This Christmas, a second chance could kindle a love truly worth the fight. Everything Jetta Carter has worked and expected for her life should be coming together. Instead, in one especially unfortunate evening, it all falls apart. Her career as a budding artist skids to a halt, her boyfriend betrays her, and the rumors start to fly. Needing a break from the disappointment, Jetta keeps her head high as she packs up her things and lugs her guilt with her to Peppermint Hollow.
A lone wolf doesn’t need anyone, and that’s exactly who Maverick Blackwell is. Even when he’s reintroduced to the newly arrived Jetta, he tries to maintain his stony demeanor as a safety precaution for his bruised and battered heart. It’s futile. Jetta is captivating from her headstrong demeanor to her teasing smirk. It doesn’t take long for Maverick to wish he could meet her under the mistletoe.
Maverick is determined to show Jetta how fiercely he can love a woman, but she has a secret that makes her balk. Unless he can get her to open her heart and give love a second chance, both of them might be in for a lonely Christmas.
Rachael 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.
The Heart of Christmas Cheer by Rachael Eliker is the second in the Peppermint Hollow Christmas Romance series. It features Jetta Carter who is an aspiring artist who lives in New York and is in love with an art dealer named Chuck Jones, until one night during an especially romantic dinner, she meets his wife. Well, actually, is accosted by his wife. Jetta is furious and embarrassed. She determines to leave New York and so, packs up what she can and sells the rest, including many completed paintings. The man can sell them at park ’n swap or something. She arrives at Peppermint Hollow with money enough to get by until she figures out what to do. She can’t paint yet, her head and heart are not in the right place, but her best friend, Darby was there and there was plenty of wedding planning to do. There was also Maverick.
That Jetta had been hurt there was no question. What had happened took a long time to share. Maverick had been hurt, too, but not romantically, but by his father who was a two-timer who left his mother. He had worshipped the man. Everyone thought they were perfect for one another. Maybe they were, but their hearts were not. They were friends, though. He taught her to lasso and reminded her how to ride a horse. He also encouraged her to paint. He was closed off and grumpy, but he was a good man. She was closed off but things were getting better, except Chuck kept leaving her messages, which she deleted. They really were perfect for each other. It is a trope that is used plenty, mostly because it has so much potential and Eliker used that potential to the max. The first half of the story moved slowly but the second half made up for it, with interesting characters and situations. It is a delightful story and nothing like more Christmas!
I was invited to read The Heart Of Christmas Cheer by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #RachaelEliker #TheHeartOfChristmasCheer
The Heart of Christmas Cheer is the second book in the Peppermint Hollow Christmas series. I had not personally read the first book in the series and found this read just fine as a standalone.
This was such a cute romance. After Jetta is betrayed in her relationship and she finds her life seems to be falling apart, she heads to Peppermint Hollow to escape and help her friend plan her wedding... she certainly had no intentions of falling in love. Likewise, Maverick had hurts in his past that kept him from wanting to put his heart on the line. Of course, as we romance readers know... love always comes when you're not looking for it. I just adored watching these two work through their issues and grow closer to one another. They were a great match and I enjoyed every minute spent with them.
Christmas may be over, but this was a perfect read for anytime of the year. It really wasn't overly Christmas-y with little taking place over the holidays... though it does take place in a holiday town... and a town I can't wait to visit again soon!
The Heart of Christmas Cheer is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
“The value of your work isn’t conditional on whether people there understood and appreciated it.”
Everything Jetta Carter has worked and expected for her life should be coming together. Instead, in one especially unfortunate evening, it all completely falls apart. Her career as a budding artist skids to a complete halt, her boyfriend deeply betrays her, and the crazy rumors start to fly.
Desperately needing a break from such disappointment, Jetta bravely keeps her head high as she packs up her things and drags her guilt with her to Peppermint Hollow.
A lone wolf doesn’t need anyone, and that’s exactly who Maverick Blackwell is. Even when he’s reintroduced to the newly arrived Jetta, he tries to maintain his stony demeanor as a safety precaution for his bruised and battered heart…It’s futile…
Jetta is captivating from her headstrong demeanor to her teasing smirk. It doesn’t take long for Maverick to wish he could meet her under the mistletoe.
Maverick is determined to show Jetta how fiercely he can love a woman, but she has a secret that makes her balk. Unless he can get her to open her heart and give love a second chance, both of them might be in for a lonely Christmas…
“Everything has changed for the better because of you.”
@rachaeleliker this is another sweet charming story full of endearing characters. The way you write so beautifully makes me feel as if I am actually in the charming town of Peppermint Hollow. This is a quick but sweet story and while it may be book two in this sweet series, it could easily be read as a stand alone. However, getting to know Peppermint Hollow and characters fully, you won’t regret starting in order! Also, it’s a book that doesn’t need to be read around the holidays to enjoy its sweet charm! This book is worth the read!
“All I want is for you to know that you’re amazing, and that I will love you with everything that I have as long as you’ll allow me to.”
I am thoroughly enjoying the Peppermint Hollow Christmas romance series! Rachael Eliker did not disappoint with this one! After reading book one’s epilogue that previewed to Jetta’s and Maverick’s romance, I knew I HAD to read this one!!
I absolutely love the town of Peppermint Hollow. The author does a great job with giving such descriptive visuals of the town and of her characters. Jetta, heartbroken, takes an extended stay to Peppermint Hollow to work through some personal issues and rediscover her love for her artistic passion in painting. She is a loyal friend and determined not to make the same mistakes she had made that lead her to where she was upon arrival. Maverick, a man of few words but very insightful and attention to detail. He may be broody and grumpy but I loved the lengths he went to win Jetta over. He has such a beautiful way with words. His life experiences have made him the man he is at this point.
Their relationship is one of a slow burn. Not instant even though the attraction was there right off the bat. I appreciated how the relationship was built and how it evolved as each revealed some of their deep secrets. Now do I feel that maybe things should have been said earlier or differently? Absolutely. BUT Ms. Eliker shows the realness and relatability of her characters even in the moments when they make a mistake or should’ve handled things differently. This story is not only a journey of love but also one working through past pains and hurts and the power of forgiveness.
Can’t wait for the next book!
I had been blessed to have received an advance copy of this book and my thoughts are all my own.
This is another wonderful romance set in the charming, Christmas loving town of Peppermint Hollow. Jetta is a new artist living in New York. Her hopes are set high. She is in love and the possibility of making her way in the art scene suddenly seems obtainable. Her entire world comes tumbling down in one evening after her boyfriend betrays her. She is horrified and embarrassed to learn that she has been deceived. She wants to escape and go somewhere quiet to reflect. She ends up in Peppermint Hollow with her best friend. One of her first meetings is with Maverick Blackwell. Maverick is everything that you imagine in a manly cowboy. He has a chip on his shoulder and is brooding and grumpy, as well as being easy on the eyes.
As they get to know one another, they realize that their initial assessment of the other was not quite right. With both of their hearts on the line, they will have to be willing to put the past in the past. This was a truly heartwarming romance with all of the feel goods that I enjoy in a romance. Peppermint Hollow is a charming town with people who truly embrace the very spirit of Christmas. The characters were so likable. I was pulling for them to make it together during the entire story. You have a great romance with some emotional scenes and some humorous ones as well.
If you enjoy a clean, small town romance, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once again, Rachael Eliker delivers an emotional and sweet story in the Peppermint Hollow Christmas Romance series with this second book. I enjoyed revisiting Peppermint Hollow Ranch for Maverick and Jetta’s story and to see the whole Peppermint Hollow Ranch gang again.
Feeling like a failure, Jetta escapes to Peppermint Hollow to avoid the fallout and come to terms after learning of her ex-boyfriend’s deception that she feels she had a part of, although she had no idea.
While trying to overcome her past and figure out what the future holds, Jetta is drawn to the brooding and charming Maverick.
Maverick is determined to convince Jetta that she is worthy just as she is. With him, she doesn’t have to prove anything.
Will secrets from her past hinder their future together?
Some reasons I love this story: ❄️ Cinnamon roll cowboy ❄️ Lasso lesson 😍😍 ❄️ Queenie ❄️ Snowy rescue ❄️ Supportive found family ❄️ The epilogue 🥰🥰🥰
After reading the first two stories, I’m excited to read more from Peppermint Hollow.
I received an advance free copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
If you love gruff cowboys, damsels in distress, and everything Christmas, this is the perfect book for you. Jetta runs from a bad breakup to her friend Darby at Peppermint Hollow Ranch. She’s hoping to revive her love of painting, and mend her heart. What she isn’t looking for is Maverick, the grumpy, handsome cowboy she keeps running into. Maverick may be a grumpy cowboy but there’s more to him than meets the eye. When Jenna arrives at the ranch he suddenly begins to let down his walls. Maverick is a match for Jenna in every way. They just need to figure it out. I love the chemistry between the characters, the touches of humor, and spot on romance. Rachael shot this one out of the park. Loved it!
Finally Accepting Their Fate - This is a heartwarming tale about two people who had given up on love because of their past relationships, but they keep getting thrown together, which led to their attraction growing as they spent more time together. Unfortunately, just as they settled into a relationship, an argument causes them to separate, but luckily the pain of being apart led them back together.
Just like the other amazing books written by this talented author, it will draw you in from the beginning and keep you eagerly turning the pages, as you Waugh with bated great to find out it they will get a happily ever after.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked how Jetta spoke more eloquently through her art than with words, even if she does not realize it. Maverick showed his feelings with words and actions. He demonstrated such gentleness and patience as he carefully peeled back the layers of pain and self-doubt Jetta had protectively wrapped herself in. Little by little they lower their walls to alllow love and trust to creep into their lives. His romantic 'grand gesture' at the end just melted me entirely. Every woman would have to love the man who could make her feel so 'seen', acknowledged and appreciated.
I received an advance copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
This is a sweet, charming Christmas romance that takes place in the small town of Peppermint Hollow. Maverick Blackwell is a loner who doesn't want a relationship because it is hard for him to trust that a woman won't hurt him like his dad hurt his mom. But, when Jetta Carter comes into town, something is different.
Jetta has guilt and shame over her past relationship. When she learns of Maverick's past family history, she doesn't feel that she deserves Maverick's friendship or love.
This story is about redemption, forgiveness, trust and lots of swoon-worthy romance. The story is a clean, wholesome read about two people who try to do what's right and in the end find something wonderful.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
A very enjoyable read. Peppermint Hollow is a great place to be. This is the story of Maverick who has shielded his heart because of things in his past and Jetta who is trying to escape some things in her own life. The side characters are a plus and I see more stories ro come. I enjoy the banter between the characters and watching their hearts change. There are some heart warming moments and some lighthearted funny moments. Overall a good blend of keeping you interested. I look forward to more Peppermint Hollow stories!
Jetta is reeling after an unexpected betrayal. Her whole life has fallen apart, and she doesn’t feel that she will ever amount to anything as an artist. She headed to Peppermint Hollow to retreat from life for a while and to help her friend with wedding plans. Maverick comes across as a grumpy cowboy, but he is really a very sweet, well-rounded person who starts coming out of his grumpiness due to time spent around Jetta. Of course, things don’t run smoothly all of the time, but the book is well written and kept my attention all the way through the ups and downs of this great story.
The Heart of Christmas Cheer is a charming, clean, heartwarming romance with a heart broken, guilt ridden woman and a grumpy cowboy. It is always a plus to return to Peppermint Hollow. I love this small town and the supporting characters. I really enjoyed how Maverick encouraged Jetta in her artistic endeavors. Of course, their road to an HEA was not a smooth one but, once again, Ms. Eliker manages to get everything sorted out perfectly. Once I started reading, I did not stop until I got to the end!
Dressing up for a special dinner,(expecting a proposal?), and instead, gets a betrayal by her boyfriend. Escaping the city to go to her best friend at Peppermint Hollow Ranch to regroup and unwind, Jetta gets a new job and revives her passion for painting. This is a delightful story full of deceit, disaster, grumpiness, love, a wedding, and Christmas cheer at the ranch. Also full of fun and wit. To quote the book: "the best Christmas ever!" Loved it! I received a copy of the book and I happily give this - my honest opinion.
The banter was so much fun in this sweet, small town romance as Jetta found herself back at Peppermint Hollow Ranch, after her boyfriend in New York City betrayed her. I enjoyed how she bumped into the grumpy cowboy, Maverick and there seemed to be sparks between them. It was fun watching their friends trying to get them together in their not so subtle ways. I was so glad Maverick helped Jetta find Christmas joy in her heart again. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
This book is worth the read for Maverick alone. He is a truly swoony character. He is a bit gruff but so very thoughtful, kind and an all around great guy. When Jetta comes to the ranch to get away from her past breakup and mistakes, it is just what she needs. Jetta and Maverick are thrown together at every turn. This is such a fun series. I am looking forward to Amelia's story.
I absolutely love Maverick and Jetta. Both are wonderful characters that will have you laughing and crying. Peppermint Hollow is someplace I want to live (or at least visit’. I really enjoyed reading this clean romance and I can’t wait for Amelia’s story. I received a fr33 copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Second chances after a miserable breakup — Jetta hides her artistic talents because her confidence is rocky, until she meets the sort of grumpy, sort of confirmed bachelor, Maverick, in Peppermint Hollow. The Heart of Christmas Cheer is another sweet Christmas romance by Rachael Eliker that you will be sure to love.
A sweet romance. A good read for one who enjoys: *lower angst *3rd act break up *endearing and thoughtful grand gesture *likeable characters *sweet, small town & close cast of characters I liked getting a glimpse into a different world I'm not used to. The writer writes to where I can picture the scenes.
Jetta goes to Peppermint Hollow after finding her now ex cheating. She’s heartbroken but also feels so unhandled depressed. But she meets Maverick and things start looking up as they become friends. With Christmas close Will the spirit bring them holiday cheer? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Jetta heads to Peppermint Hollow to nurse her metaphorical wounds. Mainly, her dumpster fire life. Maverick (for reals) is the grumpy so called love wolf. Charming read.