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Fool's Gold #12.5
Christmas on 4th Street
There's nowhere better to spend the holidays than with New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery in the town of Fool's Gold, where love is always waiting to be unwrapped... Noelle Perkins just got a second chance at life, and she intends to make the most of every minute. That's why she ditched a frustrating legal career to open her own store in Fool's Gold, California. The Christmas Attic celebrates everything that's magical about her favorite season. Business is booming, and as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush.
Gabriel's memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year's eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle...and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can't stop sharing.
Gabriel didn't think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse....
Gabriel's memories of Christmas past contain more sour grapes than sugar plums, thanks to a drill sergeant father who ran his home like a boot camp. Spending the holidays with his family while he recuperates from injury sounds as appetizing as last year's eggnog. Still, there are some enjoyable distractions in town, including sunny, sexy Noelle...and the red-hot mistletoe kisses they can't stop sharing.
Gabriel didn't think he was made for happily-ever-afters. But when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, only a fool could refuse....
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2013
721 people are currently reading
5374 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
863 books15.6k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 628 reviews
September 20, 2013
After twelve books, I am still just as much in love with Fool’s Gold as I have ever been! And it’s the perfect place to spend Christmas! (No really, I wish I could pack up my family and spend Christmas in Fool’s Gold!)
This newest story features Noelle, the owner of The Christmas Attic and Gabriel, Gideon’s twin brother. And I have to say I loved both of them from their very first scenes!
Gabriel is seeing his family for the first time in years, having grown up in a high pressure family – where he had no choice but to go into the Military, because that’s what Boylan Men do. (And I have to say, I adored the whole side story of the Boylan’s, as well as getting to see Felicia and Gideon (Two of a Kind) now that they are well into their relationship and planning their wedding!
I adored this book, every single moment of it! (And while it’s well into September and still in the upper 80′s in Southern Colorado? I really appreciated the heavy snow storm!! )
If you aren’t already a fan of Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series? You should be! These books are fantastic, each one leaves you anxious for the next!
This newest story features Noelle, the owner of The Christmas Attic and Gabriel, Gideon’s twin brother. And I have to say I loved both of them from their very first scenes!
Gabriel is seeing his family for the first time in years, having grown up in a high pressure family – where he had no choice but to go into the Military, because that’s what Boylan Men do. (And I have to say, I adored the whole side story of the Boylan’s, as well as getting to see Felicia and Gideon (Two of a Kind) now that they are well into their relationship and planning their wedding!
I adored this book, every single moment of it! (And while it’s well into September and still in the upper 80′s in Southern Colorado? I really appreciated the heavy snow storm!! )
If you aren’t already a fan of Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series? You should be! These books are fantastic, each one leaves you anxious for the next!
December 24, 2013
There is a fine line between good Christmas-cheesy and bad Christmas-cheesy.
This is the story of Noelle and Gabriel (let the cheese commence). Noelle runs a Christmas store (of course) which she opened in the town of Fool's Gold (really?) after a bout of Leukemia chased off her fiance and her employer. Gabriel is a trauma doctor for the US Army serving on life flights out of war zones with "break" rotations in Germany. He is understandably scarred and has an extreme commitment phobia.
I don't know if it's because the book was a contemporary romance instead of a historical or just that their personal hills were very high and hard to climb or maybe I've just over-indulged in the genre during the last two weeks, but I rolled my eyes at the idea of these two people overcoming their extreme emotional baggage in 6 weeks to end up together in a Christmas package tied up with a nice neat little bow. My eyes hurt from the rolling and I had the urge a couple of times to throw the book across the wall in frustration from the cheesiness.
This is the story of Noelle and Gabriel (let the cheese commence). Noelle runs a Christmas store (of course) which she opened in the town of Fool's Gold (really?) after a bout of Leukemia chased off her fiance and her employer. Gabriel is a trauma doctor for the US Army serving on life flights out of war zones with "break" rotations in Germany. He is understandably scarred and has an extreme commitment phobia.
I don't know if it's because the book was a contemporary romance instead of a historical or just that their personal hills were very high and hard to climb or maybe I've just over-indulged in the genre during the last two weeks, but I rolled my eyes at the idea of these two people overcoming their extreme emotional baggage in 6 weeks to end up together in a Christmas package tied up with a nice neat little bow. My eyes hurt from the rolling and I had the urge a couple of times to throw the book across the wall in frustration from the cheesiness.
September 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. It was a nice change from crazy drama,lol!
December 28, 2015
Review copy provided via NetGalley
Why I Read this Book: I’m a Fool’s Gold addict and read every book that comes out.
What I Liked: Noelle is such a sweet character. She left her chaotic career as a lawyer in Los Angeles behind and opened up a Christmas store in Fool’s Gold. And how she ended up in Fool’s Gold was great; she spun around until she got dizzy and stuck a pin in a map of the Unites States. I love that!
Gabriel has devoted his entire adult life serving in the Army as a trauma specialist. He’s seen so much blood and gore and too many lives lost. Because of that, he doesn’t want to fall in love for fear of suffering more loss. Plus, Noelle is the epitome of his fears. So instead of letting things transpire between Noelle and himself, he fights it.
There were some funny moments, like the opening scene. I was actually laughing out loud. And only in Fool’s Gold can you phone in an order for pizza and ice-cream. I wish my local pizza joint stocked ice-cream!
What I Didn’t Like: My biggest gripe, and it’s a BIG one, was that Noelle and Gabriel’s relationship progressed way too quickly. The way the book ends was just too over the top for me. Also Gabriel had the wrong motive when Noelle’s secret gets revealed and it was a big disappointment for me.
Another thing that was hard for me to grasp was Gabriel’s father’s change of character. He did a 180 overnight. It wasn’t realistic and it didn’t fit his character’s storyline.
Once again, the phrase “stroke for stroke” is present during a kissing scene. I know I’m reading a Fool’s Gold book when I see that phrase being used. I have come to expect to see that phrase in each Fool’s Gold book and it doesn’t surprise me when it pops up more than once. And speaking of kissing, that’s pretty much all the reader gets in Christmas on 4th Street. The first love scene was hardly existent. Actually, if I recall correctly, all of the love scenes faded to black, which is unusual for this author and this series.
There was a continuity error in regards to Felicia’s relationship with Gideon. They are engaged yet there was a part where Gideon was referred to as Felicia’s “husband”. The reader knows they’re not yet married because only a few pages later Felicia is referred to as Gideon’s mother’s “future daughter-in-law”. It was an obvious error but at first it had me wondering if the characters had gotten married in between books.
Overall Impression: I am not a fan of relationships moving at a rapid pace, such as that of Noelle and Gabriel’s. I’d rather prefer a more in-depth development when it comes to a romance. Therefore, while Christmas on 4th Street was a cute story all around, it wasn’t exactly to my liking. And even though the books in the Fool’s Gold series are pretty formulaic, I still enjoy reading the series. The storylines are becoming a bit over the top but I’m not ready to give up on this fun town and its residents just yet. I look forward to the next trio of books, as they feature the people from the new PR firm that have come to town.
Side Note: Don’t let the fact that Christmas on 4th Street is book number 12.5 in the series fool you (pun not intended) into thinking this is a novella, because it’s not. Christmas on 4th Street is a full-length novel. I don’t even begin to try to understand the numbering for the books in this series.
Why I Read this Book: I’m a Fool’s Gold addict and read every book that comes out.
What I Liked: Noelle is such a sweet character. She left her chaotic career as a lawyer in Los Angeles behind and opened up a Christmas store in Fool’s Gold. And how she ended up in Fool’s Gold was great; she spun around until she got dizzy and stuck a pin in a map of the Unites States. I love that!
Gabriel has devoted his entire adult life serving in the Army as a trauma specialist. He’s seen so much blood and gore and too many lives lost. Because of that, he doesn’t want to fall in love for fear of suffering more loss. Plus, Noelle is the epitome of his fears. So instead of letting things transpire between Noelle and himself, he fights it.
There were some funny moments, like the opening scene. I was actually laughing out loud. And only in Fool’s Gold can you phone in an order for pizza and ice-cream. I wish my local pizza joint stocked ice-cream!
What I Didn’t Like: My biggest gripe, and it’s a BIG one, was that Noelle and Gabriel’s relationship progressed way too quickly. The way the book ends was just too over the top for me. Also Gabriel had the wrong motive when Noelle’s secret gets revealed and it was a big disappointment for me.
Another thing that was hard for me to grasp was Gabriel’s father’s change of character. He did a 180 overnight. It wasn’t realistic and it didn’t fit his character’s storyline.
Once again, the phrase “stroke for stroke” is present during a kissing scene. I know I’m reading a Fool’s Gold book when I see that phrase being used. I have come to expect to see that phrase in each Fool’s Gold book and it doesn’t surprise me when it pops up more than once. And speaking of kissing, that’s pretty much all the reader gets in Christmas on 4th Street. The first love scene was hardly existent. Actually, if I recall correctly, all of the love scenes faded to black, which is unusual for this author and this series.
There was a continuity error in regards to Felicia’s relationship with Gideon. They are engaged yet there was a part where Gideon was referred to as Felicia’s “husband”. The reader knows they’re not yet married because only a few pages later Felicia is referred to as Gideon’s mother’s “future daughter-in-law”. It was an obvious error but at first it had me wondering if the characters had gotten married in between books.
Overall Impression: I am not a fan of relationships moving at a rapid pace, such as that of Noelle and Gabriel’s. I’d rather prefer a more in-depth development when it comes to a romance. Therefore, while Christmas on 4th Street was a cute story all around, it wasn’t exactly to my liking. And even though the books in the Fool’s Gold series are pretty formulaic, I still enjoy reading the series. The storylines are becoming a bit over the top but I’m not ready to give up on this fun town and its residents just yet. I look forward to the next trio of books, as they feature the people from the new PR firm that have come to town.
Side Note: Don’t let the fact that Christmas on 4th Street is book number 12.5 in the series fool you (pun not intended) into thinking this is a novella, because it’s not. Christmas on 4th Street is a full-length novel. I don’t even begin to try to understand the numbering for the books in this series.
December 20, 2013
4.5 Amazing Stars!
I got a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!
Another first for me! While still unable to get as much computer time as before, I been enjoying a lot of first time authors for me. Thought I started this one in the middle of the series, it wasn't hard to keep up with everything that has been going on. Sure it feels like the characters that appeared in the book are from previous books, but Christmas on 4th Street read like a stand-alone, at least for me.
Fool's Gold is a small yet charming town where everyone knows everyone. Noelle Perkins moved to Fool's Gold as a way to start over after battling and winning against her sickness. Ditching a legal career that wasn't really carved out for her, for a chance to open her own little shop called The Christmas Attic.
Gabriel Boylan is an army doctor visiting his brother in time of Christmas. He doesn't have particularly good memories about the previous holidays and it just get's better when his drill sergeant father and mother show up for their Christmas visit. All Gabriel has is bad memories with his father running his household like a boot camp, and their relationship does not get any better through the years. Especially since his father is a strong believer that Gabriel needs to re-enlist in the army and serve out all together 20 years.
Christmas on 4th Street was a lovely Christmas story filled with love, second chances and of course a military hero battling his inner demons. After seeing his first love die, Gabriel does not feel like love and marriage is the right fit for him. He doesn't want to see another loved one disappear from his life. Until Noelle Perkins comes along with her umbrella and steals his heart away. I loved the connection between these two and although Gabriel came with his share of problems, I was rooting for Noelle to wedge herself permanently into his heart anyway. It was sweet with just the right kind of pace that I liked. I devoured this book and immensely enjoyed Susan Mallery's writing. It's really a shame that I only now starting to get to her books because I heard so much wonderful things about her romance books. I loved her characters and the storyline that just knew how to touch my heart!
I got a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!
Another first for me! While still unable to get as much computer time as before, I been enjoying a lot of first time authors for me. Thought I started this one in the middle of the series, it wasn't hard to keep up with everything that has been going on. Sure it feels like the characters that appeared in the book are from previous books, but Christmas on 4th Street read like a stand-alone, at least for me.
Fool's Gold is a small yet charming town where everyone knows everyone. Noelle Perkins moved to Fool's Gold as a way to start over after battling and winning against her sickness. Ditching a legal career that wasn't really carved out for her, for a chance to open her own little shop called The Christmas Attic.
Gabriel Boylan is an army doctor visiting his brother in time of Christmas. He doesn't have particularly good memories about the previous holidays and it just get's better when his drill sergeant father and mother show up for their Christmas visit. All Gabriel has is bad memories with his father running his household like a boot camp, and their relationship does not get any better through the years. Especially since his father is a strong believer that Gabriel needs to re-enlist in the army and serve out all together 20 years.
Christmas on 4th Street was a lovely Christmas story filled with love, second chances and of course a military hero battling his inner demons. After seeing his first love die, Gabriel does not feel like love and marriage is the right fit for him. He doesn't want to see another loved one disappear from his life. Until Noelle Perkins comes along with her umbrella and steals his heart away. I loved the connection between these two and although Gabriel came with his share of problems, I was rooting for Noelle to wedge herself permanently into his heart anyway. It was sweet with just the right kind of pace that I liked. I devoured this book and immensely enjoyed Susan Mallery's writing. It's really a shame that I only now starting to get to her books because I heard so much wonderful things about her romance books. I loved her characters and the storyline that just knew how to touch my heart!
December 29, 2013
3.5 heartwarming,lovely and filled with Christmas spirit kind of stars
"This was what she'd been looking for, she thought happily. Closeness. Belonging. And she'd found it."
Oh yes, it's Christmas time in Fool's Gold too! And like the song "love is all around us",haha.
This is the second book I read in this series and I just love it! The hopeless romantic in me just jumps around feeling all giddy and excited while reading it.
If I would come up just one word to describe it, it would be LOVELY! Sure there is a lot of "clichés" from romantic comedies but I simply don't care!
I loved the characters, especially Noelle, for being so optimistic and after going through so many hardships, she learned how to take chances and enjoy life. And most of all don't take anything for granted.
Gabriel sure is a swoon worthy hero, an army doctor, with many issues of his own, that opposed to Noelle, learned to not take a chance, to not grab happiness because it can be take away in an instant.
But this two connect, besides chemical attraction, they become friends and so much more.
After I finish this book, my first thought really was "I need to move to Fool's Gold". :D
*egalley kindly given by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
"This was what she'd been looking for, she thought happily. Closeness. Belonging. And she'd found it."
Oh yes, it's Christmas time in Fool's Gold too! And like the song "love is all around us",haha.
This is the second book I read in this series and I just love it! The hopeless romantic in me just jumps around feeling all giddy and excited while reading it.
If I would come up just one word to describe it, it would be LOVELY! Sure there is a lot of "clichés" from romantic comedies but I simply don't care!
I loved the characters, especially Noelle, for being so optimistic and after going through so many hardships, she learned how to take chances and enjoy life. And most of all don't take anything for granted.
Gabriel sure is a swoon worthy hero, an army doctor, with many issues of his own, that opposed to Noelle, learned to not take a chance, to not grab happiness because it can be take away in an instant.
But this two connect, besides chemical attraction, they become friends and so much more.
After I finish this book, my first thought really was "I need to move to Fool's Gold". :D
*egalley kindly given by Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
December 11, 2015
nice and chrismassy but i didn't really connect with noelle or gabriel so 2 stars it is
December 24, 2023
This was ok but not particularly memorable. The plot, the characters, the snowy small town Christmas, the progression of the relationship from the hero's aversion to commitment and the heroine's desire to live in the moment regardless, to both of them, well, committing felt very standard therefore didn't move me much. The ending was VERY rushed but I guess we needed a Christmas miracle, so ok.
The writing and some details felt dated, and I was surprised it was written only in 2013. I've never read this author before and am not planning to read more in this series, as it felt interchangeable with any other small-town romance series, and I dip into a different (better) one when I'm in the mood.
So I'm not mad I read it, but it's definitely skippable.
The writing and some details felt dated, and I was surprised it was written only in 2013. I've never read this author before and am not planning to read more in this series, as it felt interchangeable with any other small-town romance series, and I dip into a different (better) one when I'm in the mood.
So I'm not mad I read it, but it's definitely skippable.
February 6, 2022
Christmas on 4th Street
3 Stars
Army doctor, Gabriel Boylan arrives in Fool's Gold to spend time with his family for the holidays. Despite his rocky relationship with his father, Gabriel plans to make the most of his time in the quirky little town including helping out in sexy Noelle Perkins delightful Christmas store. As the two grow closer, Gabriel and Noelle must decide if there is more to their relationship than a short holiday fling.
This is the 2nd Christmas-themed book from this series that I've read and in both the chemistry between the leads is lacking and the intimate relationship is glossed over (unlike many of the other installments). Is the lack of detail in the sex scenes due to the Christmas theme?
Likewise, the 180-degree change in Gabriel's father and his attitude toward his son is sudden and unexplained. Again, is this supposed to be in line with the holiday season?
Regardless, Gabriel and Noelle's opposites-attract romance is very lackluster. While they are both appealing as individuals, they don't make sense as a couple as they have very different approaches to life.
Noelle character is lovely. She is determined to live life to the fullest and refuses to settle for anything less than true love and a partner in life. In this respect, Gabriel does not feel like the right match for her. Yes, he is unhappy with his chosen path, but this is not enough to explain why he would suddenly change his mind about making a commitment that he had so strongly eschewed.
To sum up, it seems that I need to avoid Christmas books as I am really not their target audience.
3 Stars
Army doctor, Gabriel Boylan arrives in Fool's Gold to spend time with his family for the holidays. Despite his rocky relationship with his father, Gabriel plans to make the most of his time in the quirky little town including helping out in sexy Noelle Perkins delightful Christmas store. As the two grow closer, Gabriel and Noelle must decide if there is more to their relationship than a short holiday fling.
This is the 2nd Christmas-themed book from this series that I've read and in both the chemistry between the leads is lacking and the intimate relationship is glossed over (unlike many of the other installments). Is the lack of detail in the sex scenes due to the Christmas theme?
Likewise, the 180-degree change in Gabriel's father and his attitude toward his son is sudden and unexplained. Again, is this supposed to be in line with the holiday season?
Regardless, Gabriel and Noelle's opposites-attract romance is very lackluster. While they are both appealing as individuals, they don't make sense as a couple as they have very different approaches to life.
Noelle character is lovely. She is determined to live life to the fullest and refuses to settle for anything less than true love and a partner in life. In this respect, Gabriel does not feel like the right match for her. Yes, he is unhappy with his chosen path, but this is not enough to explain why he would suddenly change his mind about making a commitment that he had so strongly eschewed.
To sum up, it seems that I need to avoid Christmas books as I am really not their target audience.
June 16, 2016
Reviewed for: Where the Night Kind Roam
Ok, so I admit it, Im a total slacker and I read this book weeks ago and I don’t remember a lot of details. I did a bunch of reading that week. Hey no judging I was on vacation and didn’t want to write. : ) So anyway, this book. It is definitely not my favorite of the series. It was alright, the typical cute and light hearted you have come to expect from Susan Mallery. This has not changed nor has her Fool’s Gold formula. They come together meaning to keep it light, but then they get in deeper and deeper then the guy gets scared about 90% of the way through. Someone runs off and the guy always comes back apologizes for being an idiot and then all is forgiven. Poof Happy Ending! Normally, its not a big deal. If the story is good enough, who cares about the formula, but it seemed to really stick out in the book. It almost had me going haven’t I read this book 12 times before but with different character names? Ok so it wasn’t that bad I guess.
There just wasn’t anything special about this installment I am sad to say. Noelle is cute and perky but had something dark in her past. This has just made her have a better outlook on life. There isn’t really anything to dislike about Noelle, but she isn’t a stand out. Gabriel again is a nice character. He’s an Army Trauma Doctor and has seen a lot of ish… This has basically taught him that one minute everything is hunky dory and the next it can all be gone. So obviously he’s more than a little bit skittish about anything long lasting and on top of that he has a super macho dad who always made him feel less because he isn’t super macho like his dad and brother. I kinda liked that he wasn’t a super macho, kind of refreshing. That doesn’t mean he is wimpy at all, but he is more into reading then shooting guns. I can get with that. Noelle and Gabriel were a cute couple, again nothing earth shattering, but nothing bad either. Overall, I’d say it’s a cute book, good but not great. I’m still looking forward to the next installments of the series. We still have the football players and Angel to look forward to.
Rating:
3.5
*This copy was provided through NetGalley for an honest review no other compensation was provided.
Ok, so I admit it, Im a total slacker and I read this book weeks ago and I don’t remember a lot of details. I did a bunch of reading that week. Hey no judging I was on vacation and didn’t want to write. : ) So anyway, this book. It is definitely not my favorite of the series. It was alright, the typical cute and light hearted you have come to expect from Susan Mallery. This has not changed nor has her Fool’s Gold formula. They come together meaning to keep it light, but then they get in deeper and deeper then the guy gets scared about 90% of the way through. Someone runs off and the guy always comes back apologizes for being an idiot and then all is forgiven. Poof Happy Ending! Normally, its not a big deal. If the story is good enough, who cares about the formula, but it seemed to really stick out in the book. It almost had me going haven’t I read this book 12 times before but with different character names? Ok so it wasn’t that bad I guess.
There just wasn’t anything special about this installment I am sad to say. Noelle is cute and perky but had something dark in her past. This has just made her have a better outlook on life. There isn’t really anything to dislike about Noelle, but she isn’t a stand out. Gabriel again is a nice character. He’s an Army Trauma Doctor and has seen a lot of ish… This has basically taught him that one minute everything is hunky dory and the next it can all be gone. So obviously he’s more than a little bit skittish about anything long lasting and on top of that he has a super macho dad who always made him feel less because he isn’t super macho like his dad and brother. I kinda liked that he wasn’t a super macho, kind of refreshing. That doesn’t mean he is wimpy at all, but he is more into reading then shooting guns. I can get with that. Noelle and Gabriel were a cute couple, again nothing earth shattering, but nothing bad either. Overall, I’d say it’s a cute book, good but not great. I’m still looking forward to the next installments of the series. We still have the football players and Angel to look forward to.
Rating:
3.5
*This copy was provided through NetGalley for an honest review no other compensation was provided.
July 27, 2013
It is time for us to visit Fool’s Gold again and catch up with some of the characters previously met. After reading Gideon’s story in Two of a Kind I wanted to be able to read about his brother Gabriel so I was pleased to see that he has been given his own story.
Gabriel is a trauma specialist in the army and is currently on medical leave and decides to visit his brother whom he has not seen for a few years as the family had drifted apart. Whilst in Fool’s Gold he meets Noelle who seems like a breath of fresh air and a very enjoyable distraction but knows that it cannot be a long term relationship as he will be returning back to the army within a few weeks. Noelle who has had a very difficult past randomly stumbled upon Fool’s Gold nearly a year ago and quickly realised this town was the home that she had been searching for. She feels an instant attraction the moment she meets Gabriel but realises that even if they do get together it will only be a fling as he plans to leave town in a few weeks and she doesn’t want to leave the town that has been the closest thing to home she has had in quite a few years.
I love reading about Fool’s Gold and even if Susan Mallery wasn’t an auto-buy author for me then this series would be. I love catching up with the residents of the town and also enjoy meeting new characters as know that we will soon be reading their stories too. Mallery puts in a lot of effort to build each character as well as loads of information about the town, in fact so much so that we feel like the town is a real place that we could actually visit one day. Each story can be read as a stand-alone but would be much more enjoyable to read the whole series.
ARC kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley
Gabriel is a trauma specialist in the army and is currently on medical leave and decides to visit his brother whom he has not seen for a few years as the family had drifted apart. Whilst in Fool’s Gold he meets Noelle who seems like a breath of fresh air and a very enjoyable distraction but knows that it cannot be a long term relationship as he will be returning back to the army within a few weeks. Noelle who has had a very difficult past randomly stumbled upon Fool’s Gold nearly a year ago and quickly realised this town was the home that she had been searching for. She feels an instant attraction the moment she meets Gabriel but realises that even if they do get together it will only be a fling as he plans to leave town in a few weeks and she doesn’t want to leave the town that has been the closest thing to home she has had in quite a few years.
I love reading about Fool’s Gold and even if Susan Mallery wasn’t an auto-buy author for me then this series would be. I love catching up with the residents of the town and also enjoy meeting new characters as know that we will soon be reading their stories too. Mallery puts in a lot of effort to build each character as well as loads of information about the town, in fact so much so that we feel like the town is a real place that we could actually visit one day. Each story can be read as a stand-alone but would be much more enjoyable to read the whole series.
ARC kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley
February 20, 2015
È un po’ come ritrovarsi in uno dei romanzi ricchi d’amore e buoni sentimenti di Debbie Macomber, ma leggendo SUSAN MALLERY c’è anche qualcosa di diverso. C’è un Natale magico, che giunge anche quando Natale non è. Trasmette le emozioni che la lettrice porta dentro di sé anche a fine lettura.
Il Natale è un periodo sempre particolare: o lo odi o lo ami con tutto il cuore.
Noelle Perkins lo ama. Per lei è il periodo migliore dell’anno e lo ha sempre atteso. Ora che il destino le ha concesso una seconda possibilità, Noelle ha deciso di aprire un negozio di accessori natalizi e, per renderlo un luogo con un po’ di quella magia, che sente nel cuore, ha deciso di scrivere sull’insegna “La soffitta di Natale”. Noelle ha scelto anche di tornare indietro nel tempo e per questo ha aperto il suo negozio è stato aperto nella splendida cittadina di Fool’s Gold, in modo da poter rivivere le festività con lo stesso spirito di quando era bambina . Noelle sta rimettendo insieme i pezzi della propria vita molto lentamente. Si è lasciata alle spalle un periodo davvero difficile della propria vita ed ora ha intenzione di godere di ogni minimo attimo felice.
A Noelle manca solo l’amore, ma si è convinta che può stare bene anche così.
Un giorno, però, la macchina sua auto resta bloccata nella neve e un aitante sconosciuto la aiuta a uscirne. Noelle inizia subito a fantasticare.
Lui ha un nome. È Gabriel Boylan, ma è anche l’esatto opposto di lei,. Infatti, lui odia il Natale e ogni cosa legata alle festività invernali. Gabriel è un medico dell'esercito e ora che è tornato a Fool's Gold per un periodo di convalescenza, non vede l’ora di fuggire di lì. Ma deve fare i conti con quell’incontro che potrebbe cambiare la vita di entrambi e rendere il Natale una passione condivisa per il resto dell’anno.
Ottima lettura, leggera, spensierata, natalizia e fantasticamente romantica.
May 19, 2018
Hard eh on this one overall. The shorter stories in this series always feel a little off, for the most part-- hard to fully develop a new character AND a romance in a shorter span of time, especially one that tries to do so many things at once (here the romance has to keep pace with Gabriel's family drama, Gideon and Felicia's relationship, the cats, the window competition, the avalanche... jesus, I forgot how much plot Susan Mallery stuffed into this book, and dramatically to its detriment??). Gabriel himself feels more like a caricature than a real person (his parents are better developed), and the connection between him and Noelle is lukewarm at best, let alone the fact that they MEET AND GET MARRIED IN UNDER TWO MONTHS, WHAT THE FUCK. (Sidebar: Dominique, in All Summer Long, calls going two months from meeting to marrying Dan a "whirlwind" romance that people had doubts about, yet incidents like the one in this book happen ROUTINELY in the main Fool's Gold narratives and are just... not questioned at all?? It's so deeply ridiculous to me.)
So between the casual transphobia (not the first time, and not a good look, Susan Mallery), the standard man-runs-away-only-to-come-back-like-two-days-later-and-everything-is-fine-now plot (with an even more boring man than usual), a really quick turnaround on decades of family drama, Mayor Marsha being annoyingly psychic yet again, and again, way, WAY too much plot crammed in, not even Noelle being a pretty fun heroine is enough to redeem this past two stars. Again, the hardest of "eh"s.
So between the casual transphobia (not the first time, and not a good look, Susan Mallery), the standard man-runs-away-only-to-come-back-like-two-days-later-and-everything-is-fine-now plot (with an even more boring man than usual), a really quick turnaround on decades of family drama, Mayor Marsha being annoyingly psychic yet again, and again, way, WAY too much plot crammed in, not even Noelle being a pretty fun heroine is enough to redeem this past two stars. Again, the hardest of "eh"s.
December 4, 2013
This was a sweet romance. It's Christmas time and Gabriel Boylan has come to Fool's Gold to spend Christmas with his twin. As an Army trauma doctor, Gabriel has faced all sorts of stress and has determined that taking a chance on love is a foolish risk because anyone could die at any time. Noelle Perkins has also faced a lot of trauma in her life but her reaction was different. She believes that love is worth any risk.
Noelle has come to Fool's Gold after a life threatening illness determined to remake her life. She has opened a Christmas store and found lots of new friends. She'd like a man in her life but isn't desperate. Gabriel asks for a job in her gift shop because the stress of family - especially the father he could never please - makes him want to have an excuse to get away.
I liked the strong relationships in this story especially among Noelle and her friends. I would love to move to Fool's Gold myself. Festivals, an elephant and a caring community are pretty irresistible. This is book fourteen in the Fool's Gold series. I am very eager to find some of the earlier books to learn more about the side characters and the town.
Readers wanting a sweet romance with fascinating characters can't do better.
Noelle has come to Fool's Gold after a life threatening illness determined to remake her life. She has opened a Christmas store and found lots of new friends. She'd like a man in her life but isn't desperate. Gabriel asks for a job in her gift shop because the stress of family - especially the father he could never please - makes him want to have an excuse to get away.
I liked the strong relationships in this story especially among Noelle and her friends. I would love to move to Fool's Gold myself. Festivals, an elephant and a caring community are pretty irresistible. This is book fourteen in the Fool's Gold series. I am very eager to find some of the earlier books to learn more about the side characters and the town.
Readers wanting a sweet romance with fascinating characters can't do better.
August 19, 2013
I love Christmas stories (especially Fool’s Gold ones). So the fact that not only is this story a lovely holiday story, but Noelle (the heroine) OWNS a Christmas shop….perfect.
I couldn’t wait to read Noelle’s story. From the previous books I could tell that she was hiding a secret, and it’s a pretty deep one. She’s such a nice, hopeful, and (very) strong woman. Then there’s Gabriel, who is a reluctant soldier, a good doctor, and someone who has lost his way. I thought Mallery does a great job in contrasting how different they are in approaching difficult life decisions. He is determined to move forward alone; Noelle helps him to figure out what it is that he wants/needs, and he doesn’t even realize he’s falling head over heels. Noelle is happy – with the town, her shop, with herself – and being in love just seems like icing on the cake. I thought her appreciation of the little things made me think about my life and reflect.
While this could be a stand-alone, at this point in the series you would probably appreciate this book even more if you went back and (at least) read the other two in this “mini-series” of Fool’s Gold, as they seem to go in trilogies.
I couldn’t wait to read Noelle’s story. From the previous books I could tell that she was hiding a secret, and it’s a pretty deep one. She’s such a nice, hopeful, and (very) strong woman. Then there’s Gabriel, who is a reluctant soldier, a good doctor, and someone who has lost his way. I thought Mallery does a great job in contrasting how different they are in approaching difficult life decisions. He is determined to move forward alone; Noelle helps him to figure out what it is that he wants/needs, and he doesn’t even realize he’s falling head over heels. Noelle is happy – with the town, her shop, with herself – and being in love just seems like icing on the cake. I thought her appreciation of the little things made me think about my life and reflect.
While this could be a stand-alone, at this point in the series you would probably appreciate this book even more if you went back and (at least) read the other two in this “mini-series” of Fool’s Gold, as they seem to go in trilogies.
December 17, 2014
Un romanzo delizioso, ben scritto, scorrevole con due personaggi che mi sono piaciuti da subito. Noelle e Gabriel sono una bella coppia, la loro interazione ti prende e apprezzi quel loro lato oscuro, nonostante, apparentemente, siano persone simpatiche e allegre.
Entrambi hanno un passato doloroso e la cosa che ho apprezzato tanto è stato come l'autrice abbia voluto mostrare due scelte opposte per vivere la stessa situazione. Gabriel rinnega gli impegni, si allontana da tutto e tutti perché non vuole soffrire, perché la vita è effimera e quello che ha gli può essere strappato via da un momento all'altro. Noelle, al contrario, proprio perché la vita è effimera, afferra al volo tutto quello che le offre, si immerge anima e corpo in una situazione e la vive appieno. E' un personaggio così positivo e adorabile che l'ho adorata da subito. E Gabriel non può finire che crollare ai suoi piedi, ritrovando fiducia nel futuro.
L'ambientazione della cittadina da sogno di Fool's gold,la neve e il natale mi hanno catturata e mi hanno fatto stare bene, come a casa. Un romanzo adorabile che mi sento di consigliare. Peccato che di questa serie in Italia sia uscito solo questo volume.
Entrambi hanno un passato doloroso e la cosa che ho apprezzato tanto è stato come l'autrice abbia voluto mostrare due scelte opposte per vivere la stessa situazione. Gabriel rinnega gli impegni, si allontana da tutto e tutti perché non vuole soffrire, perché la vita è effimera e quello che ha gli può essere strappato via da un momento all'altro. Noelle, al contrario, proprio perché la vita è effimera, afferra al volo tutto quello che le offre, si immerge anima e corpo in una situazione e la vive appieno. E' un personaggio così positivo e adorabile che l'ho adorata da subito. E Gabriel non può finire che crollare ai suoi piedi, ritrovando fiducia nel futuro.
L'ambientazione della cittadina da sogno di Fool's gold,la neve e il natale mi hanno catturata e mi hanno fatto stare bene, come a casa. Un romanzo adorabile che mi sento di consigliare. Peccato che di questa serie in Italia sia uscito solo questo volume.
December 21, 2014
Christmas on 4th Street:
Há muito que desejava ler a história de Noelle e Gabriel (irmão gémeo de Gideon). Gostei mutio do romance deles. Gabriel é um personagem mais complexo, já que vive com aquela frustração por o pai querer mais e mais dele e não achar suficiente o que o filho faz. Também é um homem traumatizado pelos cenários de guerra e calamidades que experimenta como traumatologista do exército. Foi bonito ver a sua família reunir-se e estar em paz.
Yours For Christmas:
As referências vagas na última "trilogia" de Fool's Gold, a algo difícil que aconteceu a Kenny, sempre me deixou muito curiosa quanto a este personagem e sempre achei Bailey e a filha Chloe muito queridas, pelo que queria mesmo ler a história que junta estes 3 personagens. O tal algo que aconteceu a Kenny deixou-me mesmo triste por ele, é compreensível que não se queira envolver com uma mulher que já tem uma filha. Mas foi tão bonito vê-lo mudar de ideias! Kenny e Bailey são dos casais mais fofos e Chloe é uma menina preciosa.
Há muito que desejava ler a história de Noelle e Gabriel (irmão gémeo de Gideon). Gostei mutio do romance deles. Gabriel é um personagem mais complexo, já que vive com aquela frustração por o pai querer mais e mais dele e não achar suficiente o que o filho faz. Também é um homem traumatizado pelos cenários de guerra e calamidades que experimenta como traumatologista do exército. Foi bonito ver a sua família reunir-se e estar em paz.
Yours For Christmas:
As referências vagas na última "trilogia" de Fool's Gold, a algo difícil que aconteceu a Kenny, sempre me deixou muito curiosa quanto a este personagem e sempre achei Bailey e a filha Chloe muito queridas, pelo que queria mesmo ler a história que junta estes 3 personagens. O tal algo que aconteceu a Kenny deixou-me mesmo triste por ele, é compreensível que não se queira envolver com uma mulher que já tem uma filha. Mas foi tão bonito vê-lo mudar de ideias! Kenny e Bailey são dos casais mais fofos e Chloe é uma menina preciosa.
October 4, 2015
Love and Christmas
As usual an excellent read! Or rather, two excellent reads! What could be better than Christmas for love story settings? And I always love the Fool's Gold books. As far as I'm concerned Mallery can skip any other books and series, just populate the whole town and county with romances!
As usual an excellent read! Or rather, two excellent reads! What could be better than Christmas for love story settings? And I always love the Fool's Gold books. As far as I'm concerned Mallery can skip any other books and series, just populate the whole town and county with romances!
March 23, 2016
All I can say is that Fools Gold has taken over my life and I'm not even mad about it! Another great story with strong group of people. Can't wait to keep reading
October 12, 2025
Great start. Felicia is one of my favorite characters. Noelle and Gabriel are main couple in this one. The cats and kittens were a nice addition.
Second story was short one featuring Kenny and Bailey .. not very interesting compared to the main story.
Second story was short one featuring Kenny and Bailey .. not very interesting compared to the main story.
August 26, 2013
SUSAN MALLERY - CHRISTMAS ON 4th STREET
• FOOL'S GOLD #12.5
• 336 Pages
• release date - 24 September - 2013
★★★★★ 5 Stars
Click here to see the Fool's Gold Series!
My Opinion:
Like all books in the series - I loved it!
I was in a huge Christmas mood after only reading one page!
I LOVE CHRISTMAS - and I normally don't read any Christmas books MONTHS before Christmas - but I couldn't wait any longer! I needed to know what Noelle and Gabriel's story would be like!
I had really high expectations - Fool's Gold + a Love Story PLUS Christmas!!! And I was sooooo not disappointed!
We already met Noelle in the previous books - she was new in town, and she wanted to open a Christmas Store.
She carries some sad secrets from her past - but now everything is good and she just wants to be happy - be successful with her store and - of course - she wants to find a man who will love her like she will love him.
Enter: Gabriel Boylan - the brother of Gideon (from Two of a Kind).
Gabriel is an army doctor - home on leave - he injured his hand, because he wasn't paying attention to what he was doing. His job is hard on the body but especially on his nerves and psyche - he really needs the time away from his hard job.
He hasn't seen his family in a long while - and while he loves his twin brother, and is happy that he's doing well, after being kept prisoner by the Taliban - he doesn't really look forward to see his father again. Their drill sergeant Dad always made him feel as if he wasn't good enough, that he didn't turn out the way he was supposed to be: a soldier - like all the males in the family.
The first thing that happens to him once he arrives in Fool's Gold: He almost gets attacked by an umbralla wielding Noelle. She thought he was there to rob Felicia and Gideon's place☺
Noelle is instantly attracted to Gabriel - probably because he wan't wearing all that many clothes ☺
Because Gabriel doesn't know what to do with his time - and he doesn't want to spend it with his parents - he takes a job in Noelle's Christmas store. Which I personally think is beyond adorable ☺ A hot - manly guy working in a Christmas store ♥
Well - it takes the two of them a while to finally get together ☺
Noelle doesn't want to be heartbroken when Gabriel leaves - and Gabriel doesn't want to leave behind a sad Noelle.
But with the help of a snowstorm and a cabin in the woods.......
NOPE..... that's all I'm telling you ☺
__________________________
I REALLY LOVED THE BOOK!!!
I loved all the Fool's Gold books - I would be happy to have a new Fool's Gold book every months for the rest of my life!
And I loved it twice as much because it was a Christmas book!
If only it would have been 400 pages longer!!! ☺
There was sooo much Christmas feeling in the book - the snow - the cold - the Christmas store - the festivals in Fool's Gold!
I loved Noelle - she's soo adorably funny and cute and bouncy ☺
And Gabriel!!! Ugh soooo hot and cute and sweet. He's a bit scared of falling in love - but we'll heal him of course ☺
And yes, he wants to leave right after Christmas.....
Isn't it fortunate that there's a new hospital being build in Fool's Gold??? ☺
Of course there will be a happy end! A very happy end!! And not only for Noelle and Gabriel - but you have to read the book yourself to find out what will happen!
I can't wait for the next books - with those hot football players and their agency!!!!
• FOOL'S GOLD #12.5
• 336 Pages
• release date - 24 September - 2013
★★★★★ 5 Stars
Click here to see the Fool's Gold Series!
My Opinion:
Like all books in the series - I loved it!
I was in a huge Christmas mood after only reading one page!
I LOVE CHRISTMAS - and I normally don't read any Christmas books MONTHS before Christmas - but I couldn't wait any longer! I needed to know what Noelle and Gabriel's story would be like!
I had really high expectations - Fool's Gold + a Love Story PLUS Christmas!!! And I was sooooo not disappointed!
We already met Noelle in the previous books - she was new in town, and she wanted to open a Christmas Store.
She carries some sad secrets from her past - but now everything is good and she just wants to be happy - be successful with her store and - of course - she wants to find a man who will love her like she will love him.
Enter: Gabriel Boylan - the brother of Gideon (from Two of a Kind).
Gabriel is an army doctor - home on leave - he injured his hand, because he wasn't paying attention to what he was doing. His job is hard on the body but especially on his nerves and psyche - he really needs the time away from his hard job.
He hasn't seen his family in a long while - and while he loves his twin brother, and is happy that he's doing well, after being kept prisoner by the Taliban - he doesn't really look forward to see his father again. Their drill sergeant Dad always made him feel as if he wasn't good enough, that he didn't turn out the way he was supposed to be: a soldier - like all the males in the family.
The first thing that happens to him once he arrives in Fool's Gold: He almost gets attacked by an umbralla wielding Noelle. She thought he was there to rob Felicia and Gideon's place☺
Noelle is instantly attracted to Gabriel - probably because he wan't wearing all that many clothes ☺
Because Gabriel doesn't know what to do with his time - and he doesn't want to spend it with his parents - he takes a job in Noelle's Christmas store. Which I personally think is beyond adorable ☺ A hot - manly guy working in a Christmas store ♥
Well - it takes the two of them a while to finally get together ☺
Noelle doesn't want to be heartbroken when Gabriel leaves - and Gabriel doesn't want to leave behind a sad Noelle.
But with the help of a snowstorm and a cabin in the woods.......
NOPE..... that's all I'm telling you ☺
__________________________
I REALLY LOVED THE BOOK!!!
I loved all the Fool's Gold books - I would be happy to have a new Fool's Gold book every months for the rest of my life!
And I loved it twice as much because it was a Christmas book!
If only it would have been 400 pages longer!!! ☺
There was sooo much Christmas feeling in the book - the snow - the cold - the Christmas store - the festivals in Fool's Gold!
I loved Noelle - she's soo adorably funny and cute and bouncy ☺
And Gabriel!!! Ugh soooo hot and cute and sweet. He's a bit scared of falling in love - but we'll heal him of course ☺
And yes, he wants to leave right after Christmas.....
Isn't it fortunate that there's a new hospital being build in Fool's Gold??? ☺
Of course there will be a happy end! A very happy end!! And not only for Noelle and Gabriel - but you have to read the book yourself to find out what will happen!
I can't wait for the next books - with those hot football players and their agency!!!!
June 13, 2015
With every one of these stories that I read I fall further and further in love with Susan Mallery & Fool’s Gold. Mallery’s intricately crafted storyline along with her fantastically captivating storytelling will keep you hooked for the long run. I read this novel in little more than a single sitting. The breathtaking yet down to earth descriptions paint a fantastic picture of this loveable town while her inviting narrative draws you further in.
And if the story itself wasn’t enough, the characters are absolutely fantastic. Both of the main characters have such intense histories that shaped them and their beliefs. This doesn’t make me pity them, but rather allows you to identify with them and make you love them all the more. They are also well developed, well rounded individuals who are genuinely good people. It was such a fantastic feeling to see them coming together. Having them surrounded the other residents of Fool’s Gold just made the story all the more real. The sense of community and family that pervades the story is astounding. And I mean really… What’s Fool’s Gold without meddling Mayor Marsha, or Eddie and Gladys?
As a whole, this was a fantastic novel that really kept me captivated, both emotionally and intellectually. It was a fantastic addition to the series, or something easily read as a standalone, and will most definitely become dog-eared in short order.
And for a little something special today… A secret hidden review for Yours for Christmas, the lovely Fool’s Gold novella at the end of the reissue of Christmas on 4th street.
A bit of a disclaimer before I start this review. I’ve been dying for this story since Bailey and Kenny first met. The chemistry and actual caring between the two has been building for the last few novels in the series. That said, this one can easily be read as a brilliant standalone that brings out the Christmas spirit as well as the best in all of us. Mallery’s usual well written, easy to love writing style shines through this unique and remarkable story.
The characters are fantastic. I fell in love with them all over again in this one. As much as I loved Kenny walking into this one, knowing his full story makes me love him all the more. Bailey’s strength and heart shine through, creating a captivating individual that you can’t help but love. Even in this shorter page count her characters shine through with remarkable clarity and individuality. This doesn’t stop with the main characters, the supporting cast shines as well. The feeling of love between them all is simply amazing.
This is definitely one that will bring out the Christmas spirit in all of us. It was a fantastic, quick read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
And if the story itself wasn’t enough, the characters are absolutely fantastic. Both of the main characters have such intense histories that shaped them and their beliefs. This doesn’t make me pity them, but rather allows you to identify with them and make you love them all the more. They are also well developed, well rounded individuals who are genuinely good people. It was such a fantastic feeling to see them coming together. Having them surrounded the other residents of Fool’s Gold just made the story all the more real. The sense of community and family that pervades the story is astounding. And I mean really… What’s Fool’s Gold without meddling Mayor Marsha, or Eddie and Gladys?
As a whole, this was a fantastic novel that really kept me captivated, both emotionally and intellectually. It was a fantastic addition to the series, or something easily read as a standalone, and will most definitely become dog-eared in short order.
And for a little something special today… A secret hidden review for Yours for Christmas, the lovely Fool’s Gold novella at the end of the reissue of Christmas on 4th street.
A bit of a disclaimer before I start this review. I’ve been dying for this story since Bailey and Kenny first met. The chemistry and actual caring between the two has been building for the last few novels in the series. That said, this one can easily be read as a brilliant standalone that brings out the Christmas spirit as well as the best in all of us. Mallery’s usual well written, easy to love writing style shines through this unique and remarkable story.
The characters are fantastic. I fell in love with them all over again in this one. As much as I loved Kenny walking into this one, knowing his full story makes me love him all the more. Bailey’s strength and heart shine through, creating a captivating individual that you can’t help but love. Even in this shorter page count her characters shine through with remarkable clarity and individuality. This doesn’t stop with the main characters, the supporting cast shines as well. The feeling of love between them all is simply amazing.
This is definitely one that will bring out the Christmas spirit in all of us. It was a fantastic, quick read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2013
Christmas on 4th Street is a delightfully charming read. Set in the wonderful Fool’s Gold this story is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, and make you want to run out a buy a set of Nativity Gourds! In this book you will read the story of Noelle and Gabriel. Noelle is for all you tough sensitive girls out there who still believe in love. Alone she has had to fight for her life and now she has decided to grab life by the tail and hold on tight. She is determined to win Gabriel’s love and love him as she lives – with her whole heart.
Gabriel on the other hand is more reserved and is still trying to find his way. He is sweet and sensitive and has been made to feel ashamed of those character traits. His vulnerability makes him a beautiful character that you root for until the end. You will meet Gabriel’s family, which include his twin brother Gideon, which fans of the series will remember from Two of a Kind, and his parents Norman and Karen Boyland. The elder Boyland’s add such a strong dimension and depth to understanding Gabriel and his personality. You will love all the characters of his family. You will find each of them, or at least characteristics of each in someone in your life.
I enjoyed the story of Gabriel finding his own way as much as I did the actual love story between him and Noelle. That is one of the things I love most about the entire Fool’s Gold series — you not only get a beautiful love story you also get real characters. Real characters who each bring a simple complexity to the stories and who are not forgotten in the other books of the series. I also enjoyed, as well as, appreciated the symbolism between the main character’s names and the season at which the book is written. I enjoyed the simple, friendly, laid back interactions of the town’s people as well as the other beloved characters from earlier books in the series. I loved everything about this book from beginning to end it was a sweet, heart-warming book of love and second chances.
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: A. Lyn
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Gabriel on the other hand is more reserved and is still trying to find his way. He is sweet and sensitive and has been made to feel ashamed of those character traits. His vulnerability makes him a beautiful character that you root for until the end. You will meet Gabriel’s family, which include his twin brother Gideon, which fans of the series will remember from Two of a Kind, and his parents Norman and Karen Boyland. The elder Boyland’s add such a strong dimension and depth to understanding Gabriel and his personality. You will love all the characters of his family. You will find each of them, or at least characteristics of each in someone in your life.
I enjoyed the story of Gabriel finding his own way as much as I did the actual love story between him and Noelle. That is one of the things I love most about the entire Fool’s Gold series — you not only get a beautiful love story you also get real characters. Real characters who each bring a simple complexity to the stories and who are not forgotten in the other books of the series. I also enjoyed, as well as, appreciated the symbolism between the main character’s names and the season at which the book is written. I enjoyed the simple, friendly, laid back interactions of the town’s people as well as the other beloved characters from earlier books in the series. I loved everything about this book from beginning to end it was a sweet, heart-warming book of love and second chances.
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: A. Lyn
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 27, 2013
You can never go wrong with a Susan Mallery book especially one from the Fool's Gold series. Christmas on 4th Street does not disappoint. In this book, we get Noelle Perkins' story. In previous books we get introduced to her, but now it's her turn for more attention. We also get to know more about the Boylan family. Gideon, from Two of a Kind has a twin brother, Gabriel who is visiting Fool's Gold for the holiday's along with their parents who they haven't seen in years.
Gabriel is a doctor in the Army who has taken some time off. He's in the Army due to family duty his father imposed upon him, but it at a place now where he's not sure what he wants to do with his life. During this holiday break, he decides to keep himself busy and requests a job at Noelle's Christmas store. It's enjoyable work and allows him an excuse to stay away from his father. It also allows him to spend more time with Noelle.
Noelle and Gabriel certainly have an undeniable attraction towards one another, but Gabriel has no intention of staying in Fool's Gold and knows he can't give Noelle what she wants. Noelle is a strong an independent woman who has been through alot, but she hopes to find love and start a family. She knows Gabriel can't offer that to her, but she hopes they can at least enjoy each others company while he's in town. And with Mayor Marsha looking over the town, who knows what might happen...
With so many books now in the Fool's Gold series one might thing they would start to get stagnant, but that's the furthest thing from the truth. I don't know how she does it, but Mallery has a way of keeping the reader interested. The stories may be predictable at times, but her writing style is what makes the difference. Being invested in the Fool's Gold community also allows the reader to continue to get to know the town even better.
Gabriel is a doctor in the Army who has taken some time off. He's in the Army due to family duty his father imposed upon him, but it at a place now where he's not sure what he wants to do with his life. During this holiday break, he decides to keep himself busy and requests a job at Noelle's Christmas store. It's enjoyable work and allows him an excuse to stay away from his father. It also allows him to spend more time with Noelle.
Noelle and Gabriel certainly have an undeniable attraction towards one another, but Gabriel has no intention of staying in Fool's Gold and knows he can't give Noelle what she wants. Noelle is a strong an independent woman who has been through alot, but she hopes to find love and start a family. She knows Gabriel can't offer that to her, but she hopes they can at least enjoy each others company while he's in town. And with Mayor Marsha looking over the town, who knows what might happen...
With so many books now in the Fool's Gold series one might thing they would start to get stagnant, but that's the furthest thing from the truth. I don't know how she does it, but Mallery has a way of keeping the reader interested. The stories may be predictable at times, but her writing style is what makes the difference. Being invested in the Fool's Gold community also allows the reader to continue to get to know the town even better.
October 31, 2014
Shelly‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Never disappointed when I head back to Fool’s Gold with Susan Mallery. Once again she has brought magic back to Fool’s Gold for Christmas.
After Noelle got a second chance at life, she made some big changes in her life, including moving to Fool’s Gold and opening a Christmas store to keep the magic of the season going year round. With the holiday rush upon her she needs help running the store and has an offer from an unexpected person Gabriel, an army doctor who is home to visit his brother for the holiday.
Gabriel’s is home to visit with his brother while he recuperates from an injury. Little does he know that he will be spending the holidays with his whole family when he finds out his parents are coming for the holidays as well. Holidays weren’t all that great while growing up with a drill sergaent dad, so Gabriel isn’t looking forward to this holiday either. After running into Noelle and finding out she needs help in her shop Gabriel thinks this is the perfect way to avoid his family while he is here and help out the funny, sexy Noelle.
Neither Gabriel nor Noelle thought they would see happily-ever-afters, but when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, you don’t turn your back on it. Twist and turns happen throughout this book and the magic of Christmas brings it all together.
Christmas on 4th Street is a great read that will make you laugh and bring you to the town that makes dreams come true!
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Never disappointed when I head back to Fool’s Gold with Susan Mallery. Once again she has brought magic back to Fool’s Gold for Christmas.
After Noelle got a second chance at life, she made some big changes in her life, including moving to Fool’s Gold and opening a Christmas store to keep the magic of the season going year round. With the holiday rush upon her she needs help running the store and has an offer from an unexpected person Gabriel, an army doctor who is home to visit his brother for the holiday.
Gabriel’s is home to visit with his brother while he recuperates from an injury. Little does he know that he will be spending the holidays with his whole family when he finds out his parents are coming for the holidays as well. Holidays weren’t all that great while growing up with a drill sergaent dad, so Gabriel isn’t looking forward to this holiday either. After running into Noelle and finding out she needs help in her shop Gabriel thinks this is the perfect way to avoid his family while he is here and help out the funny, sexy Noelle.
Neither Gabriel nor Noelle thought they would see happily-ever-afters, but when fate hands you a love as sweet and surprising as this, you don’t turn your back on it. Twist and turns happen throughout this book and the magic of Christmas brings it all together.
Christmas on 4th Street is a great read that will make you laugh and bring you to the town that makes dreams come true!
September 24, 2013
Susan Mallery does Christmas like no one else. She captures the true drama and emotion of a dysfunctional family and pairs it perfectly with a love so amazingly sweet and perfect that no one sees it coming. Gabriel is a top notch military physician, he's used to dropping into the midst of battle and treating and hauling out the injured soldiers. He never expected to be the patient, or to spend the holidays with his family. But when Gabriel is suddenly injured, he is ordered to take a leave of absence and decides it's finally time to come home. While he recovers in Fool's Gold surrounded by his family he is desperate for a distraction and and escape...along comes Noelle. The refreshingly sweet owner of The Christmas Attic is a breath of fresh air in his life of turmoil. Gabriel decides to take a job in the little Christmas shop and the two quickly realize that there is more than just friendship in the air. Will Gabriel be able to resist the pull of love and will Noelle be able to let go of the pain from her past? Can these two lost souls find hope in a lifetime of happiness?
I love that Susan has finally filled in the blanks in not only Noelle's past but also Gabriel and Gideon's as well, and what would Christmas be without a wedding??? So which of the lucky in love Fool's Gold couples will pull off the surprise wedding of the year??? Keep the tissues handy and prepare to fall in love with Fool's Gold all over again!
I love that Susan has finally filled in the blanks in not only Noelle's past but also Gabriel and Gideon's as well, and what would Christmas be without a wedding??? So which of the lucky in love Fool's Gold couples will pull off the surprise wedding of the year??? Keep the tissues handy and prepare to fall in love with Fool's Gold all over again!
November 3, 2014
CHRISTMAS ON 4TH STREET was overall really good for me. I really enjoyed seeing Gideon and Felicia again as well as getting to know the Boylan family.
***Details***
Gabriel was very different from Gideon in ways, yet he faces demons of his own too. Working as a doctor in the army has made him view life as temporary. He’s not willing to risk love when he could be gone tomorrow.
After a hand injury lands him in Fool’s Gold for the holiday with his family, he takes a job at Noelle’s Christmas store.
Noelle is the complete opposite of Gabriel. She views life as an opportunity and she’s going to make the most of it. After being left by her fiancé during a critical illness, she’s been determined to find new meaning in her friendships and store.
She and Gabriel hit it off well and learn from the other. Their romance is slow cooking due to Gabriel not being a permanent resident in Fool’s Gold, but when they get stuck in a snow storm together, Noelle decides to take what she wants.
Like the other books, the town has a way of pulling the resistant male into their folds. Gabriel finds not only himself warming to the bizarre town, but also a new beginning with his brother and family.
I am getting a little sick of the man-bashing party that is in every book when there is a break up. Other than that, I enjoyed the Christmas spirit in CHRISTMAS ON 4TH STREET.
***Details***
Gabriel was very different from Gideon in ways, yet he faces demons of his own too. Working as a doctor in the army has made him view life as temporary. He’s not willing to risk love when he could be gone tomorrow.
After a hand injury lands him in Fool’s Gold for the holiday with his family, he takes a job at Noelle’s Christmas store.
Noelle is the complete opposite of Gabriel. She views life as an opportunity and she’s going to make the most of it. After being left by her fiancé during a critical illness, she’s been determined to find new meaning in her friendships and store.
She and Gabriel hit it off well and learn from the other. Their romance is slow cooking due to Gabriel not being a permanent resident in Fool’s Gold, but when they get stuck in a snow storm together, Noelle decides to take what she wants.
Like the other books, the town has a way of pulling the resistant male into their folds. Gabriel finds not only himself warming to the bizarre town, but also a new beginning with his brother and family.
I am getting a little sick of the man-bashing party that is in every book when there is a break up. Other than that, I enjoyed the Christmas spirit in CHRISTMAS ON 4TH STREET.
October 6, 2013
I was so excited to read this novella. While it's not close enough to Christmas i really got into the vibe to read this. We've met Noelle in a previous book and i wondered what her story was. Susan Mallery has a great way of approaching serious things in her books and not make it all about that. She weaves it into the story with grace and makes you feel for her characters. Both Noelle and Gabriel who is Gideon's twin brother have had difficult things happen in their lives. Only difference is Noelle is trying to get past her demons and live life and Gideon is trying to hide from his. Gabriel is in town temporarily he thinks to heal a injury to his hand. He's a military surgeon whose seen to much of death and pain. One mistake and he finds himself injured and on leave staying at his brothers house. I love the Fools Gold series and this novella will get you right in the heart. After you find out about Gabriel and Noelle's past you want them so badly to find happiness. To find love with each other. Of course Susan Mallery has to guide them there slowly and let them work though it. This is a great afternoon read. If you haven't gotten into The Fools Gold series this is a great place to start!
November 1, 2013
Noelle is the owner of the newest shop in town, The Christmas Attic. She is a kindhearted and sweet woman who has faced some difficult times in her life and has come through with a wonderful outlook on life. She soon meets Gabriel who is the twin of Gideon. Gabriel was raised that he had to be in the army even though it was not what he wanted. While serving as a doctor stationed in Germany he hurt his hand so now he is on leave and is spending the holidays with his brother. They get the news that their parents are coming into town to see them and to meet their grandson so Gabriel takes a job at the Christmas Attic in order to avoid spending time with them. It doesn’t hurt that he find Noelle attractive and interesting.
This is just a flat out delightful Christmas romance. I loved it from beginning to end. The plot is so good it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I really like Noelle and I think she and Gabriel make a good couple.
Now Christmas on 4th Street is #12.5 in the Fool’s Gold series it can be read as a standalone. I myself have only read 2 books in this series before I read this book. So I can tell you that if read by them self they are still very enjoyable stories. I know I look forward to picking up more books in this series.
This is just a flat out delightful Christmas romance. I loved it from beginning to end. The plot is so good it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I really like Noelle and I think she and Gabriel make a good couple.
Now Christmas on 4th Street is #12.5 in the Fool’s Gold series it can be read as a standalone. I myself have only read 2 books in this series before I read this book. So I can tell you that if read by them self they are still very enjoyable stories. I know I look forward to picking up more books in this series.
December 30, 2013
My history with the Fool's Gold series is a little sketchy. I liked the 1st book, only made it through 20 pages of book #2, liked books #3 and #4 with some pretty heavy reservations. So when I saw this book on the new release shelf in the library I picked it up not quite knowing what to expect. The story sounded interesting and Lisa had made it sound pretty good. Also, I've always liked Mallery's writing style. To my relief I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was sweet and I loved the main characters. Noelle was tough and strong and very straightforward. I loved how she dealt with Gabriel's withdrawing. There were no games she just laid her opinion out on the table and was true to her feelings. Fiona was a fun side character though I have very little interest in reading her story. The part where they got snowed in with all the cats was pretty contrived but I did think the cat aspect was pretty funny. I also enjoyed the side relationship between Gabriel and his parents. This book provided good characters, a lovely setting and an entertaining plot. What's not to love?
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