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Undeveloped Love: A Christmas Collection Novella

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She’s tried being polite. He’s digging in his heels. When complete opposites feel the tug of romance, will their holiday become a blizzard of delight?

Blake Fisher won’t let anyone destroy the life she’s built. So when a silver-spoon-in-his-mouth snob refuses to listen to her proposed deal, the hardworking real estate agent sneaks her way onto his land to demand a face-to-face meeting. But while she hits it off with his rambunctious trio of brothers, she’s determined not to yield an inch to her onetime crush… even after they share a bone-melting kiss.

Hudson Sharp’s roots run as deep as the town his family helped found. And his fierce respect for his inherited land means he won’t open its unique Christmas tree lot to the public, no matter how many times this gorgeous intruder trips him up. But when he realizes she’s the girl that got away years ago, he can’t ignore their magical connection.

Diving into the everyday workings of the ranch, Blake wonders how far she can trust the strong and respectful man she discovers under the cowboy’s gruff facade. And as Hudson tries to win their argument by learning everything about the self-made woman, each detail pushes him closer to tumbling head over heels.

Can they unwrap each other’s secrets and accept the gift of happily ever after?

Undeveloped Love is the endearing fifth book in the Green Hills romance series. If you like witty characters, clean chemistry, and holiday cheer, then you’ll adore Virginia’dele Smith’s cozy novella.

Buy Undeveloped Love for the jingle of wedding bells today!

168 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2023

115 people are currently reading
4542 people want to read

About the author

Virginia'dele Smith

11 books391 followers
Ashli Montgomery is a wife, a momma, and an author whose passion is sharing love stories, books, quilts, yoga, recipes, and all of her favorite things in life. She is quilting to mend the mind by spearheading and educating a community of friends who love quilts and quilting but hate Alzheimer’s disease through Quilt 2 End ALZ, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit she launched to use her quilting hobby as a platform to advocate for an end to Alzheimer's disease.

Ashli writes under the pen name Virginia’dele Smith to honor Syble Virginia Tidwell, Adele Gertrude Baylin, and Etta Jean Smith. These three cherished grandmothers were beautiful role models, teaching Ashli to love without judgment and to always put family first. Through Grandma Syble’s journals and appetite for books, through Momadele’s priceless cards and handwritten letters, and through many, many hours of visiting over fabric at Mema’s kitchen island, Ashli also learned to treasure words.

You are invited to join Ashli in Green Hills and learn more about Virginia’dele Smith by subscribing to Ashli’s newsletter, The Gazette, at AshliMontgomery.com.

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5 stars
153 (60%)
4 stars
63 (24%)
3 stars
24 (9%)
2 stars
11 (4%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
682 reviews86 followers
December 31, 2025
For a novella, this was absolutely wonderful! Wow, I loved this! This is an enemies to more romance, and I loved it.

Blake needs to wrap up one sale on a parcel of land, or her business may not stay afloat. When she meets Hudson, the owner of the land, and his triplet brothers, she gets a bit distracted from her plans. At first, Hudson and Blake are totally at odds. But the triplets are quickly won over by Blake, making her more present in their lives, and soon Hudson is trying to find a way to get her to stick around.

But Blake needs the sale, and she can’t get distracted...feelings or not. Can they find a balance that works for them both… perhaps a future neither saw coming?

I loved the back and forth, the unwrapping of their overlapping past, and the growing feelings for each other. I also liked the sneak peek into the possible spin off series! So wonderful, I can't wait. I have one more book to read in this series and then start making the food in the paired cookbook!

I gave this 4.5 rounded to a 5 star read!
Profile Image for Virginia'dele Smith.
Author 11 books391 followers
Read
July 28, 2025
Welcome to a Green Hills Christmas ~ filled with family, friends, and a fabulous winter festival. This enemies-to-forever, secret crush novella provides lots of wit and charm and a guaranteed happily ever after, and I can't wait to hear what you think of book 5 in my world of wholesome, cozy, small-town romance!
143 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2023
AWESOME!!!! This amazing author has another winner. The two main characters were on opposite ends of the spectrum economically. Hudson and Blake overcame quite a few obstacles to reach their HEA. True love does not depend on the amount of money in their bank. Their love story evokes a myriad of emotions and draws the reader into the story with them. Once I began the book I could not put it down until I finished it. Thank you for sharing your talent that God blessed you with. Your stories put a smile on my face and make me want to visit Green Hills Keep up the great writing!!
Profile Image for R. Hollis.
Author 21 books12 followers
November 3, 2023
More romance in green hills

Soon there will be no single people left in green hills! I enjoy how at least one minor character in each reappears as the main character in the next. This time, real estate agent Blake is up, and she can't stand the rich guy she's supposed to make a land deal with. Will they fall in love in time for the holidays? The journey is fun and anyway looking forward to the next one (which herelds the return of Bren, my personal fave)
Profile Image for Jan.
Author 14 books30 followers
November 8, 2023
Another great story in this series

Love a good enemies to more read. This whole series is so so good. A sweet romance that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Vida Sik.
Author 36 books87 followers
December 4, 2023
Love sparks to life as enemies grow into something more
Blake Fisher is a real estate agent who wants to sell a piece of land covered in Christmas trees to her new clients. But, it’s owned by the stubborn Hudson Sharp, dead set on preserving his family’s land from day-trippers. Cue a clash of wills! These two fiery characters stand their ground for what they believe in. All while trying to ignore the growing attraction between them. The tension grows as Hudson realizes Blake is the "one who got away" back in the day.

I admire both of them—they’re passionate about their families and careers. The triplets in the story play Cupid, and nudge Hudson and Blake closer together, which is pretty cute.

Now, I’m all for instant love, especially when there’s a history between the two people involved. But they go from meeting to kissing way too fast! I wanted to yell, “Hold up, you two, slow down a bit!” Plus, Hudson’s solution to their problem is jarring. And their relationship blows hot and cold too much to be convincing.

The story hits a speed bump when it dives into Blake’s quilting hobby and the role it plays in Hudson’s family history. I found it distracting, as it left little room for their relationship to blossom convincingly.

This novella is the fifth book in the Green Hills series. The fictional town feels real thanks to the author’s skillful touch. The way quilting threads through the series is lovely, too. But it detracts from the story in Undeveloped Love. The author missed an opportunity to unpack Blake and Hudson’s romance further.

If you adore sweet romances set in small towns and themes of family and friendship, then you’ll enjoy this series. You can read each book on its own. But it’s fun to see some of the previous characters make cameo appearances in each new installment.

I’ve devoured three books from the series already and loved them enough to buy my own copies. That says a lot about the author, who has become one of my favorites.
62 reviews
October 10, 2025
Mr. Webster, HELP

Steve’s wife says, “ I could not get to chapter two. The author incorrectly used allusion instead of illusion, sewing oats instead of sowing oats. And referenced full, green oak trees in the winter instead of evergreen trees. Just can’t read that.”
922 reviews31 followers
November 12, 2023
This is a sweet and delightful story of a spunky, smart, determined young woman, Blake Fisher, and an equally intelligent and resolute young man, Hudson Sharp. From the moment they meet, they butt heads. Blake is determined to get Hudson to agree to a real estate deal she’s trying to negotiate with a third party. He’s determined that there’s no way on earth that he’ll have anything to do with it. Add in Hudson’s three younger, triplet brothers, all cowboys to the core, and you get a story filled with fun, humor, and romance. This is the best kind of enemies-to-lovers kind of tale.

Blake moved to Green Hill, Oklahoma two years ago, to work for a big real estate firm. She’s since broken off to start her own company, but it hasn’t been easy going. She’s got a lead on a big deal, but only if she can convince the high-and-mighty Hudson Sharp to sell off a small piece of land. Only problem is that he won’t respond to her phone calls, emails, or texts. Dr. Hudson Sharp, PhD, had the family corporation dumped in his lap when his parents decided it was their time to live it up. They went out and bought a yacht, leaving the running of the 67,000 acre ranch and overseeing his younger brothers to Hudson. It’s more than just a cattle ranch, it’s also a horse farm, a goat dairy, and a section of Christmas trees planted by his Loony Aunt Juni in a most unorthodox manner.

Blake isn’t willing to take no for an answer, so she takes matters into her own hands. Can she and Hudson come to an agreement? Will they find that there’s more involved that just a piece of land and a new development? This is a delightful enemies-to-friends romance.

I absolutely loved this story. It’s the first that I’ve read in this series, but found that it worked perfectly as a standalone. If you enjoy humorous Christmas romances, this is likely a book that you, too, will enjoy. I recommend it.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Profile Image for TaniaRina.
1,589 reviews117 followers
November 5, 2023
Ignoring problems don’t make ’em go away
What do you get when you mix a local rancher man who reads Sun Tzu and Mario Puzo with a come-lately business woman who dresses for “Boot Scootin' Boogie”? Balance between forest conservation and commercial progress.

Regardless of whom you marry or where you live, ensure you have a community...

Fave line:
'Oh, Alice… Now I understand how you felt falling down the rabbit hole. Talk about a wonderland.'
May we all find our own version of a wonderland…and be the stewards it deserves.


This series continues with a revised title ‘Green Hills of Scotland’ – can’t wait to meet Isla, Ainslie, and Elspeth!
Profile Image for Dana .
254 reviews14 followers
November 7, 2023
Oh, Goodness! I Hope there's a Book Six!

Undeveloped Love by Virginia'dele Smith is book five in the Green Hills series. And I completely love it. Each book has been my favorite... until the next is published.

I can't say why I love this book, because, well, spoilers. If I describe any part I like, then I will be giving away a part of the story.

I identified most with Blake. I also am the daughter of a hard working single mom. I also always felt like I was on the outside looking in. And, my single mom gave me a first name that is often mistaken for a guys name.

Every time I read one of Virginia'dele Smith's books, I want to move to Green Hills and meet all these wonderful people.
821 reviews18 followers
November 13, 2023
Realtor, Blake, has been given a mandate from potential clients to purchase a sliver of land from wealthy rancher, Hudson and is firmly resolved to succeed in her quest. Hudson is equally determined to protect and hold on to the extensive land which has been in his family for generations.
Discovering a tenuous connection dating back to their teens, their relationship becomes more intense.
This new Green Hills novel re-introduces familiar characters who have befriended Blake; however, this does not interfere with the reader’s ability to enjoy this book.
I received a free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
5 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2025
I will say this is not in my comfort zone of reading. I’m a vegetarian, so any talk of animals threw me off. I will say it brought a new perspective on the rodeo. Bennie ensuring the calf wasn’t being hurt was nice because I was thinking the same thing. It was honestly a compatibility problem with the me and the theme. The writing itself painted the scene well and didn’t lack the detail or depth often seen in shorter books. I also love anyone who’s putting in effort to minimize the steam, but create a connection with characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,397 reviews16 followers
November 5, 2023
Virginia' dele Smith always writes a winner and this does not disappoint!! Hudson Sharp and his family own and run Twin Oak Ranch. Blake Fisher is a real estate agent, and wants to buy a tiny portion of their land for a client. Hudson doesn't remember that they met as teenagers, and never exchanged names. Does this play into the current story? Love the plot, beautiful setting, and strong intense amazing characters. This was beautifully written story!! I can't wait to read what's next from Virginia' dele Smith!!
275 reviews
December 14, 2025
I am giving this 2 stars for decent writing. It would have been far more enjoyable if it was better edited and the love story wasn't a super dated insta-love fantasy with a domineering love interest. If he forced her chin up one more time... And when he forced her down on his lap, yikes. These are red flags, not something to be viewed as sexy and desirable.

I am not the target audience for this book, so while I am leaving an honest review for this Goodreads giveaway, I think this will appeal to readers who like a more old fashioned love story, quilting, and some religion thrown in.
187 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2023
Blake is a tenacious, ambitious young business owner. In her capacity as a a real estate agent, she works hard to fulfill her clients' dreams. Until she runs into Hudson Sharp and his stubborn nature.

The interaction between the 2 is heartwarming to see as Blake wins over Hudson's siblings. A surprise revelation means he has to re-evaluate what he really wants from Blake. A sweet ending to an unexpected discovery.

Well written
Profile Image for Saundra Callender.
125 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2023
Another great book by Ms. Smith!

I loved this book! It might be my favorite in the series so far. But I have to say I really didn't like Blake much at the beginning. She was so pushy. And who wears spiked heels on a farm?!? But I grew to love both her and Hudson. They were so great together. And my favorite part was Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. All the fuzzy warms were there. I hope we get to find out more about their lives together in future books!
9,376 reviews140 followers
November 3, 2023
This is a well written Christmas novella with strong characters in Hudson and Blake. The author takes you into their lives with love and faith. She adds in a strong cast of secondary characters and moves the story fluidly with her descriptive scenes. I loved reading their story and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Amber.
324 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2023
What a sweet romance. I love the main characters Hudson and Blake. And I adore Hudson’s triplet brothers. Hudson and Blake come from two very different worlds. They definitely have a love hate relationship. I love their back story and just how they are drawn together and get to know each other. Even though there is only kidding in this book there was a little too much description of it for me. But I just kind of passed over those few scenes and enjoyed the rest of the story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,162 reviews32 followers
December 17, 2023
A fun and heartwarming read that had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Strong characters whom we learn about a little at a time. Multiple storylines that are woven together nicely.

A good flow to the story and I loved the Christmas feel and the slow simmering romance. A happily ever after in the offing with an unexpected twist at the end. I definitely hope to read more of this series.

A new to me author and I loved how she chose her pen name.
Profile Image for Marissa.
22 reviews
January 22, 2025
This is the first time I read a book by this author. It was a cute story and gave Hallmark movie vibes. Blake is a realtor looking to build her business into something successful. She is trying to convince Hudson to sell part of his family owned land to a business looking to expand in the town. Hudson telling the family history of the land along with his triplet brothers interacting with Blake and it made for a cute story.
2,874 reviews31 followers
October 8, 2025
“Undeveloped Love” by Virginia’dele Smith

-A charming enemies-to-lovers romance full of humor, heart, and small-town warmth. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Blake Fisher and Hudson Sharp clash over business but can’t ignore the sparks flying between them. Their journey proves love transcends wealth, pride, and stubbornness.

Sweet, funny, and heartfelt—this delightful story is a worthy addition to the Green Hills series.
881 reviews12 followers
November 19, 2023
I loved this short and sweet story! A wonderful book to read as the Christmas holidays approach…or anytime! A small town setting and delightful characters. I especially loved the triplets. An enjoyable story!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for D..
1,825 reviews
February 7, 2025
I loved this story of Blake and Hudson. It is so fun to watch them learn that they knew each other from year's ago. They are at odds with each other and their story to romance is beautiful. I enjoyed this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Havana.
134 reviews
July 16, 2025
I ended up dnf this one at 77% after skimming quite a few chapters. I really wanted to get into this one but it got kinda confusing to me their relationship with the work aspect and whatnot. Then the random marriage proposal seemed out of pocket. It wasn’t for me unfortunately but I would still be open to reading a different one from the author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
12.7k reviews189 followers
November 5, 2023
An amazing holiday story for always. Blake is trying to do her job but can’t seem to get anywhere with stubborn headed Blake. Will they finally agree and perhaps even a romance come out of it. Didn’t disappoint.
316 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2023
Unconditional love

What a great story of a love that developed and lasted through years of being apart. People aren't always like we picture them to be. When you look past your preconceived ideas, you may learn something. Well written and enjoyable.
33 reviews
October 18, 2025
I enjoyed this story

This book is a great Christmas story one of my favorite things to read I love Christmas and your characters were memorable I enjoyed each one I will read more of your books
Profile Image for Liz.
632 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2025
I so wish this was a fully developed novel rather than a novella. There was so much potential here but it needed to be drawn out to be more believable. I just couldn’t buy how fast they fell in love.
1 review1 follower
November 4, 2023
Amazing read!!

This book kept me captivated from beginning to end! It had a fresh story line that felt genuine and entertaining.
Loved it ! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
November 20, 2023
Heardheads!

The haves vs the have not runs as a thread through this story! if romantic relationship proves that she's going isn't required to make this refreshing for reader!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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