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Bells Pass #7
Candy Canes & Caroling
Hazel
28
Tall, red hair, and curvy
Favorite Candy Canes
Single, but has her eye on a certain social worker in town
Irving
28
Dark and handsome, accessorizing with a hip-hugging wheelchair and a furry German Shepherd
Favorite Sweet Potato Nachos
Happily single
Irving Wallace is a bit of a Grinch, a Scrooge if you will. He’s too busy opening the Bells Pass Housing Project to worry about caroling and Christmas trees. Enter Hazel Cane. Intrigued by her new colleague, she makes it her mission to help his heart grow this holiday season. With a candy cane on her lips and a song in her heart, she gets some unexpected help from an infamous diner, an angel in disguise, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit. Can Hazel convince this Grinch that Christmas can mean a whole lot more?
Hero is a paraplegic with a service dog
28
Tall, red hair, and curvy
Favorite Candy Canes
Single, but has her eye on a certain social worker in town
Irving
28
Dark and handsome, accessorizing with a hip-hugging wheelchair and a furry German Shepherd
Favorite Sweet Potato Nachos
Happily single
Irving Wallace is a bit of a Grinch, a Scrooge if you will. He’s too busy opening the Bells Pass Housing Project to worry about caroling and Christmas trees. Enter Hazel Cane. Intrigued by her new colleague, she makes it her mission to help his heart grow this holiday season. With a candy cane on her lips and a song in her heart, she gets some unexpected help from an infamous diner, an angel in disguise, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit. Can Hazel convince this Grinch that Christmas can mean a whole lot more?
Hero is a paraplegic with a service dog
275 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2023
173 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Katie Mettner
108 books1,666 followersKatie Mettner wears the title of 'the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill' and loves decorating her prosthetic leg to fit the season. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and spends the day writing romantic stories with her sweet puppy by her side. Katie has an addiction to coffee and dachshunds and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.
Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
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Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 19, 2023
DNF. Tried several times but just couldn’t keep my attention in the way it was written and characters.
September 27, 2023
I always learning something when reading one of Katie’s books. I really loved this story and how she incorporated service dog training into this story.
Irving is a bit grumpy but under his grumpy exterior is a wonderful, caring man. He hides his feelings and pains from others because he doesn’t want to be an inconvenience. Irving is frustrated with the lack of accessibility around town and is on a mission to help others understand.
Hazel is starting her new job as a social worker and meets Irving. She’s committed to providing affordable housing for those that need it. She faces many challenges along the way but is strong in her commitment. I loved her growth through the book and how she stands up for herself and what she believes in.
Irving and Hazel’s relationship started as friends and then bloomed into a wonderful romance. They both have burdens that they need to work through and with each others help, care and love they realize how good they are together.
Another wonderful story that takes place in Belle’s Pass - filled with love, amazing characters and beautiful scenery.
Irving is a bit grumpy but under his grumpy exterior is a wonderful, caring man. He hides his feelings and pains from others because he doesn’t want to be an inconvenience. Irving is frustrated with the lack of accessibility around town and is on a mission to help others understand.
Hazel is starting her new job as a social worker and meets Irving. She’s committed to providing affordable housing for those that need it. She faces many challenges along the way but is strong in her commitment. I loved her growth through the book and how she stands up for herself and what she believes in.
Irving and Hazel’s relationship started as friends and then bloomed into a wonderful romance. They both have burdens that they need to work through and with each others help, care and love they realize how good they are together.
Another wonderful story that takes place in Belle’s Pass - filled with love, amazing characters and beautiful scenery.
December 1, 2025
I loved that this story featured a disabled hero in a wheelchair – and that the author didn’t shy away from intimate scenes between the H/H. Irving at first came across as being well adjusted, but as the story develops, the reader realizes how much he’s held back and guarded his heart. Hazel is new in Belles Pass, hired to help Irving open the New Beginnings housing center. She is instantly accepted by Irving, his dog Star, and the townspeople. But she has a secret that was quite confusing at first… a secret that eventually leads to the climax of the story. (Honestly, that part of the story was a little under-developed and rushed.) I will admit that the story moved a little too slowly for my tastes (too much unnecessary detail) and felt a little preachy in places. Also, there were a LOT of characters to keep track of and though I applaud the teamwork, everyone was just too perfect (I prefer characters with flaws). But Irving and Hazel’s HEA was very satisfying. I especially liked Dawson, the eloquent homeless military veteran who unknowingly convinced the city council holdout to opening the housing.
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November 21, 2025FREE today (November 19, 2025) on Amazon.
October 23, 2023
This is the first book in the series I have read, i have book 1 ready to read. I loved this story. Strong characters, inspiring story that will leave you feeling good. I love how this author writes the big things about what people with disabilities live with that we take for granted with out thinking about it. I honestly learned so much by reading this book! Thank you Katie Mettner!
September 16, 2023
This is such a cute and nice story. I identified a lot with it because I was a psychologist working with homeless and low income people and I understood the struggles. Irwing and Hazel are adorable together. They don’t realize how together they are from the begging. Bell Pass is a wonderful place and they community spirit is great too!!!! Katie’s ability to show us pieces of life for people with all types of disabilities is amazing!!! Thank you for the copy. I loved it!!!
October 1, 2023
Loved this book. The author teaches you about different handicaps as she weaves the story that keeps you glued to the page.
October 3, 2023
Hazel has been hired as a social worker at the Bells Pass New Beginnings housing project, a low-income housing facility where Irving is already working as the director of housing. Irving relies on a wheelchair and has a service dog named Star. Hazel has issues, one of them a life-threatening secret that she is unable to reveal to anyone. Their first meeting is rather traumatic, and leads to friendship. As they work together to overcome obstacles so they can open New Beginnings, they realize that their relationship is becoming more than that of just colleagues.
The citizens of Bells Pass are wonderfully welcoming and inclusive, and I enjoyed reading how thoughtful and caring all of the characters were, especially in their eagerness to volunteer. One thing the story highlighted was the lack of accessibility throughout the town, and how frustrating it was for Irving. While people were very welcoming to him personally, they overlooked how difficult it was for him to get around, especially in older buildings that were not designed to be ADA compliant. This story included some of the physical challenges and how they could be addressed by the addition of easily available and relatively inexpensive equipment.
Another thing that I really appreciated was the storyline regarding housing insecurity, especially for military veterans, and veterans with disabilities. I think it’s a shame how often our veterans have been overlooked and left to fend for themselves once they leave the service, particularly regarding lack of jobs, affordable housing, and medical care. I liked that the town was making it a priority to address those concerns.
The author addresses a lot of Irving’s mental and physical concerns in a frank manner, detailing his worries about how someone might view his lower limbs, his sexual needs and what he needs to do in order to perform sexually, his view that no-one will ever be able to truly love him. Hazel is so wonderful in making Irving feel loved. She doesn’t push him into anything, she leads by showing him her love, and the matter-of-fact way she treats his disability as part of him and not as a problem is so touching. I really liked her!
I received an ARC copy of this book, but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
The citizens of Bells Pass are wonderfully welcoming and inclusive, and I enjoyed reading how thoughtful and caring all of the characters were, especially in their eagerness to volunteer. One thing the story highlighted was the lack of accessibility throughout the town, and how frustrating it was for Irving. While people were very welcoming to him personally, they overlooked how difficult it was for him to get around, especially in older buildings that were not designed to be ADA compliant. This story included some of the physical challenges and how they could be addressed by the addition of easily available and relatively inexpensive equipment.
Another thing that I really appreciated was the storyline regarding housing insecurity, especially for military veterans, and veterans with disabilities. I think it’s a shame how often our veterans have been overlooked and left to fend for themselves once they leave the service, particularly regarding lack of jobs, affordable housing, and medical care. I liked that the town was making it a priority to address those concerns.
The author addresses a lot of Irving’s mental and physical concerns in a frank manner, detailing his worries about how someone might view his lower limbs, his sexual needs and what he needs to do in order to perform sexually, his view that no-one will ever be able to truly love him. Hazel is so wonderful in making Irving feel loved. She doesn’t push him into anything, she leads by showing him her love, and the matter-of-fact way she treats his disability as part of him and not as a problem is so touching. I really liked her!
I received an ARC copy of this book, but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 14, 2023
“Where there is love, there is hope and joy.”
The story of Hazel and Irving started out a little dry, but the sub plot of Hazel’s status as a protected witness hiding out was enough to pique my interest and keep this one off the DNF list. I’m glad I kept reading because the story picked up and was quite sweet. I feel like contemporary romance novels that aren’t romantic comedies and aren’t considered dark or taboo (monster fantasy, mafia, et.al) should have an additional rating: the Hallmark. If this were true, I would rate as follows: 4⭐️, 1/2 🔥, and 5🥰. Yeah, this would make a great Hallmark movie.
As a person with a physical disability, I was pleased to see inclusion talked about, and that the MMC was a paraplegic. Bells Pass, Michigan and its residents aren’t real, but I wish they were so I could live there. That being said, at times the love story of Hazel and Irving felt more like a treatise on the correct way to include those who are disabled into your world than on the growing love between the FMC and the MMC.
In the end, though, overall the story was there and I was invested in these two. When the author threw in a little surprise twist to resolve the sub plot, I was surprised. I was expecting it to resolve differently, more formulaic, so the twist was a refreshing plot point. In the end, everything was tied up, wrapped in pretty paper, with a shiny bow, and placed under the Christmas tree.
As stated above, 4 ⭐️. There were a couple of short scenes high included more than kissing, but even though they were detailed around the logistics of sex with a paraplegic, they were not overly explicit or dirty. If they were still alive, I know both my mother and my granny would’ve enjoyed reading this, and I would have no qualms about recommending it. 1/2 🔥
Just a note, I didn’t find out until the end; this is the 6th book in a series, all set in Bells Pass around Christmas. The other novels apparently provide backstory to folks I met reading this one, so as time permits, I’ll be reading them. If you decide to read this series, I do suggest staring with the first book. Ideally that’s the best way to consume a series after all.
The story of Hazel and Irving started out a little dry, but the sub plot of Hazel’s status as a protected witness hiding out was enough to pique my interest and keep this one off the DNF list. I’m glad I kept reading because the story picked up and was quite sweet. I feel like contemporary romance novels that aren’t romantic comedies and aren’t considered dark or taboo (monster fantasy, mafia, et.al) should have an additional rating: the Hallmark. If this were true, I would rate as follows: 4⭐️, 1/2 🔥, and 5🥰. Yeah, this would make a great Hallmark movie.
As a person with a physical disability, I was pleased to see inclusion talked about, and that the MMC was a paraplegic. Bells Pass, Michigan and its residents aren’t real, but I wish they were so I could live there. That being said, at times the love story of Hazel and Irving felt more like a treatise on the correct way to include those who are disabled into your world than on the growing love between the FMC and the MMC.
In the end, though, overall the story was there and I was invested in these two. When the author threw in a little surprise twist to resolve the sub plot, I was surprised. I was expecting it to resolve differently, more formulaic, so the twist was a refreshing plot point. In the end, everything was tied up, wrapped in pretty paper, with a shiny bow, and placed under the Christmas tree.
As stated above, 4 ⭐️. There were a couple of short scenes high included more than kissing, but even though they were detailed around the logistics of sex with a paraplegic, they were not overly explicit or dirty. If they were still alive, I know both my mother and my granny would’ve enjoyed reading this, and I would have no qualms about recommending it. 1/2 🔥
Just a note, I didn’t find out until the end; this is the 6th book in a series, all set in Bells Pass around Christmas. The other novels apparently provide backstory to folks I met reading this one, so as time permits, I’ll be reading them. If you decide to read this series, I do suggest staring with the first book. Ideally that’s the best way to consume a series after all.
November 22, 2025
This book opens with Irving Wallace, who is wheelchair-bound since the age of three, at the park with his service dog, Star, playing fetch. When Star doesn't return automatically or on command Irving starts to become worried. Especially since he had taken his service vest off to give Star a rest, so, no one would know he was a dog who was a service dog. But when Ivy sees Irving at the park she is so happy to see him but can’t help but notice his shadow is nowhere around and asks about Star. "It seems I’ve lost Star," he said with frustration.
"We were playing fetch, and he didn't return after the last throw. He's never run off before. I'm nervous there's something wrong." Ivy waved over Gabe to get some help. Gabe the sheriff/EMT comes by with extra help for the event and sees Irving looking out of sorts he knows something's not right. He gets the 411 and the instructions on handle the situation if they do find Star. Certain words and commands need to be given for neither the dog nor the volunteer gets hurt. It turns out to be Irving himself who finds Star.
She was in the parking lot with Hazel Cane, the social worker for New Beginnings. The way Star was protecting her and seeing her hand broken the way it was, her knocked out and vulnerable, and she was beautiful. He wanted to ride in the ambulance with her, that’s how powerful the feeling to protect her was. However, Gabe said it was best that he go tell the mayor instead when the ambulance's red lights shone he followed them. Although, when he arrived at the hospital he got push-back because he wasn’t family.
However, she was in a place or condition to care for herself or call anyone herself, and he was her new boss. Hazel was anxious when she woke up because she had no idea what had happened to her. She had no idea where she was, and she yelled for help the best she could. The nurse calmed her, and she was allowed to leave it was Irving who was there for her and so was the community of Bells Pass. However, she’s got a secret even bigger than the mystery as to how she got injured.
"We were playing fetch, and he didn't return after the last throw. He's never run off before. I'm nervous there's something wrong." Ivy waved over Gabe to get some help. Gabe the sheriff/EMT comes by with extra help for the event and sees Irving looking out of sorts he knows something's not right. He gets the 411 and the instructions on handle the situation if they do find Star. Certain words and commands need to be given for neither the dog nor the volunteer gets hurt. It turns out to be Irving himself who finds Star.
She was in the parking lot with Hazel Cane, the social worker for New Beginnings. The way Star was protecting her and seeing her hand broken the way it was, her knocked out and vulnerable, and she was beautiful. He wanted to ride in the ambulance with her, that’s how powerful the feeling to protect her was. However, Gabe said it was best that he go tell the mayor instead when the ambulance's red lights shone he followed them. Although, when he arrived at the hospital he got push-back because he wasn’t family.
However, she was in a place or condition to care for herself or call anyone herself, and he was her new boss. Hazel was anxious when she woke up because she had no idea what had happened to her. She had no idea where she was, and she yelled for help the best she could. The nurse calmed her, and she was allowed to leave it was Irving who was there for her and so was the community of Bells Pass. However, she’s got a secret even bigger than the mystery as to how she got injured.
October 31, 2023
We are back in Bells Pass with this newest book. Irving is a grump of sorts, but you quickly realize that some of his grumpiness is a coverup for his feelings of worrying that he will cause problems for those around him. He does not want to hinder anyone else by asking for assistance. There are also issues with being able to maneuver around town, and he wants to remedy this problem, as he understands this frustration first hand. So, I saw a man who may have come across as a grump, but was actually just man who was frustrated with a heart of gold. I also love his dog. This is always a plus for me. I am completely fascinated by how well-trained service dogs are for those that need them.
Hazel Cane is a social worker who will be working with Irving on the Bells Pass Housing Project. She has decided that she will try to help him with his Christmas spirit. Hazel has a secret that has caused upheaval in her life as well. It is a different kind of issue than what Irving is experiencing, but she loves to take care of others.
This was a charming romance of two people who had some obstacles to overcome, but their tenacity is heroic in making the best of everything. I also applaud their efforts of being a part of providing homes for those less fortunate. I always love a romance with a Christmas setting. It just makes it a little more special. Katie Mettner personally understands physical challenges, and she always makes me think about things that I really take for granted having two good legs. She handles this with grace in her writing. I loved both of these characters as they were both selfless. They were more alike than they realized. Katie Mettner will always pull on your heart strings with her stories, and make you stop and think.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hazel Cane is a social worker who will be working with Irving on the Bells Pass Housing Project. She has decided that she will try to help him with his Christmas spirit. Hazel has a secret that has caused upheaval in her life as well. It is a different kind of issue than what Irving is experiencing, but she loves to take care of others.
This was a charming romance of two people who had some obstacles to overcome, but their tenacity is heroic in making the best of everything. I also applaud their efforts of being a part of providing homes for those less fortunate. I always love a romance with a Christmas setting. It just makes it a little more special. Katie Mettner personally understands physical challenges, and she always makes me think about things that I really take for granted having two good legs. She handles this with grace in her writing. I loved both of these characters as they were both selfless. They were more alike than they realized. Katie Mettner will always pull on your heart strings with her stories, and make you stop and think.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2023
Another great book by Katie Mettner!
Irving is a single man living in Bells Pass trying to get the New Beginnings project in gear. He had something bad happen to him in his childhood that left him in a wheelchair relying on his his trusty dog Star. That doesn’t keep him from doing everything he loves though. Wait til you find out what happened to him. It broke my heart when I found out. He never has had a woman who he truly connected with. When Hazel Cane comes to town will that change?
Hazel Cane has come to Bells Pass to help with the New Beginnings project as a Social Worker. What secrets is she bringing with her? Can they put others in trouble also.
Star is always with Irving, but one day he has wandered off and finds Hazel lying in the grass. Star never leaves Irving’s side and this sends a manhunt for the dog. Irving realizes, once he finds Star, this is the Social Worker who was sent to help him at New Beginnings. Is this a sign of new beginnings for Irving? Their connection is instant. They get along so well. As time goes on they connect more and more. Will Irving realize that maybe Hazel is the women for him who won’t judge him, and love him for him? Will Hazel show Irving that there is someone out there for everyone and that he can be loved no matter what he has gone through in life?
This book is a page turner, must read, and so heartfelt that you won’t want to put it down!
Irving is a single man living in Bells Pass trying to get the New Beginnings project in gear. He had something bad happen to him in his childhood that left him in a wheelchair relying on his his trusty dog Star. That doesn’t keep him from doing everything he loves though. Wait til you find out what happened to him. It broke my heart when I found out. He never has had a woman who he truly connected with. When Hazel Cane comes to town will that change?
Hazel Cane has come to Bells Pass to help with the New Beginnings project as a Social Worker. What secrets is she bringing with her? Can they put others in trouble also.
Star is always with Irving, but one day he has wandered off and finds Hazel lying in the grass. Star never leaves Irving’s side and this sends a manhunt for the dog. Irving realizes, once he finds Star, this is the Social Worker who was sent to help him at New Beginnings. Is this a sign of new beginnings for Irving? Their connection is instant. They get along so well. As time goes on they connect more and more. Will Irving realize that maybe Hazel is the women for him who won’t judge him, and love him for him? Will Hazel show Irving that there is someone out there for everyone and that he can be loved no matter what he has gone through in life?
This book is a page turner, must read, and so heartfelt that you won’t want to put it down!
September 11, 2023
Loved returning to Bells Pass and was excited to receive an ARC for this one: I was looking forward to Irving's story after meeting him and Star in last year's Gumdrops and Garland (Lance and Indigo). I was not disappointed. It was easy to walk back into Bells Pass with familiar characters and places, now a year later (although this can easily be read as a stand-alone). Hazel's new in town; Irving's been there a year; they work together in opening an affordable housing facility called New Beginnings. It's a sweet story as Hazel and Irving get to know each other, and a bit of mystery because Hazel has a burner phone and someone named 'Cliff' who calls her on it, and Irving's sense when he first saw Hazel was 'protect'. I love Hazel and Irving together and also who they are individually; both solid, strong, sensitive, beautiful characters. Another thing I always appreciate in this series (and other books by Katie Mettner) is the innovative business models featured in them. There's also a community spirit that's interconnected, leaves a good-feeling vibe, and even sparks a new idea or two. I have a feeling about Dawson, also, and wondering if there's another story coming.
October 23, 2023
In Candy Canes and Caroling, Katie Mettner constructs a delightful Christmas narrative set in the charming locale of Bells Pass, weaving together themes of love, community spirit, and the magic of the holiday season. Mettner navigates the intricacies of life for people with disabilities with grace, educating her readers while keeping the storyline organic and engaging. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story and learning about what it's like for someone using a wheelchair. The representation is heartfelt and respectful, illustrating that love and emotional connections transcend physical limitations. Candy Canes and Caroling is more than a festive read; it's a narrative that resonates on a deeper emotional level, reminding readers of the true meaning of Christmas (and how we should treat people all the time). With its endearing characters, spirited setting, and a resonant message of hope and transformation, Katie Mettner's novel deserves a spot on your holiday reading list!
November 26, 2023
This was my most anticipated book of the holiday season. It absolutely lived up to the hype! I loved it so so much. I was so thrilled to be back in Bells Pass and get to see a new couple find love. As with all the books in the series it’s packed with so much heart and soul and meaningful moments that will fill your heart with joy. Irving and Hazel’s journey to love is so beautiful and I loved seeing their friendship turn into something more. I had chills so many times. Irving’s story is so powerful and the way he overcomes adversity is so inspiring. Katie has such a way with words and really helps give the reader insight into what day to day life might look like for someone with a disability. It was so heartwarming to see the Bells Pass community come together to make the town more accessible. I could go on and on about how much I love this series!
Thank you so much Katie for the gifted copy!
Thank you so much Katie for the gifted copy!
November 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. Irving can be grumpy, but cares a lot. Hazel is starting her new job as a social worker and meets Irving. She truly loves her job and wants affordable housing for those that need it. However, there is more to her story she is keeping from everyone, making it hard to truly get close to people in the town. Hazel and Irving started as friends and realized they wanted more. Once again Bells Pass community spirit is a big part of the story. This story is so amazing you have to read it to see how everything all unfolds. There were so many moments I loved in this book, but Irving setting up caroling for Hazel, I just loved it. I highly recommend you read this story. It is very well written and will keep you reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 30, 2023
I loved this book for many reasons, one being how the author shed light on those who have a special ability or as some may say a disability. There are people amount us that have a natural ability to look at others with a special ability and see the person. In this story you will meet Hazel who is one of those people, you will also meet Irving who rolls through this life helping others but has a hard time helping himself.
I have a personal history with this storyline and have never read a book that reminded me of that history as this book did. I hope while reading this book you all can gain insightful knowledge of walking that path with someone who has a disability.
In the end of this wonderful book I was using many tissues and I think you all will too. Christmas will never look the same and you will want a candy cane for sure. Happy reading
I have a personal history with this storyline and have never read a book that reminded me of that history as this book did. I hope while reading this book you all can gain insightful knowledge of walking that path with someone who has a disability.
In the end of this wonderful book I was using many tissues and I think you all will too. Christmas will never look the same and you will want a candy cane for sure. Happy reading
October 25, 2023
Katie nailed this inspirational holiday story! This is my new favorite in the Bells Pass series. Irving (the misunderstood grinch) and Hazel's (lover of all things Christmas) love story demonstrates how two people can overcome whatever obstacles life throws their way. Katie did a wonderful job of highlighting how this community comes together working to accommodate all of its members. Bells Pass at Christmas is absolutely the perfect place to have hope, fall in love, and find joy! Another holiday must-read for sure!
October 31, 2023
This Christmas time story has all the feel goods as Irving and Hazel's work relationship develops into so much more. There are plenty of challenges faced by anyone in a wheelchair and at times, this wears down on Irving's character. But Hazel is a breath of fresh air who helps not only keep his spirits up but also helps show him that other's providing help isn't charity but rather kindness from friends. And as the story progresses, his friends help to bring about change in the small town to make it more accessible.
December 20, 2023
Candy Canes and Caroling
This was an inspiring Christmas read, it could be read anytime but it was a gift to me. It enlightened my conception of disabilities, we all had placed on ourselves. Some conditions have been from birth, accident, or inflicted physically or mentally. My new found awareness has made me an advocate for accessibilities, and recognition of needed services. I never realized how much the same our needs and wants are. I highly recommend this book not only for it's insight on disabilities but also a poignant love story. My heart was bursting.
This was an inspiring Christmas read, it could be read anytime but it was a gift to me. It enlightened my conception of disabilities, we all had placed on ourselves. Some conditions have been from birth, accident, or inflicted physically or mentally. My new found awareness has made me an advocate for accessibilities, and recognition of needed services. I never realized how much the same our needs and wants are. I highly recommend this book not only for it's insight on disabilities but also a poignant love story. My heart was bursting.
December 24, 2023
Hazel and Irving are coworkers in the Michigan town of Bells Pass. Irving is a paraplegic using a service dog. While the romance is foremost in the story, the book is an eye opener on what people with disabilities encounter in everyday life, especially during the winter season. Even though this is book 7 of the Bells Pass series, it can be read as a standalone. The story is a sweet romance in a small town where the locals come together to support each other. It's well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
May 10, 2024
I loved it
Mettner doesn't write a single book I've not loved completely. This book is no different. Many times, I wished I lived in Bells Pass. People are real with human emotions and feelings. People are real whether they use a wheelchair or not. People learn a lot about what to do to make it easier for those who must use adaptive equipment to navigate around town or in their own minds. That said, falling in love happens, so do misunderstandings. I do love a good happily ever after ending
Mettner doesn't write a single book I've not loved completely. This book is no different. Many times, I wished I lived in Bells Pass. People are real with human emotions and feelings. People are real whether they use a wheelchair or not. People learn a lot about what to do to make it easier for those who must use adaptive equipment to navigate around town or in their own minds. That said, falling in love happens, so do misunderstandings. I do love a good happily ever after ending
December 4, 2024
Another installment to the Bells Pass series! This was Book 7 and although an easy standalone I recommend all of them, Hazel and Irving's story follows them as they move from colleagues, to friends, to lovers. Irving has been in town for a year and lives with his service dog Star. He is a paraplegic and working to set up badly needed housing in Bells Falls. Hazel is hired as a social worker to round out the team. She has a secret she has to keep from everyone to ensure safety. Fantastic characters, setting, and message.
December 26, 2025
If this book hadn't had the descriptive sex scenes, I would have given it 5 stars. While I understand that the author was showing that disabled people are just like everyone else, it could have been done as a closed-door scene and skipped the details and still had the same effect. I realize that my opinions differ from many people, but I am disappointed when I am surprised when I come across soft porn in a book that has good characters and a good story and doesn't need the sex to make people want to read it.
September 12, 2023
This is book 7 of series. I haven't read any other others. So, I didn't know the back story on some of the characters. Despite that, I still really enjoyed this story! It can be read as a stand alone. Loved Iwin and Hazel's story. I love how Katie Mettner, makes you think about the world from the perspective of a handicapped person. It gave me a great perspective! Definitely want to read the others that come before and after this book.
November 8, 2023
Oh my goodness, what a great book
I've enjoyed his series so much. The love story between Irving and Hazel (along with Star) was beautiful. It hit the difficulties people, who need assistance, go through on a daily basis. Difficulties working with town councils. How close knit the townspeople are and how they work together. I really enjoy learning about everyone in this town. Written by Cindy :)
I've enjoyed his series so much. The love story between Irving and Hazel (along with Star) was beautiful. It hit the difficulties people, who need assistance, go through on a daily basis. Difficulties working with town councils. How close knit the townspeople are and how they work together. I really enjoy learning about everyone in this town. Written by Cindy :)
November 9, 2023
Another installment to the Bells Pass series! I loved this grumpy/sunshine book! Hazel has a secret that she can't disclose but she shows her heart and soul. Irving has been hurt so much and is afraid to show his heart and soul. There is a lot of back and forth before they realize what they want. Then someone tries to wreck it all! I love all these wonderful characters and the whole town is amazing! I wonder if there truly is a place like this out there?
Definitely a must read!
Definitely a must read!
November 21, 2025
This was a sweet and inspiring Christmas read. It certainly made me more aware of aspects of disabilities I didn’t know before.
I loved how the romance flowed naturally and wasn’t forced.
The whole community bonded and it was heartwarming.
I hidden aspect brought danger ( no spoilers) but I didn’t particularly think it was dramatic enough, I thought it would be just more…
Saying that I would highly recommend this book both for its insight on disabilities annd for being a lovely romance.
I loved how the romance flowed naturally and wasn’t forced.
The whole community bonded and it was heartwarming.
I hidden aspect brought danger ( no spoilers) but I didn’t particularly think it was dramatic enough, I thought it would be just more…
Saying that I would highly recommend this book both for its insight on disabilities annd for being a lovely romance.
December 17, 2023
This story was full of fun, friendship and caring. There's also a beautiful romance in the making and some mystery. The author always writes books with heart and soul. Throughout the pages, the reader learns more about the world those with disabilities face, including acceptance, accessibility and medical issues.
December 4, 2024
I loved it
I loved the entire series!!! Each book touched a nerve and I could empathise with the characters. I just wish life could imitate art and there was a place like this. That love could conquer all and a community could truly come together. It takes a village has never been truer than with this fine group of people
I loved the entire series!!! Each book touched a nerve and I could empathise with the characters. I just wish life could imitate art and there was a place like this. That love could conquer all and a community could truly come together. It takes a village has never been truer than with this fine group of people
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