hates the cold, he hates the snow, and all the Christmas cheer is driving him bonkers!
Then you have pretty, slightly older, and bursting with cheer Noelle, who feels guilty about crushing on Zack because he is a few years younger. Noelle, whose family runs a Christmas tree farm, LOVES everything to do with the season, and she determines upon becoming reacquainted with Zack that what that man needs is some Christmas spirit! She's willing - and able! - to deliver.
Add an adorable pup, or three, a cast of fun, interesting folks, and a setting I really, really want to live in, and you've got yourself a cozy, can't-put-it-down, holiday romance. I spent a day on Mackinac Island this summer, and it was fun picturing the town through Jenkins' vivid descriptions. I want to go back...at Christmas! Maybe I'll find a new romance of my own! I highly recommend this story. And if you haven't read the other books in the series, they'll make great Christmas gifts - for yourself! Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!
I gave this book five stars because I genuinely enjoyed every minute I spent reading it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book Six in the St. James Sisters (and friends!) Collection: Cupid's First Christmas, gave me the warm fuzzies I've come to expect from Jenkins' work.
I've read and enjoyed each of the books in this series, and can't wait for the next.
All you need to know about this book is that there's a sexy, though grumpy, doctor, Zack, who has returned to his childhood town, Mackinac Island, and doesn't plan on staying one day more than he needs to. He hates the cold, he hates the snow, and all the Christmas cheer is driving him bonkers!
Then you have pretty, slightly older, and bursting with cheer Noelle, who feels guilty about crushing on Zack because he is a few years younger. Noelle, whose family runs a Christmas tree farm, LOVES everything to do with the season, and she determines upon becoming reacquainted with Zack that what that man needs is some Christmas spirit! She's willing - and able! - to deliver.
Add an adorable pup, or three, a cast of fun, interesting folks, and a setting I really, really want to live in, and you've got yourself a cozy, can't-put-it-down, holiday romance. I spent a day on Mackinac Island this summer, and it was fun picturing the town through Jenkins' vivid descriptions. I want to go back...at Christmas! Maybe I'll find a new romance of my own! I highly recommend this story. And if you haven't read the other books in the series, they'll make great Christmas gifts - for yourself! Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!
I gave this book five stars because I genuinely enjoyed every minute I spent reading it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2023
ARC Book Review
Cupid’s First Christmas
A Novella Written By Tana Jenkins
Fiction - Romance
Published November 8, 2023
135 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a sweet interracial holiday romance. It takes place on Mackinac Island. It is located on Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
The two main characters, Zack Albert and Melinda Christianson, have some differences. He is single and has never been married. Her marriage to a “hot chef” in Miami has ended. She loves everything about Christmas. He does not like the holiday. She comes from a family of twelve children. He is an only child. Melinda is five years older than Zack. She is a perky friendly person. He is reserved and a bit grumpy.
Both have returned to their hometown on Mackinac Island. He has returned reluctantly to work at his dad’s medical practice to pay off the college debt his father paid. She is back after her marriage failed and is working at her family’s Christmas Tree Farm.
Three abandoned puppies left at Zack’s office bring the two together. Zack’s rough disposition slowly disappears as Melinda comes to see the depth, caring, and compassion in his personality. He learns to stop running from his past.
“Say yes to us. To our first Christmas. The first of many.”
Cupid’s First Christmas
A Novella Written By Tana Jenkins
Fiction - Romance
Published November 8, 2023
135 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a sweet interracial holiday romance. It takes place on Mackinac Island. It is located on Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
The two main characters, Zack Albert and Melinda Christianson, have some differences. He is single and has never been married. Her marriage to a “hot chef” in Miami has ended. She loves everything about Christmas. He does not like the holiday. She comes from a family of twelve children. He is an only child. Melinda is five years older than Zack. She is a perky friendly person. He is reserved and a bit grumpy.
Both have returned to their hometown on Mackinac Island. He has returned reluctantly to work at his dad’s medical practice to pay off the college debt his father paid. She is back after her marriage failed and is working at her family’s Christmas Tree Farm.
Three abandoned puppies left at Zack’s office bring the two together. Zack’s rough disposition slowly disappears as Melinda comes to see the depth, caring, and compassion in his personality. He learns to stop running from his past.
“Say yes to us. To our first Christmas. The first of many.”
November 24, 2023
Opposites attract in this holiday romance! Zack Albert is a doctor returning to his hometown, Mackinac Island, to take over the family practice and pay off a debt to his father. Melinda Christianson, is back on the island after a failed marriage to her chef ex-husband. Melinda loves Christmas and who wouldn’t if they were raised on a Christmas Tree farm. Zack has some things to learn about getting into the Christmas Spirit. Can a Christmas miracle and some puppies bring them together?
I thought was a cute a Christmas Rom-Com. If you like small town vibes, a second chance romance, and are a fan of Hallmark this might be the one for you!
I thought was a cute a Christmas Rom-Com. If you like small town vibes, a second chance romance, and are a fan of Hallmark this might be the one for you!
December 2, 2023
Not having read the previous Mackinac Island books made parts of this instalment, where central characters and significant incidents had been previously described, somewhat tricky. However, the plot is unique to this enjoyable Christmas-themed story.
Starting with grumpy vet, Zack, and lonely Melinda, from Christmas Tree Farm, the cast expands with three wriggling mischievous pups needing attention. Zack and Melinda join forces to find homes for the puppies, discovering friendship and reigniting past feelings neither acknowledged in earlier years.
This is a sweet romance well worth reading. I received a free review copy, from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
Starting with grumpy vet, Zack, and lonely Melinda, from Christmas Tree Farm, the cast expands with three wriggling mischievous pups needing attention. Zack and Melinda join forces to find homes for the puppies, discovering friendship and reigniting past feelings neither acknowledged in earlier years.
This is a sweet romance well worth reading. I received a free review copy, from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
December 4, 2023
It's a sweet and clean holiday romance about a native son, Zack, who is now a doctor. He's had to takeover his father's clinic for a year in return for him paying off his medical school loans. Linda has returned home after a divorce and 5 year absence.
Zack is not a big fan of Christmas nor does he believe in miracles. He has a tumultuous relationship with his father and can't wait to move back to Atlanta. Linda and three adorable abandoned puppies will show him the joys and miracles of Christmas.
This would be a cute Hallmark movie if it doesn't exist already.
Zack is not a big fan of Christmas nor does he believe in miracles. He has a tumultuous relationship with his father and can't wait to move back to Atlanta. Linda and three adorable abandoned puppies will show him the joys and miracles of Christmas.
This would be a cute Hallmark movie if it doesn't exist already.
December 10, 2023
A great read, a festive grumpy and sunshine romance. I hadn't read other books in the series but don't think this mattered. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2023
I liked this one, it was a sweet romance and I would have liked Zach and Linda to have shared more alone time and more time getting to know one another (sharing their pasts), but it was cute and fun, plus puppies!
February 25, 2024
As a Michigander I love the setting of this sweet romance- Mackinac Island (and at Christmas!). After reading this not only did I adore the characters but now I want to visit the Island in the winter!
If you're looking for a sweet and quick romance read for the holiday season, this is fun one!
If you're looking for a sweet and quick romance read for the holiday season, this is fun one!
December 11, 2023
Family practitioner Dr. Zack Albert recently returned to his childhood home on Michigan's Mackinac Island to take over his father's clinic. He's agreed to work there for the next year in exchange for his father paying off his medical school loans. When the year is up, Zack plans to turn the practice over to his cousin and return to Atlanta, where the painful memories of his mother's death and his tumultuous relationship with his father aren't so overwhelming.
Recent divorcée Linda Christianson is also back on Mackinac Island to spend Christmas with her family while she figures out a new life plan. She's helping out by delivering trees for the family Christmas tree farm when she runs into her younger brother's old friend, Zack. Linda was Zack's first crush but they haven't seen each other since before he went away to boarding school years ago. When she discovers a box of puppies on the front porch of Zack's clinic, Linda convinces him to help her care for them until permanent homes can be found. Can the magic of the season and three playful puppies bring these wounded souls together?
This was such a cute story! I loved Linda's belief in miracles and that she was so determined to help Zack believe too. Her concerns about him being younger than her were understandable, but to me, their age difference was never obvious. I'm not sure if it was having to grow up so quickly when he lost his mother or if it was because he was a doctor, but Zack approached everything with a degree of seriousness and maturity that others his age might have lacked. He and Linda made a perfect couple and I was rooting for them the whole way.
The one thing that might have improved this story for me is if there had been an epilogue. I really wanted to know how Linda's brother reacted to the news of her and Zack dating, as well as if Zack was able to increase the clinic's revenue. Other than that, I very much enjoyed "Cupid's First Christmas" and highly recommend it for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance fans.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Recent divorcée Linda Christianson is also back on Mackinac Island to spend Christmas with her family while she figures out a new life plan. She's helping out by delivering trees for the family Christmas tree farm when she runs into her younger brother's old friend, Zack. Linda was Zack's first crush but they haven't seen each other since before he went away to boarding school years ago. When she discovers a box of puppies on the front porch of Zack's clinic, Linda convinces him to help her care for them until permanent homes can be found. Can the magic of the season and three playful puppies bring these wounded souls together?
This was such a cute story! I loved Linda's belief in miracles and that she was so determined to help Zack believe too. Her concerns about him being younger than her were understandable, but to me, their age difference was never obvious. I'm not sure if it was having to grow up so quickly when he lost his mother or if it was because he was a doctor, but Zack approached everything with a degree of seriousness and maturity that others his age might have lacked. He and Linda made a perfect couple and I was rooting for them the whole way.
The one thing that might have improved this story for me is if there had been an epilogue. I really wanted to know how Linda's brother reacted to the news of her and Zack dating, as well as if Zack was able to increase the clinic's revenue. Other than that, I very much enjoyed "Cupid's First Christmas" and highly recommend it for all sweet/closed-door contemporary romance fans.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 24, 2023
Cute quick read.
December 30, 2025
This was so easy , uncomplicated and relatable
I’ll read more from this author
I’ll read more from this author
December 31, 2023
Look, I know a certain celebratory day is coming up but my mind is already on Christmas 🎄
I got the perfect read for you to get into if you got Christmas on the brain like me or if you need some help to get there 😉
Cupid’s First Christmas is a cherry love story about Linda and Zack, two old friends who are brought together by Christmas miracles.
Linda is glad to be home and surrounded by people who actually love and appreciate her after being away for some time due to a past relationship that left her second guessing her intuitive personality.
Zack aka Dr.Albert is back because he has a debt to pay to his father for medical school. But the cold, the memory of his passed mother, and the shell of a father he has to deal with is enough for him to be counting the days until he goes back to Atlanta.
But the sight of his former best friend’s sister, who he’s always had a crush on and a series of what one might call Christmas miracles…the two form a connection ❤️❤️
My rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄 (4 Christmas trees❤️)
This quick read was just what I needed to get me ready for Christmas and left me feeling warm. If you enjoy winter/Christmas vibes, cute doggies, small towns, second chances, and older woman/younger man romances then I highly recommend you cozy up with this read.
I got the perfect read for you to get into if you got Christmas on the brain like me or if you need some help to get there 😉
Cupid’s First Christmas is a cherry love story about Linda and Zack, two old friends who are brought together by Christmas miracles.
Linda is glad to be home and surrounded by people who actually love and appreciate her after being away for some time due to a past relationship that left her second guessing her intuitive personality.
Zack aka Dr.Albert is back because he has a debt to pay to his father for medical school. But the cold, the memory of his passed mother, and the shell of a father he has to deal with is enough for him to be counting the days until he goes back to Atlanta.
But the sight of his former best friend’s sister, who he’s always had a crush on and a series of what one might call Christmas miracles…the two form a connection ❤️❤️
My rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄 (4 Christmas trees❤️)
This quick read was just what I needed to get me ready for Christmas and left me feeling warm. If you enjoy winter/Christmas vibes, cute doggies, small towns, second chances, and older woman/younger man romances then I highly recommend you cozy up with this read.
November 28, 2023
Tana Jenkins has done it again!
Book Six in the St. James Sisters (and friends!) Collection: Cupid's First Christmas, gave me the warm fuzzies I've come to expect from Jenkins' work.
I've read and enjoyed each of the books in this series, and can't wait for the next.
All you need to know about this book is that there's a sexy, though grumpy, doctor, Zack, who has returned to his childhood town, Mackinac Island, and doesn't plan on staying one day more than he needs to. He hates the cold, he hates the snow, and all the Christmas cheer is driving him bonkers!
Then you have pretty, slightly older, and bursting with cheer Noelle, who feels guilty about crushing on Zack because he is a few years younger. Noelle, whose family runs a Christmas tree farm, LOVES everything to do with the season, and she determines upon becoming reacquainted with Zack that what that man needs is some Christmas spirit! She's willing - and able! - to deliver.
Add an adorable pup, or three, a cast of fun, interesting folks, and a setting I really, really want to live in, and you've got yourself a cozy, can't-put-it-down, holiday romance. I spent a day on Mackinac Island this summer, and it was fun picturing the town through Jenkins' vivid descriptions. I want to go back...at Christmas! Maybe I'll find a new romance of my own! I highly recommend this story. And if you haven't read the other books in the series, they'll make great Christmas gifts - for yourself! Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!
Book Six in the St. James Sisters (and friends!) Collection: Cupid's First Christmas, gave me the warm fuzzies I've come to expect from Jenkins' work.
I've read and enjoyed each of the books in this series, and can't wait for the next.
All you need to know about this book is that there's a sexy, though grumpy, doctor, Zack, who has returned to his childhood town, Mackinac Island, and doesn't plan on staying one day more than he needs to. He hates the cold, he hates the snow, and all the Christmas cheer is driving him bonkers!
Then you have pretty, slightly older, and bursting with cheer Noelle, who feels guilty about crushing on Zack because he is a few years younger. Noelle, whose family runs a Christmas tree farm, LOVES everything to do with the season, and she determines upon becoming reacquainted with Zack that what that man needs is some Christmas spirit! She's willing - and able! - to deliver.
Add an adorable pup, or three, a cast of fun, interesting folks, and a setting I really, really want to live in, and you've got yourself a cozy, can't-put-it-down, holiday romance. I spent a day on Mackinac Island this summer, and it was fun picturing the town through Jenkins' vivid descriptions. I want to go back...at Christmas! Maybe I'll find a new romance of my own! I highly recommend this story. And if you haven't read the other books in the series, they'll make great Christmas gifts - for yourself! Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!
November 21, 2023
This is a fun Christmas story. Zack returns to Mackinac Island to serve as the town doctor to pay off a debt to his Dad. Melinda returns to the island to help her family with the Christmas Tree Farm after a failed marriage. When the two reconnect, Melinda is trying to get Zack into the Christmas spirit. With the help of finding 3 orphaned puppies on the doorstep, the bitterness for the cold winter on the island is starting to thaw. He agreed to spend one year paying off his debt, but will meeting Melinda change that?
A fun, fast, enjoyable Christmas story with a fun plot. It makes me want to go to Mackinac Island to experience the joy of the holidays.
A fun, fast, enjoyable Christmas story with a fun plot. It makes me want to go to Mackinac Island to experience the joy of the holidays.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews