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Christmas at Valentine Inn
With a name like Isabelle Valentine, one would think I was destined to find true love and believe in the ridiculous notion of soul mates. Don’t get me wrong: I’m all about love. I even own an inn with my sister where each room is named after our favorite romantic couples. But soul mates? It seems highly implausible there is that one person, your person, meant only for you. My sister, of course, would tell me I’m dead wrong and that the very inn we own calls to such lovers. So, what if she did find her own unlikely happily ever after here with one of the most famous men alive? That doesn’t mean I’m meant for such a destiny.
But what happens when the implausible happens? When a man I thought I would never see again walks into my inn. The man who twenty years ago administered the kiss of all kisses. The kind of kiss that whispered to my soul and told me things I wasn’t ready to hear. But this time Dr. Patrick Abbott isn’t alone—he comes with two beautiful kids and the memory of his dead wife, who seems to haunt all their lives. So much so, Patrick would just as soon skip Christmas. At least that’s his plan until he finds himself playing hero trying to help me save my sister’s secret Christmas Eve wedding. By hero, I mean pretending it’s our wedding. Yep, you heard that right. Now we find ourselves having to act as if we are the jolliest couple around, making the season bright. But somehow the pretend feels all too real. Perhaps in all the chaos, there is room for my own Christmas dreams to come true. Maybe, just maybe, I was wrong about soul mates? Either way, I’m hanging up more mistletoe. Because hello, the man can kiss.
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents a swoony, laugh-out-loud story full of holiday magic and charm.
But what happens when the implausible happens? When a man I thought I would never see again walks into my inn. The man who twenty years ago administered the kiss of all kisses. The kind of kiss that whispered to my soul and told me things I wasn’t ready to hear. But this time Dr. Patrick Abbott isn’t alone—he comes with two beautiful kids and the memory of his dead wife, who seems to haunt all their lives. So much so, Patrick would just as soon skip Christmas. At least that’s his plan until he finds himself playing hero trying to help me save my sister’s secret Christmas Eve wedding. By hero, I mean pretending it’s our wedding. Yep, you heard that right. Now we find ourselves having to act as if we are the jolliest couple around, making the season bright. But somehow the pretend feels all too real. Perhaps in all the chaos, there is room for my own Christmas dreams to come true. Maybe, just maybe, I was wrong about soul mates? Either way, I’m hanging up more mistletoe. Because hello, the man can kiss.
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Peel presents a swoony, laugh-out-loud story full of holiday magic and charm.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2022
263 people are currently reading
1478 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
63 books1,362 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
October 25, 2022
It's here, it's here, it's here! I've been waiting to read this book, desperate to get Izzy's story. And it was amazing!! If ever two hearts deserve a second chance at first love, it's Patrick and Izzy's. Family oriented, mature and SEXY. My heart was ALL IN for the magic of these two. And it was. Magic.
I loved the backstory that was weaved into the current story so all the pieces came together seamlessly. It was so satisfying to see Izzy step into a mothering role, reaching out to Patrick's traumatized children with love and patience. She was such a good balance of fun, emotionally intelligent and sexy. I loved all her sides.
Patrick. Once he loosened up, boy was it full steam ahead! I loved all the swoony moments between him and Izzy. Yeah, the kissing, but the words too. It was a more mature love between Izzy and Patrick and I was all in for it. And don't even get me started on the ending. Oh my stars. It was beautiful. My heart expanded at least ten times normal. Sigh. I adore happy, happy, happily ever after endings.
Fake engagements, second chance at first love, and Christmas magic. It's the perfect book to pick up right now. One of my favorite Christmas love stories ever.
The first book, The Valentine Inn, is available on KU if you have that. You don't HAVE to read it first but you will definitely be happier if you do.
Content: some innuendo, kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the backstory that was weaved into the current story so all the pieces came together seamlessly. It was so satisfying to see Izzy step into a mothering role, reaching out to Patrick's traumatized children with love and patience. She was such a good balance of fun, emotionally intelligent and sexy. I loved all her sides.
Patrick. Once he loosened up, boy was it full steam ahead! I loved all the swoony moments between him and Izzy. Yeah, the kissing, but the words too. It was a more mature love between Izzy and Patrick and I was all in for it. And don't even get me started on the ending. Oh my stars. It was beautiful. My heart expanded at least ten times normal. Sigh. I adore happy, happy, happily ever after endings.
Fake engagements, second chance at first love, and Christmas magic. It's the perfect book to pick up right now. One of my favorite Christmas love stories ever.
The first book, The Valentine Inn, is available on KU if you have that. You don't HAVE to read it first but you will definitely be happier if you do.
Content: some innuendo, kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 5, 2023
Happy sigh!!! If you're looking for a Christmas read that's full of heart, magic, laughter, healing, family, friendship, happily ever afters (yes I meant to imply multiple), pure joy, fully charged chemistry, holiday goodness, and oh so much more, grab this one and become immersed in it all!!!
Izzy is such a spunky character! I loved her and all her sides that were shown in the first book, The Valentine Inn, but adored her even more in this one as her vulnerable sides and mothering side came out full force. If you haven't read the first book, I highly recommend it, but you can read this one without reading it. There's just some backstory for Izzy in the first one that is filled in more by reading it, but the author does a great job of giving enough info to keep the reader in the know if you're just going to read this book.
We all need an Izzy type sibling, friend, acquaintance in our lives. And boy, oh boy, does Patrick and his kids need her too! I'm just grinning thinking about the backstory scenes with these two as well as their first meeting after not seeing each other for YEARS!!! Oh my heart! So many emotions. Izzy's sister Charlotte is so good and just ripping the band-aid off and helping with that confrontation...just like Izzy did for Charlotte and Drake in their book. *smirks* These two sisters are just so much fun! I love the dynamics of their relationship. All in for each other no matter what, they'll always be there!
I love, love, loved all the tension between Patrick and Izzy. Jennifer Peel knows how to write chemistry between characters! And boy oh boy does Patrick know how to just lay it all on the line and say all the words. *heart eyes* As much as I love all the scenes between these two, one of my favorite aspects of this book is watching Izzy reach out and be so loving and caring to Patrick's children, who are suffering from things in their past (you'll have to read the book to figure it all out). Those moments just pulled on my heart strings. Izzy's mothering side is one of my favorite sides of her. She just has a special way to truly connect with others. She's honest and real and fiercely loyal and loving!
The humor is spot on! I laughed, giggled, possibly snorted once...or twice, and guffawed (seriously I did)! I was up late reading cause I just couldn't put it down until my eyes wouldn't open. But as I was laying in my bed, with my whole household snoring away, I read a scene that I just couldn't help myself, and before I knew what had happened, I guffawed so loud! Quickly followed by me covering my mouth and looking over to make sure I hadn't woken up my hubby. Ooopsy!!!! He stirred a little but I was safe, he slept on! *giggles*
Enough of me telling you about this book. Just go read it! You'll thank me later. And I think this just might be one of my favorites written by this author. Which is hard to say because there are so many favorites of hers! I've loved them all! But Izzy and Patrick...I adore them!
Content: PG-13. There are innuendos scattered throughout the book that I would say this is for older readers. There are no sex scenes. There's kissing, some make out scenes but nothing graphic and more than just kisses.
I received a copy from the author. But have also purchased my own copy! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Izzy is such a spunky character! I loved her and all her sides that were shown in the first book, The Valentine Inn, but adored her even more in this one as her vulnerable sides and mothering side came out full force. If you haven't read the first book, I highly recommend it, but you can read this one without reading it. There's just some backstory for Izzy in the first one that is filled in more by reading it, but the author does a great job of giving enough info to keep the reader in the know if you're just going to read this book.
We all need an Izzy type sibling, friend, acquaintance in our lives. And boy, oh boy, does Patrick and his kids need her too! I'm just grinning thinking about the backstory scenes with these two as well as their first meeting after not seeing each other for YEARS!!! Oh my heart! So many emotions. Izzy's sister Charlotte is so good and just ripping the band-aid off and helping with that confrontation...just like Izzy did for Charlotte and Drake in their book. *smirks* These two sisters are just so much fun! I love the dynamics of their relationship. All in for each other no matter what, they'll always be there!
I love, love, loved all the tension between Patrick and Izzy. Jennifer Peel knows how to write chemistry between characters! And boy oh boy does Patrick know how to just lay it all on the line and say all the words. *heart eyes* As much as I love all the scenes between these two, one of my favorite aspects of this book is watching Izzy reach out and be so loving and caring to Patrick's children, who are suffering from things in their past (you'll have to read the book to figure it all out). Those moments just pulled on my heart strings. Izzy's mothering side is one of my favorite sides of her. She just has a special way to truly connect with others. She's honest and real and fiercely loyal and loving!
The humor is spot on! I laughed, giggled, possibly snorted once...or twice, and guffawed (seriously I did)! I was up late reading cause I just couldn't put it down until my eyes wouldn't open. But as I was laying in my bed, with my whole household snoring away, I read a scene that I just couldn't help myself, and before I knew what had happened, I guffawed so loud! Quickly followed by me covering my mouth and looking over to make sure I hadn't woken up my hubby. Ooopsy!!!! He stirred a little but I was safe, he slept on! *giggles*
Enough of me telling you about this book. Just go read it! You'll thank me later. And I think this just might be one of my favorites written by this author. Which is hard to say because there are so many favorites of hers! I've loved them all! But Izzy and Patrick...I adore them!
Content: PG-13. There are innuendos scattered throughout the book that I would say this is for older readers. There are no sex scenes. There's kissing, some make out scenes but nothing graphic and more than just kisses.
I received a copy from the author. But have also purchased my own copy! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
November 4, 2022
5+ Stars!
Oh holy swooniness Batman! Where do I even begin with my review?! Part of me wants to yell.... DON'T READ REVIEWS! JUST READ THE BOOK! But then the other part of me wants to start gushing about how much I LOVED this book! Gah! Y'all. I just can't even right now!
It's no secret that I'm a sucker for swoony second chance, single parent romances and this one absolutely NAILED what I've come to crave with these tropes! I was hooked from the very beginning and had the hardest time putting this book down! I never wanted it to end! It was just THAT good!
From the first moment I met Izzy in The Valentine Inn, I knew she would hold a special place in my heart. There was just something about her fierce love, protective nature, and snarkiness that had me wanting to know her and her story. And oh what a story it was! My heart broke into a million pieces for her! I can't even imagine having to go through some of the things she did. The woman definitely deserves the very best and a dang good HEA!
Enter Patrick in all his white knight glory! Y'all. I became a big ol' pile of ooey, gooey, goodness! That man! WOWZERS! Y'all. I'm going to say it right now. He's MY book boyfriend and y'all just need to STAY AWAY! I will fight you for him! Haha. The man may be just as broken as Izzy, but he is absolute perfection! I absolutely adored their relationship. So swoony and sweet and loving! Y'all... you can't help but root for these two to get their HEA!
And we can't forget Bridgette and Rory. Y'all. My heart was breaking for those kids! So much hurt and anger lived in them. You can tell they needed Izzy as much as she needed them. I loved watching her relationship with the kids develop and how they all helped each other heal. It was a beautiful thing!
This book has all the feels! And I mean... ALL. THE. FEELS! Laughing, crying, swooning, dreamy sighing, you name it and I did it! The HEA in this book will probably be one of my all time favorites ever! If you haven't already guessed, this book is definitely a MUST READ!
I can seriously go on and on and on with my gushing. I have read this book 3 times and have had the biggest book hangover every single time! If I had to give any kind of warnings it would be to make sure you clear your schedule before starting this book and then once you finish it make sure you reread some of your favorites before starting anything new. This book is going to be hard to follow!
Ms. Peel has definitely hit it out of the park with this one. Here it is, days later, and I can't stop thinking about Izzy, Patrick, and the kids. Gah! I seriously love this book with my whole butt! I would say heart but my butt is bigger! Clearly, Izzy has influenced me just a teeny tiny bit. 😉
As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh* I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!
Oh holy swooniness Batman! Where do I even begin with my review?! Part of me wants to yell.... DON'T READ REVIEWS! JUST READ THE BOOK! But then the other part of me wants to start gushing about how much I LOVED this book! Gah! Y'all. I just can't even right now!
It's no secret that I'm a sucker for swoony second chance, single parent romances and this one absolutely NAILED what I've come to crave with these tropes! I was hooked from the very beginning and had the hardest time putting this book down! I never wanted it to end! It was just THAT good!
From the first moment I met Izzy in The Valentine Inn, I knew she would hold a special place in my heart. There was just something about her fierce love, protective nature, and snarkiness that had me wanting to know her and her story. And oh what a story it was! My heart broke into a million pieces for her! I can't even imagine having to go through some of the things she did. The woman definitely deserves the very best and a dang good HEA!
Enter Patrick in all his white knight glory! Y'all. I became a big ol' pile of ooey, gooey, goodness! That man! WOWZERS! Y'all. I'm going to say it right now. He's MY book boyfriend and y'all just need to STAY AWAY! I will fight you for him! Haha. The man may be just as broken as Izzy, but he is absolute perfection! I absolutely adored their relationship. So swoony and sweet and loving! Y'all... you can't help but root for these two to get their HEA!
And we can't forget Bridgette and Rory. Y'all. My heart was breaking for those kids! So much hurt and anger lived in them. You can tell they needed Izzy as much as she needed them. I loved watching her relationship with the kids develop and how they all helped each other heal. It was a beautiful thing!
This book has all the feels! And I mean... ALL. THE. FEELS! Laughing, crying, swooning, dreamy sighing, you name it and I did it! The HEA in this book will probably be one of my all time favorites ever! If you haven't already guessed, this book is definitely a MUST READ!
I can seriously go on and on and on with my gushing. I have read this book 3 times and have had the biggest book hangover every single time! If I had to give any kind of warnings it would be to make sure you clear your schedule before starting this book and then once you finish it make sure you reread some of your favorites before starting anything new. This book is going to be hard to follow!
Ms. Peel has definitely hit it out of the park with this one. Here it is, days later, and I can't stop thinking about Izzy, Patrick, and the kids. Gah! I seriously love this book with my whole butt! I would say heart but my butt is bigger! Clearly, Izzy has influenced me just a teeny tiny bit. 😉
As for my casting.... *dreamy sigh* I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!
November 4, 2022
The Christmas season is magical and there's nothing more special than a second chance at a once-in-a-lifetime love. Although Patrick and Isabelle met years early, the stars aligned and Daisy, the guardian angel, worked to bring them together again and can I just say...some things are much, much better with age?
Although one doesn't have to read The Valentine Inn before this one, it makes this story so much more fulfilling and richer if it is.
Sometimes its just plain attraction, coupled with kismet, that brings the hot sparks of a new romance exploding off the pages and that's exactly what happened with Patrick and Isabelle from the very first time they laid eyes on each other. Mistakes and misinterpretations forced them to take different paths until 20 years later. I love that once the magic demanded them to come together once again, all awkwardness melted away and that swoon was back in even more amazing full force. Hand me a fan, please!
Peel penned some amazing magnetic characters, with the ebb and flow of past and present merging together into a puddle of heart stopping swoon. If you love a good fake engagement with swoony kissing and chemistry, deep family relationships, and humor and heart, this one is for you!
Content: innuendo, lots and lots of swoony kissing
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Although one doesn't have to read The Valentine Inn before this one, it makes this story so much more fulfilling and richer if it is.
Sometimes its just plain attraction, coupled with kismet, that brings the hot sparks of a new romance exploding off the pages and that's exactly what happened with Patrick and Isabelle from the very first time they laid eyes on each other. Mistakes and misinterpretations forced them to take different paths until 20 years later. I love that once the magic demanded them to come together once again, all awkwardness melted away and that swoon was back in even more amazing full force. Hand me a fan, please!
Peel penned some amazing magnetic characters, with the ebb and flow of past and present merging together into a puddle of heart stopping swoon. If you love a good fake engagement with swoony kissing and chemistry, deep family relationships, and humor and heart, this one is for you!
Content: innuendo, lots and lots of swoony kissing
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
November 6, 2022
This adorable Christmas romance was like a Hallmark movies but so much better and without all the cheesy lines, lol!
Izzy and Patrick haven't seen each other in 20 years, not since the Christmas they fell in love. Now Izzy is divorced and Patrick is widowed and coming to stay with his two teenagers at the Valentine Inn that Izzy owns.
I am a huge sucker for a swoony second-chance romance, and let me tell you, this one just about took my heart apart piece by piece and then put it back together. The regret and the angst and the tension between Izzy and Patrick was so vulnerable and intense, and watching them find love and happiness again made my heart sing a chorus of hallelujahs. The kissing scenes were heart-stopping and swoony and deserve all the heart-eye emojis I can fit. And watching Izzy mother Patrick's kids and help them heal from their trauma? Be still my heart. There were a few scenes so tender I was brought to tears.
If you love second chances, fake dating, matchmaking grandpas, celebrity weddings, awkward moments (Ron Swanson!), low key suspense, little kids with no filter, low-key suspense, swoony kisses, the heartwarming feeling of family, and a little bit of Christmas magic, then this is one book you do not want to miss.
CW: There is french kissing and some innuendos scattered throughout the book so I would put this at a PG-13 level but nothing goes beyond kissing.
TW: death of a parent, traumatic relationship, divorce
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
Izzy and Patrick haven't seen each other in 20 years, not since the Christmas they fell in love. Now Izzy is divorced and Patrick is widowed and coming to stay with his two teenagers at the Valentine Inn that Izzy owns.
I am a huge sucker for a swoony second-chance romance, and let me tell you, this one just about took my heart apart piece by piece and then put it back together. The regret and the angst and the tension between Izzy and Patrick was so vulnerable and intense, and watching them find love and happiness again made my heart sing a chorus of hallelujahs. The kissing scenes were heart-stopping and swoony and deserve all the heart-eye emojis I can fit. And watching Izzy mother Patrick's kids and help them heal from their trauma? Be still my heart. There were a few scenes so tender I was brought to tears.
If you love second chances, fake dating, matchmaking grandpas, celebrity weddings, awkward moments (Ron Swanson!), low key suspense, little kids with no filter, low-key suspense, swoony kisses, the heartwarming feeling of family, and a little bit of Christmas magic, then this is one book you do not want to miss.
CW: There is french kissing and some innuendos scattered throughout the book so I would put this at a PG-13 level but nothing goes beyond kissing.
TW: death of a parent, traumatic relationship, divorce
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
October 17, 2022
A perfect start to my holiday season. So swoony! I loved all the quirky characters and Isabelle and Patrick's second chance romance was everything I hoped it would be. I also liked the low-key suspense element included. And the ending was oh-so-good!
January 5, 2023
Izzy Valentine's story is finally here and it was well worth the wait! I have no idea what to say about this book! It's funny, swoony, Christmasy, it has cute kids, a crazy interfering mom, and wonderful characters. . .all the things!! It's got tropes--single dad, second chance romance, and fake relationship. . .but deep down I wonder if it was ever really fake with Izzy and Patrick?
We met Izzy in The Valentine Inn but now we get to see other sides to this spunky woman who says all the snarky things a lot of us would love to say. Because of Patrick and his emotionally scarred teens staying at the Inn we're able to see Izzy's tender side as she mothers them and helps them learn to love Christmas.
Izzy and Patrick haven't seen each other in 20 years. She didn't think she'd ever see him again and yet there he is staying at the Inn because of a busted pipe in the house he just bought. Coincidence or the workings of the magic (aka Daisy) of Valentine Inn? But this Patrick isn't the same man Izzy knew--what happened to him in the past 20 years?
Some of my favorite parts were the nightly sliding and dancing in the ballroom and Izzy's mom! The woman drove me crazy and yet made me laugh out loud. I LOVED all the scenes of Izzy and Bridgette. If you're tender-hearted you may need a tissue for some of them. Oh, and I can't forget Bridgette and Rory's Christmas tree topper! Oh my! And of course I loved the wonderful ending!!
This book would make a perfect Hallmark movie! You don't have to read The Valentine Inn first but I feel it would enhance your enjoyment of this book. I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it so much I almost finished it in one night, but my bed was seriously calling to me. Stefanie Kay is the narrator and she also narrated The Valentine Inn. She's fantastic and is wonderful with giving each character a different voice and getting across all the emotions.
Content: There is innuendo and french kissing but nothing beyond that. Probably PG-13 level.
We met Izzy in The Valentine Inn but now we get to see other sides to this spunky woman who says all the snarky things a lot of us would love to say. Because of Patrick and his emotionally scarred teens staying at the Inn we're able to see Izzy's tender side as she mothers them and helps them learn to love Christmas.
Izzy and Patrick haven't seen each other in 20 years. She didn't think she'd ever see him again and yet there he is staying at the Inn because of a busted pipe in the house he just bought. Coincidence or the workings of the magic (aka Daisy) of Valentine Inn? But this Patrick isn't the same man Izzy knew--what happened to him in the past 20 years?
Some of my favorite parts were the nightly sliding and dancing in the ballroom and Izzy's mom! The woman drove me crazy and yet made me laugh out loud. I LOVED all the scenes of Izzy and Bridgette. If you're tender-hearted you may need a tissue for some of them. Oh, and I can't forget Bridgette and Rory's Christmas tree topper! Oh my! And of course I loved the wonderful ending!!
This book would make a perfect Hallmark movie! You don't have to read The Valentine Inn first but I feel it would enhance your enjoyment of this book. I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it so much I almost finished it in one night, but my bed was seriously calling to me. Stefanie Kay is the narrator and she also narrated The Valentine Inn. She's fantastic and is wonderful with giving each character a different voice and getting across all the emotions.
Content: There is innuendo and french kissing but nothing beyond that. Probably PG-13 level.
December 26, 2024
Return to the Valentine Inn and prepare to fall in love all over again as you deck the halls!
After reading the first book about Charlotte Valentine, I have been anxiously awaiting her sister Isabelle (Izzy’s) story. She has a certain someone from her past that she shared kisses with, and wouldn’t you know he comes to the Inn right after Thanksgiving, a recent widower along with his two teenage children. Sparks literally fly as Izzy is thrown into a fake engagement with him, trying to secretly plan and put together Charlotte and Drake’s Christmas wedding, run their charming inn, bring Christmas back to life for those who’ve been hurt by it, and celebrate the holidays with her crazy but lovable family.
Izzy is such a fantastic protagonist. I felt like I immediately related to her and ached for the difficulties she’s faced in her past, especially that of infertility. She has such snark and spunk, but is also kind and loving. I loved her relationship with George (from the previous book).
Getting a front row seat to her and Patrick’s reunion and romance had me curling my toes and sighing in delight. Oh holy night, the kisses between Izzy and Patrick were full of swoon. Lots and lots of swoon.
I adored the way she interacted with his kids and brought true joy into their lives, especially considering their sadness at Christmas time.
It was like living in a favorite Christmas Hallmark movie, but better. So. Much. Better.
Truth: I finished this book in less than 24 hours (I couldn’t put it down!) and am going on day 5 of my book hangover. I don’t know if I should be thanking/blaming the author, but I just get giddy every time I think about this wonderful story! I know it’s only October, but this book has me so excited for Christmas (I may or may not have listened to one or two Christmas songs after finishing it).
Another great story by the talented Jennifer Peel, that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!
**I received an ARC of this book
After reading the first book about Charlotte Valentine, I have been anxiously awaiting her sister Isabelle (Izzy’s) story. She has a certain someone from her past that she shared kisses with, and wouldn’t you know he comes to the Inn right after Thanksgiving, a recent widower along with his two teenage children. Sparks literally fly as Izzy is thrown into a fake engagement with him, trying to secretly plan and put together Charlotte and Drake’s Christmas wedding, run their charming inn, bring Christmas back to life for those who’ve been hurt by it, and celebrate the holidays with her crazy but lovable family.
Izzy is such a fantastic protagonist. I felt like I immediately related to her and ached for the difficulties she’s faced in her past, especially that of infertility. She has such snark and spunk, but is also kind and loving. I loved her relationship with George (from the previous book).
Getting a front row seat to her and Patrick’s reunion and romance had me curling my toes and sighing in delight. Oh holy night, the kisses between Izzy and Patrick were full of swoon. Lots and lots of swoon.
I adored the way she interacted with his kids and brought true joy into their lives, especially considering their sadness at Christmas time.
It was like living in a favorite Christmas Hallmark movie, but better. So. Much. Better.
Truth: I finished this book in less than 24 hours (I couldn’t put it down!) and am going on day 5 of my book hangover. I don’t know if I should be thanking/blaming the author, but I just get giddy every time I think about this wonderful story! I know it’s only October, but this book has me so excited for Christmas (I may or may not have listened to one or two Christmas songs after finishing it).
Another great story by the talented Jennifer Peel, that will definitely get you in the holiday spirit!
**I received an ARC of this book
January 2, 2023
Second chance romance? Yes, please! I loved this book.
Read
November 4, 2022Christmas at Valentine Inn was everything I’d hoped it would be and so much more. It was outrageously funny, sweet, heartbreaking and completely packed with everything I wish for in a Christmas romance. Izzy and Patrick were just a delightful treat that I fell hard and fast for. I loved that they were older than characters we usually read about, and I loved the way that they got that unexpected second chance.
This a second chance romance 20 years in the making between Izzy and Patrick. Neither character has really moved on in ways they needed to after breaking up. There's a lot of catching up, memories, and grievances to air. Their second chance at finding love together had the perfect amount of depth while also keeping the story light and sweet. It was an emotional story not only about love but also about a wonderful family that will steal a smile and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
This story is about traditions, family and long lost love. A story about learning from your mistakes and becoming a new person from it. Some good, some bad but when you meet your soulmate, it only makes you better. It was the perfect holiday read packed with all the ingredients to make it the most heartwarming, uplifting, swoony romance.
This a second chance romance 20 years in the making between Izzy and Patrick. Neither character has really moved on in ways they needed to after breaking up. There's a lot of catching up, memories, and grievances to air. Their second chance at finding love together had the perfect amount of depth while also keeping the story light and sweet. It was an emotional story not only about love but also about a wonderful family that will steal a smile and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
This story is about traditions, family and long lost love. A story about learning from your mistakes and becoming a new person from it. Some good, some bad but when you meet your soulmate, it only makes you better. It was the perfect holiday read packed with all the ingredients to make it the most heartwarming, uplifting, swoony romance.
December 8, 2025
DNF
How many times can a character say “lose my ish”?? Absolutely terrible writing.
How many times can a character say “lose my ish”?? Absolutely terrible writing.
November 10, 2022
A very mixed bag
In some ways, this is classic Jennifer Peel but as if it's mixed with the style of another author I won't name (no, not Becky Monson), but whose characters tend to be superficial & humor cruder even though her books are *technically* clean.
There was never a danger of a DNF, but I paused multiple times trying to process why I wasn't more engaged by the story. It was improbable & angsty, but the biggest problem was that it felt like the characters were just being moved around and made to speak. Patrick especially - he didn't sound formal so much as artificial.
There was a surprising amount of repetition which added to the sense that the book was stretched out & the pacing laggy. I found myself wondering if the author had left it & come back to it later (as I did) without fixing the continuity from the point where she was reimmersing.
Humor derived from calculatedly shocking people is cheap & gets old fast. The Reader's Digest meme was cute - the ongoing repetition of needing pushup bras, the waay overdone mom graphically talking to her daughter about things like flavored condoms, & Jameson precociously asking about men giving women sperm was just cringe. (After the first awkward time, what parent wouldn't have sat their child down & explained that it wasn't appropriate for anyone but those involved to discuss it?)
I love so many of the author's books & reread them regularly, but her newer stories don't seem to have the same spark. I used to grab them as soon as they released & devour them even if it meant staying up all night. This is the first time I've ever taken days to read one.
It's not that the book is bad exactly, but that I went into it with at least Facial Recognition-level hopes & was disappointed. I'm hoping it's just an issue with her romcoms feeling forced anymore & that at least her regular stories will continue to be as good as ever.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, randy talk that pushes the line, but still technically clean
In some ways, this is classic Jennifer Peel but as if it's mixed with the style of another author I won't name (no, not Becky Monson), but whose characters tend to be superficial & humor cruder even though her books are *technically* clean.
There was never a danger of a DNF, but I paused multiple times trying to process why I wasn't more engaged by the story. It was improbable & angsty, but the biggest problem was that it felt like the characters were just being moved around and made to speak. Patrick especially - he didn't sound formal so much as artificial.
There was a surprising amount of repetition which added to the sense that the book was stretched out & the pacing laggy. I found myself wondering if the author had left it & come back to it later (as I did) without fixing the continuity from the point where she was reimmersing.
Humor derived from calculatedly shocking people is cheap & gets old fast. The Reader's Digest meme was cute - the ongoing repetition of needing pushup bras, the waay overdone mom graphically talking to her daughter about things like flavored condoms, & Jameson precociously asking about men giving women sperm was just cringe. (After the first awkward time, what parent wouldn't have sat their child down & explained that it wasn't appropriate for anyone but those involved to discuss it?)
I love so many of the author's books & reread them regularly, but her newer stories don't seem to have the same spark. I used to grab them as soon as they released & devour them even if it meant staying up all night. This is the first time I've ever taken days to read one.
It's not that the book is bad exactly, but that I went into it with at least Facial Recognition-level hopes & was disappointed. I'm hoping it's just an issue with her romcoms feeling forced anymore & that at least her regular stories will continue to be as good as ever.
*Romance level: passionate kisses, randy talk that pushes the line, but still technically clean
December 21, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and really enjoyed it. The narrator did a great job with Izzy's personality and portraying her vibe. I also liked how she would differentiate the characters with the dialogue.
The story itself was a really sweet second chance romance with a lot of depth due to the characters' experiences and what ultimately was discovered as the cause that kept them apart. I really liked that the characters were older (late thirties/early forties) and the dynamic that their age and the time between their first encounter and their reunion played in the story. It had hot and swoony kisses and lots of sparks between Izzy and Patrick all while staying in the closed-door romance genre. There is some innuendo, but mostly it was just straight up chemistry and connection and I really liked it. I also liked the idea of the magic of the inn and soul mates. It just made for such a magical Christmas second chance romance.
The story itself was a really sweet second chance romance with a lot of depth due to the characters' experiences and what ultimately was discovered as the cause that kept them apart. I really liked that the characters were older (late thirties/early forties) and the dynamic that their age and the time between their first encounter and their reunion played in the story. It had hot and swoony kisses and lots of sparks between Izzy and Patrick all while staying in the closed-door romance genre. There is some innuendo, but mostly it was just straight up chemistry and connection and I really liked it. I also liked the idea of the magic of the inn and soul mates. It just made for such a magical Christmas second chance romance.
December 22, 2024
An enjoyable low stakes holiday romance.
My biggest gripes are that I hate insta-love and also the writing got pretty repetitive. The characters didn’t really have a whole lot of depth outside of “this is my job, this is my relationship status, please give me children” which is fine just not that deep and meaningful.
My biggest gripes are that I hate insta-love and also the writing got pretty repetitive. The characters didn’t really have a whole lot of depth outside of “this is my job, this is my relationship status, please give me children” which is fine just not that deep and meaningful.
December 4, 2022
decent book with a cute plot but not a rave worthy book
December 31, 2022
I liked it. This is very typical of the author’s romcom writing style and it’s a fun read. PG-13. There is some good humour in it. It’s part of a 2 book series but it can stand alone without difficulty, although it is best to read both books. You can download the epilogue by joining the author’s newsletter. It ties the stories up nicely so I think it’s worthwhile.
December 11, 2025
DNF 52%
November 27, 2025
Really dull. Really repetitive. Really vanilla.
I love a cozy Hallmark type holiday read, but this was 🤮.
In like a week, Isabelle is calling these kids “her kids” and making rules on how they’ll celebrate Christmas. Once again, the Dad just allows it. So many things wrong with this book. The most annoying was Patrick constantly calling Isabelle “Darling.”
I love a cozy Hallmark type holiday read, but this was 🤮.
In like a week, Isabelle is calling these kids “her kids” and making rules on how they’ll celebrate Christmas. Once again, the Dad just allows it. So many things wrong with this book. The most annoying was Patrick constantly calling Isabelle “Darling.”
November 24, 2025
I actually really disliked this! I think it was the awful dead mum and how the new step mum jumped in after all of 3 minutes. Just felt so unbelievable! Not a fun festive read for me!
November 8, 2022
I generally enjoy reading Jennifer Peel’s books. This one was nice, thus the two stars, but it was just so cheesy and like reading a script for a Hallmark Movie. The beginning had so much promise, then it was just repetitive brooding (yes, Izzy, you say you’re not sure if you believe in soulmates but you obviously do) and redundant drivel (Izzy, you think your breasts are sagging and you seem to always want to say that out loud). All the talk about magic, soulmates and hinting that George and Daisy somehow know what will happen to Izzy and Patrick are just too sweet-like high fructose corn syrup. You think it tastes good but there’s something artificial about it and you realize it’ll give you Diabetes. Yes, I know this is a RomCom but what made Jennifer Peel’s past novels, including The Valentine Inn, great was her ability to present big love and the barriers to it in an amusing, heart-tugging yet controlled way that made the story plausible yet metaphorically magical. I get it, she wanted the book to be literally magical, but it was too much to the point that I was half expecting her to spell it out for us—George and Daisy are Mr and Mrs Claus… or maybe cupid. She did it too much that it took away Izzy’s edge, grit, sass or whatever made her so interesting in the first book. She also seemed immature—did she really think she and charlotte were going to grow old as spinsters in that house? Come on, now she’s a curmudgeon? Was Peel trying to make Izzy’s leap into believing in soulmates and the magic of love into something almost impossible and implausible-like the Grinch believing in Christmas or the way Patrick speaks so formally. Don’t even get me started on the use of “Dear one” and “stepmommy dearest” in the book. As I re-read this review, I am tempted to take away one of the two stars, but since This is the only Jennifer Peel book I did not like and she did come up with good characters, I’ll keep it at 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
Gender essentialism. Ridiculous amounts pining over not being able to have children TWENTY YEARS AGO.
HATEFUL misogynistic depiction of the other woman, who's DEAD.
So she's painted as a shallow manipulative monster. Lots of "BAD MOM" thrown into the mix so we know she's truly evil. And he just let this happen. Because no one would believe him?? The rich White DOCTOR??? That is not how life works. Abuse happens. And it's not always by men. But powerful White dude just lets his wife abuse the kids? Does nothing? No. Just no.
You don't have to make other women villains to make the love interest important. Just saying. I'm done with authors playing that game.
Everyone is cis-het. Most everyone is White. Too bad because the sister relationship was good and there were Punkins.
HATEFUL misogynistic depiction of the other woman, who's DEAD.
So she's painted as a shallow manipulative monster. Lots of "BAD MOM" thrown into the mix so we know she's truly evil. And he just let this happen. Because no one would believe him?? The rich White DOCTOR??? That is not how life works. Abuse happens. And it's not always by men. But powerful White dude just lets his wife abuse the kids? Does nothing? No. Just no.
You don't have to make other women villains to make the love interest important. Just saying. I'm done with authors playing that game.
Everyone is cis-het. Most everyone is White. Too bad because the sister relationship was good and there were Punkins.
February 5, 2023
I am so sorry but I’m but this was too unbelievable for me! I couldn’t wrap my brain around how everything perfectly and almost instantaneously was a perfect life!
At the beginning of the book the 2 MC’s were angry and at odds with each other then a flip switched suddenly without any explanation and it was happily ever after from there on out. There was no build up or hope of anything cuz it was force fed to you right on a platter! I ALMOST couldn’t finish it!!
I usually enjoy this author but lately it’s been hit or miss and this one goes beyond the miss. It’s sad. I even had Love Rescheduled to be read next on my kindle but I need to take a break from this author for a bit.
At the beginning of the book the 2 MC’s were angry and at odds with each other then a flip switched suddenly without any explanation and it was happily ever after from there on out. There was no build up or hope of anything cuz it was force fed to you right on a platter! I ALMOST couldn’t finish it!!
I usually enjoy this author but lately it’s been hit or miss and this one goes beyond the miss. It’s sad. I even had Love Rescheduled to be read next on my kindle but I need to take a break from this author for a bit.
November 27, 2022
Super cute holiday, fake engagement romance. Izzy, Charlotte's sister from the first book, met the man of her dreams 20 years ago, but thought it was too good to be true and ran. Now, 20 years later, Patrick is back in her life with his two children. A recent widower, he has moved for a new lease on life for him and his family and Izzy knows he probably hates her. She couldn't be farther from the truth though. I loved the characters and romance in this one.
November 15, 2022
Great book
Loved this book! It was so good, endearing, funny, moving and very well written. Loved Izzy’s story so very much.
Loved this book! It was so good, endearing, funny, moving and very well written. Loved Izzy’s story so very much.
November 16, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ A fun and festive Christmas read! 🎄🎅🏼🎁
December 11, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ for this predictable, but super sweet, Christmassy story. Loved the cozy family vibes
December 2, 2022
This is at least my 4th read by Jennifer Peel. I have really enjoyed them all, but this was my favorite so far. I do recommend making sure to read the Valentine Inn first as it is referenced a lot in this book and has spoilers. I read them back to back within like 4 days. Very quick and easy (in the best way) kind of reads.
November 3, 2022
I loved getting to know Izzy in The Valentine Inn (you don't have to read that one first, but you should because it was fun and has a lot of back story!)! This was a great sequel to The Valentine Inn - we get to see Izzy get her HEA! Patrick made a mistake 20 years ago when he let her go, and he doesn't plan to make that mistake again! My favorite part:
Izzy: "...What about your kids? I don't want to rush anything."
Patrick: "And we won't."
Izzy: "This kind of feels like rushing."
Patrick: "No. This is twenty years of me waiting for you."
***Sigh***
I loved watching Izzy develop a relationship with Patrick's teenage children.
And seeing Dave the Dirtbag get what he deserved was so rewarding!I
Another 5-star from Jennifer Peel!
Izzy: "...What about your kids? I don't want to rush anything."
Patrick: "And we won't."
Izzy: "This kind of feels like rushing."
Patrick: "No. This is twenty years of me waiting for you."
***Sigh***
I loved watching Izzy develop a relationship with Patrick's teenage children.
And seeing Dave the Dirtbag get what he deserved was so rewarding!I
Another 5-star from Jennifer Peel!
May 13, 2023
Picked this one up to fulfill a prompt for a challenge I'm doing, and I was almost a DNF. I can see by the reviews that I'm in the minority on that, but you like what you like 🤷
This one read like a Hallmark movie for me, with all the cheesy dialogue, saccharin sweet lines, and unrealistic storyline. After a 20-year angst filled hiatus, the characters were back together and in love by page 80- the rest of the 200 pages were unnecessary.
I will say this was a quick, mindless read, so if that's what you need then this is your book. I have no idea if the author's other books are in the same style, and I'll be okay not knowing.
This one read like a Hallmark movie for me, with all the cheesy dialogue, saccharin sweet lines, and unrealistic storyline. After a 20-year angst filled hiatus, the characters were back together and in love by page 80- the rest of the 200 pages were unnecessary.
I will say this was a quick, mindless read, so if that's what you need then this is your book. I have no idea if the author's other books are in the same style, and I'll be okay not knowing.
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