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A Sweet, Small-Town Christmas Romance #1
The Gift of Christmas Magic
After a difficult divorce, Darby Mitchell embarks on a journey to reinvent herself. The road trip in her ancient Buick is supposed to be an adventure, but it ends abruptly when her car sputters to a halt along a stretch of rural highway. Accepting that she’s stranded, she walks to the nearest residence for help. Peppermint Hollow Farms is, from the strands of festive lights to the wreaths on every window, the embodiment of Christmas. When the door opens, she’s welcomed with open arms. There, she meets Sterling, a charming cowboy who’s destined to become an unexpected part of her life. Sterling carries the heavy burden of pain and loss, and because of it, he’s vowed to shield his heart from love. Yet, when Darby arrives, the inexplicable connection he feels for her catches him by surprise. Driven by an unspoken need to safeguard her, Sterling offers the stability and unwavering support she never imagined finding in a man. Darby and Sterling are utterly unprepared for their irresistible attraction. Even amidst the twinkling lights and cozy holiday scenery, their path to a happily ever after is riddled with stumbling blocks as Sterling's closely guarded secrets and Darby’s past threaten to shatter the fragile bond they've built. Only by embracing the transformative magic of love can they hope to ultimately heal their hearts.
Welcome to Peppermint Hollow! Enjoy this sweet, small-town Christmas romance, full of swoony moments, passionate kisses, and one satisfying happily ever after between a charismatic cowboy and a dynamic divorcée.
Welcome to Peppermint Hollow! Enjoy this sweet, small-town Christmas romance, full of swoony moments, passionate kisses, and one satisfying happily ever after between a charismatic cowboy and a dynamic divorcée.
- GenresHoliday
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2023
62 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Eliker
116 books125 followersRachael Eliker was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying Animal Science with an option in Biology. She currently lives on an acreage in Indiana, with her husband and children where she enjoys challenging home improvement projects, keeping up with a handful of livestock, running on lonely stretches of country road, and writing.
Read more about her upcoming work and sign up for her newsletter at https://rachaeleliker.com.
Read more about her upcoming work and sign up for her newsletter at https://rachaeleliker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 24, 2023
3 1/2 stars... Run Darby Run ... and get some spunk
Two hurting souls in desperate need of love. Two hurting souls running as far away from love as fast as they can. Darby and Sterling never want to get close to anyone again. Both have been damaged by love. Both think it isn’t worth it. The hurt, the pain that love carried was something neither wants to live through again.
Darby’s ex husband, Martin, was a constant abuser… no, not physically, but emotionally. He made sure she felt inadequate, put her down at every opportunity and left her penniless.
Sterling’s love life was different. He and his fiance, Maggie, truly loved each other but life brought about circumstances that neither could control. They tried, boy did they try, but it just wasn’t to be.
You can see this definitely is not an instant love story, very much the opposite. It’s very much an uphill climb where both have lessons to learn.
🤔OBSERVATIONS
✒︎ Mary’s intuition sure wasn’t in play when Martin showed up.
✒︎ Darby’s ex did a number on her for sure, but she allowed it. She played the victim well… too well.
✒︎ Pride goes before the fall…. Martin lost his pride that night but we need to see his fall … fall from grace in his big city life. For his own good, Martin needs to learn how his self righteousness is only a a cover for inferiority…maybe some New York TV station would like to show the film of Martin making a fool of himself …humiliation would go a long way with his personality. And you don’t get that rich without making a few people upset…hmmm.
✒︎ It’s not an apology when forced into it…. and it needs to be real. There was nothing real with Martin’s so-called angry apology.
✒︎ Never understood how Darby was stripped of everything in the divorce? What state law allows that without a pre-nup? Since they’ve been together since high school, I doubt a pre-nup was written. Also, what they had was gotten after the marriage.
✒︎ Poor Chuck … I’m seeing Jetta and Maverick in the future
Two hurting souls in desperate need of love. Two hurting souls running as far away from love as fast as they can. Darby and Sterling never want to get close to anyone again. Both have been damaged by love. Both think it isn’t worth it. The hurt, the pain that love carried was something neither wants to live through again.
Darby’s ex husband, Martin, was a constant abuser… no, not physically, but emotionally. He made sure she felt inadequate, put her down at every opportunity and left her penniless.
Sterling’s love life was different. He and his fiance, Maggie, truly loved each other but life brought about circumstances that neither could control. They tried, boy did they try, but it just wasn’t to be.
You can see this definitely is not an instant love story, very much the opposite. It’s very much an uphill climb where both have lessons to learn.
🤔OBSERVATIONS
✒︎ Mary’s intuition sure wasn’t in play when Martin showed up.
✒︎ Darby’s ex did a number on her for sure, but she allowed it. She played the victim well… too well.
✒︎ Pride goes before the fall…. Martin lost his pride that night but we need to see his fall … fall from grace in his big city life. For his own good, Martin needs to learn how his self righteousness is only a a cover for inferiority…maybe some New York TV station would like to show the film of Martin making a fool of himself …humiliation would go a long way with his personality. And you don’t get that rich without making a few people upset…hmmm.
✒︎ It’s not an apology when forced into it…. and it needs to be real. There was nothing real with Martin’s so-called angry apology.
✒︎ Never understood how Darby was stripped of everything in the divorce? What state law allows that without a pre-nup? Since they’ve been together since high school, I doubt a pre-nup was written. Also, what they had was gotten after the marriage.
✒︎ Poor Chuck … I’m seeing Jetta and Maverick in the future
October 21, 2023
The Gift of Christmas Magic by Rachael Eliker proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions, not only for the people involved, but for the reader as well. It is the first in a new series for Eliker, Peppermint Hollow Christmas Romances, and what a romance it was. It all happened very quickly: the sheriff who came to enforce her eviction turned out to be the brother of her best friend from home. He helped her carry her few things to her car and emptied his wallet for her, seeing that she was desperate. The money he gave her helped her make it as far as Indiana. She got off the freeway, looking for adventure, flipped a coin, and turned right, making it to the end of a long driveway in the country before her car gave up the ghost. She walked to the big house, a lodge of some sort, where they welcomed her as if she had been expected. She had in a sense, as Mary, the matriarch, got feelings, and Darby Mitchell was one of them. Sterling was a gorgeous, taciturn cowboy who had arrived in Indiana, running from his emotions. This day was supposed to have been his wedding day, instead, it was a day of immense sorrow and the reason he no longer believed in romance and love. But, that was all to change.
Parts of this book up uproariously funny, and some were touching. The other cowboys on the farm were jokers, and made no bones about it. Mary, wasn’t, but every once in a while something popped up and she ran with it. The characters were all good: entertaining, at least. The food was good, too. The plot was that of a typical romance, but with so many side plots and twists and turns that is is far from ordinary. The story moved along quickly, maybe too quickly, as there was not much time between first meeting and true love. It was fun, though. It was Christmas and Peppermint Hollow was all about Christmas!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Gift of Christmas Magic by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #RachealEliker #TheGiftOfChristmasMagic
Parts of this book up uproariously funny, and some were touching. The other cowboys on the farm were jokers, and made no bones about it. Mary, wasn’t, but every once in a while something popped up and she ran with it. The characters were all good: entertaining, at least. The food was good, too. The plot was that of a typical romance, but with so many side plots and twists and turns that is is far from ordinary. The story moved along quickly, maybe too quickly, as there was not much time between first meeting and true love. It was fun, though. It was Christmas and Peppermint Hollow was all about Christmas!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Gift of Christmas Magic by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #RachealEliker #TheGiftOfChristmasMagic
October 23, 2023
“At Christmas, love’s magic can mend even the most brokest hearts.”
Beautiful, witty Darcey Mitchell has just been through quite a heartbreaking divorce. Left with little of earthly means but with her dignity intact, it’s time to move on.
Leaving New York, means new possibilities and soon Darby will embark on a journey to reinvent herself in her old Buick car.
After driving many miles, the check engine light comes on and Darby finds herself luckily stranded out in the country at the charming Peppermint Hollow Ranch, where she is welcomed with open arms, open space, steady work, and charitable, thoughtful people who will do much in lifting her spirits.
It is here that Darby meets Sterling, a charming handsome, charismatic, steady, kind, hardworking, cowboy who's destined to become an unexpected part of her life.
Sterling himself carries a heavy burden of pain and loss, and because of it, he's vowed to shield his heart from love. Yet, the undeniable connection he feels for her catches him by great surprise.
Driven by an unspoken need to protect and cherish Darby for the amazing woman she is, Sterling offers the stability and unwavering support Darby never imagined finding in a man.
With love comes trust. When the past has a “funny” way of showing up, Darby must decide if her can be mended and take a risk on love and happiness or have her heart be further broken and be alone…
Rachael Eliker has written such a charming story with relatable dear “flawed”characters. She skillfully weaves throughout this story that “love permeates and multiplies and can transform life from mundane to utterly resplendent.”
The Gift of Christmas Magic is a beautifully emotional, sweet, hopeful, heartwarming story. I look forward to more stories captured at Peppermint Hollow Ranch where the sweet magic of tender miracles takes place.
“happiness seems to flow easier when you love the people surrounding you."
Beautiful, witty Darcey Mitchell has just been through quite a heartbreaking divorce. Left with little of earthly means but with her dignity intact, it’s time to move on.
Leaving New York, means new possibilities and soon Darby will embark on a journey to reinvent herself in her old Buick car.
After driving many miles, the check engine light comes on and Darby finds herself luckily stranded out in the country at the charming Peppermint Hollow Ranch, where she is welcomed with open arms, open space, steady work, and charitable, thoughtful people who will do much in lifting her spirits.
It is here that Darby meets Sterling, a charming handsome, charismatic, steady, kind, hardworking, cowboy who's destined to become an unexpected part of her life.
Sterling himself carries a heavy burden of pain and loss, and because of it, he's vowed to shield his heart from love. Yet, the undeniable connection he feels for her catches him by great surprise.
Driven by an unspoken need to protect and cherish Darby for the amazing woman she is, Sterling offers the stability and unwavering support Darby never imagined finding in a man.
With love comes trust. When the past has a “funny” way of showing up, Darby must decide if her can be mended and take a risk on love and happiness or have her heart be further broken and be alone…
Rachael Eliker has written such a charming story with relatable dear “flawed”characters. She skillfully weaves throughout this story that “love permeates and multiplies and can transform life from mundane to utterly resplendent.”
The Gift of Christmas Magic is a beautifully emotional, sweet, hopeful, heartwarming story. I look forward to more stories captured at Peppermint Hollow Ranch where the sweet magic of tender miracles takes place.
“happiness seems to flow easier when you love the people surrounding you."
October 21, 2023
This is the story of two broken hearts who need mending or maybe a little bit of Peppermint Hollow Christmas magic. Darby Mitchell just wants to put the big city and her vile ex-husband in the rearview mirror when she heads out. She has no particular destination in mind. She just wants away from him. When her car breaks down right outside Peppermint Hollow Farms, she walks to the farm, not knowing her life is about the change in ways she never imagined.
This family welcomes Darby into their home as if she is a long lost friend. She is overwhelmed with the hospitality. Then Sterling walks in. Sterling works on the farm and is everything you could ever imagine in a swoony cowboy with the wonderful personality to go with it. The chemistry between these two is immediate. You can almost feel it burning off of the pages. This was a heart warming book about second chances in more than just romance. I loved the character of Darby. She was a humble woman who always put others first. She did not match the personality of her ex-husband who treated her with such disrespect. His love of money and love of himself made him public enemy number one for me. Sterling was a protector. He saw something in Darby that needed to be nurtured and protected. Both of these characters had some heavy baggage from their past that needed to be sorted out. One of my favorite quotes came from Darby. He said, "I would pick the woman I vowed to love over any earthly possession every day of my life." He stole my heart from that page forward.
This was what I call a heart happy book with a dreamboat hero making it that much sweeter to read. This one goes to the top of my most favorite Christmas books this year.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This family welcomes Darby into their home as if she is a long lost friend. She is overwhelmed with the hospitality. Then Sterling walks in. Sterling works on the farm and is everything you could ever imagine in a swoony cowboy with the wonderful personality to go with it. The chemistry between these two is immediate. You can almost feel it burning off of the pages. This was a heart warming book about second chances in more than just romance. I loved the character of Darby. She was a humble woman who always put others first. She did not match the personality of her ex-husband who treated her with such disrespect. His love of money and love of himself made him public enemy number one for me. Sterling was a protector. He saw something in Darby that needed to be nurtured and protected. Both of these characters had some heavy baggage from their past that needed to be sorted out. One of my favorite quotes came from Darby. He said, "I would pick the woman I vowed to love over any earthly possession every day of my life." He stole my heart from that page forward.
This was what I call a heart happy book with a dreamboat hero making it that much sweeter to read. This one goes to the top of my most favorite Christmas books this year.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2023
The Draw Of Two Broken Souls -
Darby couldn’t believe the family in first house she went to ask for help when she was stranded in a small town, not only opened up their home to her as a stranger, but also convinced her to stay. Sterling had closed off himself to relationships since the death of his wife, but something changed in him from the moment he laid eyes on Darby.
Darby and Sterling both had baggage from their past, but they just seemed to get each other in a way that no one else did, which led to them spending time together getting to know each other, as they started dating. Unfortunately, just as Darby and Sterling settled into their relationship, her ex husband decided to reek havoc on her life, which created friction between them.
However, Sterling wasn’t prepared to stand by and watch Darby’s ex husband destroy the happy life they were building, so he took he took it upon himself, with the help of his friends to out a stop to her ex husband harassing her permanently. As luck would have it, Sterling and Darby were able to get back on track towards their life of happiness.
To say I really enjoyed reading this story is an understatement. The storyline started strong and kept the same momentum all the way through until the end. The drama, camaraderie, intense attraction and the way they came together to deal with the troublesome individual, had me hooked on the story and left me thirsting for more. I am definitely looking forward to reading book two in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Darby couldn’t believe the family in first house she went to ask for help when she was stranded in a small town, not only opened up their home to her as a stranger, but also convinced her to stay. Sterling had closed off himself to relationships since the death of his wife, but something changed in him from the moment he laid eyes on Darby.
Darby and Sterling both had baggage from their past, but they just seemed to get each other in a way that no one else did, which led to them spending time together getting to know each other, as they started dating. Unfortunately, just as Darby and Sterling settled into their relationship, her ex husband decided to reek havoc on her life, which created friction between them.
However, Sterling wasn’t prepared to stand by and watch Darby’s ex husband destroy the happy life they were building, so he took he took it upon himself, with the help of his friends to out a stop to her ex husband harassing her permanently. As luck would have it, Sterling and Darby were able to get back on track towards their life of happiness.
To say I really enjoyed reading this story is an understatement. The storyline started strong and kept the same momentum all the way through until the end. The drama, camaraderie, intense attraction and the way they came together to deal with the troublesome individual, had me hooked on the story and left me thirsting for more. I am definitely looking forward to reading book two in the series.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2023
Christmas magic is truly a gift
I know you will love Darby, Sterling and all the Peppermint Hollow ranch crew as much as I did.
I liked the spunkiness Darby showed at the beginning of the book when she left NYC in the wake of her divorce and headed out on the open road to anywhere her narcissist ex wasn't. The serendipity of her car dying at the ranch gate was the first clue that she had arrived where she was intended to be.
Darby experienced a tremendous amount of personal growth and recovery of her authentic self at the Peppermint Hollow ranch. Nick and Mary, the ranch owners, were like surrogste parents to all their employees. It was just what Darby needed. But it was Sterling, the total antithesis of her ex, that was the secret ingredient needed to heal Darby's heart and soul.
This is a book about love, healing, and trusting a new family-by-choice to have your back when you are facing something difficult.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I know you will love Darby, Sterling and all the Peppermint Hollow ranch crew as much as I did.
I liked the spunkiness Darby showed at the beginning of the book when she left NYC in the wake of her divorce and headed out on the open road to anywhere her narcissist ex wasn't. The serendipity of her car dying at the ranch gate was the first clue that she had arrived where she was intended to be.
Darby experienced a tremendous amount of personal growth and recovery of her authentic self at the Peppermint Hollow ranch. Nick and Mary, the ranch owners, were like surrogste parents to all their employees. It was just what Darby needed. But it was Sterling, the total antithesis of her ex, that was the secret ingredient needed to heal Darby's heart and soul.
This is a book about love, healing, and trusting a new family-by-choice to have your back when you are facing something difficult.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
December 6, 2023
I'm loving reading all the Christmas books I can get my hands on! This one by Rachael Eliker was cute. I loved the story. And the characters.
Darby has had a hard time. She's been mistreated by her husband and divorced. The first chapter finds her getting kicked out of her apartment by the police. And having her car die on a lonely road. So, it's about time for her to have something good happen to her. And finding the Peppermint Hollow Ranch was definitely that. I loved how she was taken in and felt loved here.
Sterling has had his fair share of hard times, too. But he's happy at Peppermint Hollow Ranch. I loved how he opens up to Darcy and gets her to do the same. These two were just so great for each other. I really love the way he fights for what he wants.
This is such a cute Christmas read! You won't want to miss it.
I was sent a copy of The Gift of Christmas Magic from the author. All opinions are my own.
Darby has had a hard time. She's been mistreated by her husband and divorced. The first chapter finds her getting kicked out of her apartment by the police. And having her car die on a lonely road. So, it's about time for her to have something good happen to her. And finding the Peppermint Hollow Ranch was definitely that. I loved how she was taken in and felt loved here.
Sterling has had his fair share of hard times, too. But he's happy at Peppermint Hollow Ranch. I loved how he opens up to Darcy and gets her to do the same. These two were just so great for each other. I really love the way he fights for what he wants.
This is such a cute Christmas read! You won't want to miss it.
I was sent a copy of The Gift of Christmas Magic from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2023
Beautiful, emotional, sweet, hopeful, heartwarming!
Sterling, a sweet and sexy cowboy has closed himself off emotionally after a tragedy. Darby is at rock bottom with nothing left, physically and emotionally. Fate leads them not just to each other, but to a loving and supportive community family.
Rachael’s writing pulls you right into the story so that you feel like you’re experiencing all the emotions the characters are. I was so engrossed that I lost track of time and before I knew it, I had read 100 pages. You’ll want to cry and cheer as you follow along watching the beautiful connection between Darby and Sterling. There will be a time when you want to punch someone too lol. Filled with sweet and tender moments and wonderful side characters this story isn’t to be missed.
I received an advanced free copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Sterling, a sweet and sexy cowboy has closed himself off emotionally after a tragedy. Darby is at rock bottom with nothing left, physically and emotionally. Fate leads them not just to each other, but to a loving and supportive community family.
Rachael’s writing pulls you right into the story so that you feel like you’re experiencing all the emotions the characters are. I was so engrossed that I lost track of time and before I knew it, I had read 100 pages. You’ll want to cry and cheer as you follow along watching the beautiful connection between Darby and Sterling. There will be a time when you want to punch someone too lol. Filled with sweet and tender moments and wonderful side characters this story isn’t to be missed.
I received an advanced free copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
October 30, 2023
The Gift of Christmas Magic
An endearing story of a young couple who have given up on love only to find they might have a chance at finding love. Darby had a bitter divorce where her ex leaves her with nothing but grief. Leaving her home she goes on a road trip hoping to start over again somewhere. Her car breaking down at a farm outside Peppermint Hollow determines her destination. The loss of Sterling’s fiancé sent him on a journey that had brought him to his job as foreman at Peppermint Hollow Farm a couple of years earlier. He has not been able to let anyone know his background; keeping his heart isolated from any emotion. When Darby is introduced to him, he sees her vulnerability and they seem to make a connection. Will they be able to help each other through their past hurts to heal and find an everlasting love?
An endearing story of a young couple who have given up on love only to find they might have a chance at finding love. Darby had a bitter divorce where her ex leaves her with nothing but grief. Leaving her home she goes on a road trip hoping to start over again somewhere. Her car breaking down at a farm outside Peppermint Hollow determines her destination. The loss of Sterling’s fiancé sent him on a journey that had brought him to his job as foreman at Peppermint Hollow Farm a couple of years earlier. He has not been able to let anyone know his background; keeping his heart isolated from any emotion. When Darby is introduced to him, he sees her vulnerability and they seem to make a connection. Will they be able to help each other through their past hurts to heal and find an everlasting love?
October 23, 2023
I’ve read several books by Eliker and I’ve never been disappointed. This is a story where both Darby and Sterling are coming off hard pasts, he lost the woman he was engaged to and she had just gotten out of a toxic marriage that was demeaning and she was left with nothing. They both found work and refuge at Peppermint Hollow Ranch. Besides overcoming their own walls the slimy ex puts in an appearance, let’s say it doesn’t end well for him. There’s a great supporting cast, who I hope to see in coming books. Nick and Mary are wonderful as the patriarchs of the ranch and take their callings of Santa and Mrs seriously. Then there’s Bandit, the lovable dog, you can’t help wanting to give him a thorough petting.
Clean
Clean
October 26, 2023
I loved this heartwarming romance between Sterling and Darby in Peppermint Hollow. The characters were amazing and the location sounded like a place I would love to visit. This book is the first book in a new series by Rachael Eliker and more serious then her romcom romances she has written lately. Those books were great in lifting my spirits with laughter, and this series is more endearing and more subdued but that makes for an enjoyable read. I look forward to the next books in the series. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a clean romance between two people who are running from their pasts with broken hearts and find their destiny in each other. This is a well written book. I received an ARC through BookFunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 30, 2023
The title says it all! A sweet and endearing Christmas story with some definite Christmas magic sprinkled in. I think this story is good for the reader who wants to cozy up with a gentle romance between two great people who have showen perserverence and now get a 2nd chance at romance. This would make for a nice classic holiday film that would not make you roll your eyes as some Christmas films can get cheesy, lol. I thought the author was able to convey empathy and realism for the main characters. I think this author knows her farm stuff and Indiana well. I kinda want to visit now. The goodness of Indiana was on display. A nice flow to the story. Plus, characters that you enjoyed getting to know. Which is great since this'll be a series!
October 21, 2023
This book truly is incredible. An amazing couple is Sterling and Darby. Rachael Eliker has not held back when it comes to bringing all the emotions to the surface as they are both moving over a painful past. My pulse was pounding with excitement, and I also laughed, cried, and got so angry that I could spit. My husband always claims to be able to tell whether I am reading a great book when I start crying or getting upset. I highly recommend this book and I have already preordered the next book in this series. Rachael Eliker has done a phenomenal job with this book. “I received ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.”
October 23, 2023
Really great story. Darby is an emotional wreck that has absolutely no confidence in herself and her worth. With a mutual attraction for Sterling, Darby starts to come into her own. Then her ex shows up. The other cowboys, Mary and Nick all bring the story together. These characters portray so many different emotions. They draw you into their lives. Peppermint Hollow is the kind of place that I would love to live or at least visit. I love the scene with Martin and Sterling, the pool game, the arm wrestling and of course the car trunk. Very funny.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
October 25, 2023
I love all of Rachael Eliker's books. This one is so sweet it makes you think of candy canes. Peppermint ones! I thought maybe Mary Peppermint was Mrs. Claus and her husband Santa. Mary is a highly sensitive woman who 'knows' things' about certain people. And they usually come true. Sterling is a put together, truly nice guy, the kind we'd all like to know. Plus, he's a cowboy. All in all, this looks like the start of another fun series by a trusted author. I'm looking forward to the next story.
October 22, 2023
Sorry Rachael, you may live in Indiana but I grew up there and can tell you there are NO “towering hills” northwest of Indianapolis; and, while there were farmhands from north to south, the only “cowboys”were with rodeos that might come to town. That plus an annoying main character, Darby, and the many editorial misses with words, spelling, sentence structure made this a DNF at 25%. Make it real!
October 23, 2023
A great holiday book from Halloween thru Christmas!
Darby, running as far as she can to get away from her life, runs out of gas in Indiana. Her car also died. But what a place she found herself!
The story has intimidation, despair, hopelessness, yet finds friendship, family, and love. The story is filled with emotions that just pull you in. A great read! Can't wait to read Ms. Eliker's next book in the series.
I was provided with an ARC of the book; this review is my honest opinion.
Darby, running as far as she can to get away from her life, runs out of gas in Indiana. Her car also died. But what a place she found herself!
The story has intimidation, despair, hopelessness, yet finds friendship, family, and love. The story is filled with emotions that just pull you in. A great read! Can't wait to read Ms. Eliker's next book in the series.
I was provided with an ARC of the book; this review is my honest opinion.
October 23, 2023
Peppermint Hollow Ranch is a delightful place with some really special people. It has all the warm and cozy feels and makes me want to visit (or live) there! Sterling and Darby both had some healing to do as well as learning to leave the past behind. Sterling was so supportive of Darby as they grew in their relationship. This was a great read that kept me enthralled all the way through. Loved it!
November 6, 2023
sweet Christmas romance
I really like Darby from the beginning. I was a bit frustrated with how closed down she was but I can imagine years of emotional abuse can do that. The fact that she had nothing after the divorce was a bit unbelievable. Sterling was great too. I was a little surprised at his instant connection after being so closed off. The other characters at the ranch are awesome and I can’t wait to get to know them better.
I really like Darby from the beginning. I was a bit frustrated with how closed down she was but I can imagine years of emotional abuse can do that. The fact that she had nothing after the divorce was a bit unbelievable. Sterling was great too. I was a little surprised at his instant connection after being so closed off. The other characters at the ranch are awesome and I can’t wait to get to know them better.
December 14, 2024
This wasn't bad, but I struggled to keep reading. I don't mind a sweet story but this one was just kind of blah. And the big issue, I saw it coming a mile away so even that wasn't exciting. I felt no chemistry between the two main characters. Darby fresh out of a hellish marriage really needed to take some time before she got into another relaitonship and Sterling going from never going to get involved again to boom chasing after a woman he just met, sorry just did not believe that at all.
October 23, 2023
Second chances…
I liked the cast of characters at Mary’s farm.
Sterling loved and lost and is hiding his painful loss.
Darby is down but not out after a bitter divorce that left her evicted, broke and in her broke down Buick that ends up in Peppermint Hollow Farms.
Where a job and second d chances await..
I liked the cast of characters at Mary’s farm.
Sterling loved and lost and is hiding his painful loss.
Darby is down but not out after a bitter divorce that left her evicted, broke and in her broke down Buick that ends up in Peppermint Hollow Farms.
Where a job and second d chances await..
October 24, 2023
This is a story of two broken hearts that need each other to heal. I loved Sterling and Darby's characters. Sterling is so sweet, kind and just what Darby needs to overcome her past. Darby is strong and broken from her previous relationship. When she finds herself in Peppermint Hollow she has no idea the healing and love that she will find.
November 4, 2023
This was such a great holiday story of two strangers who have a chance at love. There was a bit for them to get to the happily ever after but it was so worth it. I enjoyed the writing in this story because you were with the characters as they were working through the different stages of this relationship to get to the end. A great holiday story.
November 4, 2023
The Gift of Christmas Magic is a clean, inspirational, second chance romance. I loved watching Darby and Sterling, two lost, hurting individuals, find and embrace their love. I really enjoyed this new world of Peppermint Hollow, its love of Christmas, and its supportive, secondary characters. It sounds like book two will be wonderful as well! Ms. Eliker has given me a great Christmas romance!
December 14, 2025
Cowboys are just so hot talaga and the small-town ranch setting is always so refreshing to read. I love Sterling so baaaad!!! Darby’s cute, too. She’s a damsel-in-distress but has the guts to leave when the place she’s in no longer serves her right.
I love the cowboy men in the series. Can’t wait to read Jetta and Maverick’s story next!!!
I love the cowboy men in the series. Can’t wait to read Jetta and Maverick’s story next!!!
October 21, 2023
A super sweet Christmas story set in a small town on a ranch. Bandit the Border Collie was my favorite part of this dual point of view story of overcoming history and finding your happily ever after.
Thanks for the ARC, this is my honest review.
Thanks for the ARC, this is my honest review.
October 24, 2023
I loved this book! A heartwarming, small town cowboy Christmas romance. The book was well-written with a realistic and entertaining storyline. The characters were charming and had me cheering them on to finding happiness. This was a fun read with all the feels. You’ll fall in love with this book.
October 24, 2023
I enjoyed Darby's journey. From a toxic situation she couldn't have ended up on a better ranch. I loved all the characters at the ranch. Her chemistry with Sterling was great. This is a sweet, clean romance.
October 21, 2023
Cannot stand when a MC already had their One True Love with OP. The MMC was widowed and to hear him tell the story, that's the true love of his life. Would have rather read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2024
Loved it!
Darby and Sterling's story is great! I especially like the chapter that told of the cowboy's adventure in town! Finding out who left Martin's surprise was hilarious
Darby and Sterling's story is great! I especially like the chapter that told of the cowboy's adventure in town! Finding out who left Martin's surprise was hilarious
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