Mistletoe and Mischief: A Cedar Cove Christmas / 1225 Christmas Tree Lane

Cedar Cove #8.5 & 12

by Debbie Macomber

Two stories to celebrate the holiday season with the good people of Cedar Cove…

A Cedar Cove Christmas

Mary Jo Wyse finds herself in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, stranded, pregnant and alone. And there’s no room at the local inn… So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her ranch, where they’ve got a spare room over the stable. And luckily a paramedic named Mack McAfee is there to help when Mary Jo goes into labor. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noelle. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack…because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love.

1225 Christmas Tree Lane

Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. But someone leaves a basket of puppies on her doorstep, and now she’s determined to find them all good homes. Also complicating things is the invitation her daughters extended to their dad…whom Beth divorced a long time ago. As always in life, there are surprises. More than one family’s going to have a puppy under the tree. More than one scheme will go awry. And more than one romance will have a happy ending!

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Romance

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

These were two wonderful Christmas stories and despite reading them in August when it was 100 degrees outside, they gave me all the Christmas emotions and feelings that are good in the season.





It’s hard to say which was my favorite as they both were original and carried their own morals. I did like the light comparison A Cedar Cove Christmas had to the original Christmas story so it might have a slight edge over 1225 Christmas Tree Lane. Both have a bit of romance, but so much heart and warmth in true Macomber Christmas tradition. The latter did have a little something that was irksome but I’m a lenient reader and was over it and moving on. Each is perfect for a quick read and I would imagine they will be wonderful little morsels during the hectic rush of holiday preparations. In fact, I’m planning to reread them myself at that time.

A Cedar Cove Christmas:
Single POV
Safe this is very, very light on the romance so ow/om drama is none, and anything else is non existent
Triggers abandoned by father of unborn child
Steam 0 /5

1225 Christmas Tree Lane
Single POV
Safe no om drama; ow drama is ex husbands guest that he brings to Christmas we find out that they do not have a relationship but he brought her in hopes it would make the h want to reunite with him
Steam 0 /5

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has two different stories. I enjoyed the first one the most but the second was okay too.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read both of these stories years ago when I read the series that they are a part of. I enjoyed this book and being able to refresh my memory of these books, the characters and the setting.

A Cedar Cove Christmas is 8.5 in the series. This is a present day nativity birth. Mary Jo Wyse shows up in Cedar Cove, pregnant looking for the father of her baby. He is not to be found and she has nowhere to go. She is taken in by Grace Harding and offered a room over the stable, where the animals from the upcoming nativity are staying. She goes into labour and her baby is delivered by Mack McAfee, a local paramedic. This Christmas miracle is celebrated by all the residents of Cedar Cove and Mack gets back his faith and hope. This was a sweet, Christmas romance novella, with a Christmas miracle in the person of Noelle Wyse. Although this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone story.

1225 Christmas Tree Lane is the final book in the Cedar Cove series. Everyone in Cedar Cove is looking forward to their best Christmas ever.  Beth Morehouse's small Christmas tree farm is prospering, her daughters and her dogs are happy and well, and her new relationship with local vet Ted Reynolds is moving forward with promise. Suddenly she has two things to deal with. Someone leaves a basket of puppies on her porch, and her daughters have invited their dad, her ex-husband for Christmas. Like many children, they have dreams of a reunion, but Beth's interests lie elsewhere. With this being the final book, there were a lot of previous characters brought into the story. The ten puppies all found homes with these characters and it was nice to see them all again. There was a cute romance nestled in among the recaps of all the previous stories, but it wasn't the best ending to this series. If you have not read the previous books, it would be a nice story getting to know all the residents of Cedar Cove.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong 3.75 ⭐️

Whenever I want to read a holiday book, I turn to Debbie Macomber for comfort. My mom has bought me her Christmas book for the past 5 years, and I consume it each Christmas Day. This book does exactly what I needed it to do, and although it is two holidays away, managed to make me excited for the season to come.

I loved the two stories, and how they represented true meanings of Christmas, love, and belonging. I specifically enjoyed the parent trap concept, and kinda wish ten puppies show up on my doorstep soon.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

[Shelby Sutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not surprised to learn that multiple of the author's books have been made into Hallmark movies.
So if you like/love those kind of movies this would be for you unfortunately I am not one who likes Hallmark movies. It was cheesy and had stereotypical events that you could see happening from a mile away. I did frequent eyerolls.

[Carole Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas book!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

When I first picked this one up, I didn't realize this was actually two shorter stories. It didn't bother me, because it felt like a bonus! The first story was a modern retelling of the famous Christmas story. Young woman, pregnant, stranded and no room at any of the local inns. She ends up being taken in by a local and having her baby on Christmas, and she even meets a handsome man in the process. A story we all know, told in a cute way. The second story involved a basket of puppies left on a door step and some kids who didn't like their Dad's new girlfriend.

Both stories were cute, though predictable. I felt like they both seemed a little rushed and didn't really have anything exciting about them. Enjoyable to read, but won't be super memorable.

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber is set in her wonderful Cedar Cove series. There are two Christmas holiday stories, A Cedar Cove Christmas and 1225 Christmas Tree Lane.

A Cedar Cove Christmas

We meet Mary Jo Wyse, who is pregnant, and the father of her baby is nowhere to be found. With her 3 brothers making decisions to find the man responsible and force him to marry Mary Jo; she leaves in the middle of the night, and heads to Cedar Cove. She expects to find her ex-boyfriend there, or meet his parents; but when she arrives, the boyfriend is not in Cedar Cove, and the parents are away. There are no openings in the local inn, but Grace Harding invites her to her ranch, knowing that Mary Jo needs help, and her pregnancy is close.

Mary Jo meets a local paramedic, Mack AcAfee, who will later help her when she goes into labor. Mack finds himself having feelings for Mary Jo, as she will too; as they will make a wonderful couple. I loved the animals, which were cute. Her brothers end up in Cedar Cove, and many of the local people celebrated the birth of Noelle. This was a wonderful and heartwarming story.



1225 Christmas Tree Lane

This story also takes place in Cedar Cove, with many wonderful residents who played a large part in this story. The story revolves around Beth Morehouse, as she finds a basket of puppies at her doorstep. What follows is Beth determined to find good homes for the 10 puppies for many of the residents at Cedar Cove; with many of the residents having their own chapter, with Beth dropping buy to bring them a puppy. Very cute stories.

Beth is also celebrating Christmas with her two daughter’s home from college; with both girls determined to bring their mother and father together again, as they have been divorced for a few years. To Beth’s surprise, her ex brings along a coworker. Is she just a co-worker, or is there something more?

There were a few surprises, as well as Beth bringing the puppies to each resident, who wanted one. Lots of fun, and felt like visiting old friends.

This was a quick enjoyable read for both stories; in a Christmas theme. Once again Debbie Macomber gives us sweet heartwarming stories. Well done.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cedar Cove Christmas

Alone, stranded and pregnant Mary Jo Wyse travelled to Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve. She finds herself with no rooms at any of the local inns. Grace Harding took Mary Jo in and gave her the spare room over her stable to stay in. Luckily there is Mack McAfee a paramedic that comes to her rescue when she goes into labor that night. The people of Cedar Cove help them celebrate the birth of Mary Jo’s baby, Noelle. No one more than Mack has more to celebrate. . .

1225 Christmas Tree Lane

It’s expected to be one of her best Christmases for Beth Morehouse. Someone has left a basket full of puppies at her doorstep she’s determined to find them all new homes. Complications arise when her daughters extend to their dad an invitation to spend Christmas with them. . . where he’s now an ex-husband a long time ago. Always in life there are surprises. More than one family is going to have a puppy under their tree this Christmas. More than one scheme is going to go awry. A happy ending will come to more than one this Christmas season!

In both these stories Debbie Macomber again brings to her stories love, joy and faith. She brings the wonder and joy of the Christmas season. She brings to you the feeling of hope and heartfelt excitement that Christmas Eve brings such as the miracle of life. She definitely knows how to portray a small town atmosphere! All the personalities come out with all the people in this small town. You feel like you live there too! Both are wonderful stories to read anytime of the year!

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two heartwarming Christmas stories set in Cedar Cove. Both are entertaining and fun with lots of love and a bit of drama. When is there not drama when it surrounds the ones you love?

1st Story:
At 23, Mary Jo ends up pregnant by a man, David, who is 20 years older than her. He disappears before the birth. Mary Jo’s 3 older brothers are ready to track him down. Will she be able to convince her brothers that she is ready to have the baby without David? Will she be able to find David herself before her brothers cause trouble?

2nd Story
Beth Morehouse has two daughters in college who have returned home for Christmas vacation. The girls inform her that her ex- husband is coming for Christmas. Little did Beth know that the girls were the ones who were bringing them together. They could see that their mom and dad still needed each other. Will this reunion work out as the girls want, or will it end in disaster?

Sometimes you just need that book that is heartfelt, entertaining and fun! This book checks those boxes. Debbie Macomber writes wonderful stories about marriage, love, resiliency and friendships. I love how her characters are relatable and have a sense of humor. A fun and entertaining book to kick off your holiday reads!

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing (MIRA), I was provided an ARC of Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are two stories which are loosely connected in this one, both of which are stories that were released previously. I had not read them prior to reading this collection, though.

‘A Cedar Cove Christmas’ shares the story of Mary Jo, a young woman who
is the only girl in a family of brothers who are more than a bit overly protective, especially after she becomes pregnant. Her brothers insist they will force the father to marry her, which is not what she wants. On Christmas Eve, she drives to Cedar Cove, in the hopes of contacting the father, but when she arrives, she finds out that he is apparently still on a cruise with his family. She meets a woman who offers her a room over the stable, so she has a place to stay, but it isn’t long before she goes into labor, which is when paramedic Mack McAfee enters the picture.

The story that follows, ’1225 Christmas Tree Lane’ involves a woman who finds a basket full of puppies at her door. Fortunately for the puppies, the woman takes them in, hoping that she can find them all good homes, hopefully by Christmas. When her ex-husband arrives with a woman she wasn’t expecting, and one who clearly isn’t a fan of dogs, their daughters take an instant dislike to her - and no one would blame them. There is, of course, more to this story, with the perfect ending.


Pub Date: 01 Oct 2024


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA

[Traci Hoffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Mischief, by Debbie Macomber, consists of two holiday stories taking place in the fictional town of Cedar Cove. The first one, A Cedar Cove Christmas tells the story of Mary Jo Wyse, a young woman, pregnant and alone who ends up in Cedar Cove for Christmas. And what a place to be! This storyline allowed the delightful cast of Cedar Cove characters to show up and show Mary Jo what kind people they are. And it provided a chance to revisit so many wonderful characters in a romantic, holiday setting.

The second story, 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, tells the story of Beth Morehouse- owner of a Christmas tree farm and rescuer/trainer of many puppies. Beth is looking forward to the holidays and her daughters and even spending time with her ex-husband again. But all of her plans go awry when her ex shows up with a “friend”, much to the dismay of her matchmaking daughters! This was another heartwarming holiday story- with second chance romance (one of my very favorite plot lines) and a lot of puppies (another very favorite of mine!). It was also fun to meet the cast of Cedar Cove characters again, another year later. I definitely recommend these delightful holiday stories.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an advanced reader copy of this charming story combo.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t go wrong with two stories in one book. In the first book we get to meet Mack, an EMT, and Mary Jo, a woman going to Cedar Cove to find the family of the man who got her pregnant and left. We also need her very protective brothers. Upon arriving in Cedar Cove, Mary Jo quickly realizes that the townspeople are nice and accepting. Mack is there for her in her most stressful times and she is attracted to him but she doesn’t think there is a chance. Mack can’t figure out why he can’t seem to forget about Mary Jo. Her brothers bring funny moments to the story while trying to find her. My only wish for this story is for more of a conclusion with her baby’s paternal family and that the end didn’t seem as rushed.

The second book brought us the story of a divorced couple, Kent and Beth. When their daughters bring them together for a family Christmas they both realize they shouldn’t have divorced. Unfortunately, things seem out of reach when he shows up with another woman. The ultimate question remains to be seen: can they find their way back to each other.

I liked both books and enjoyed the holiday themes. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are reprints from years ago but Christmas stories from Debbie Macomber are always worth the read. Set iin Cedar Cove it's great to revisit some previous characters. A Cedar Cove Christmas

Mary Jo Wyse finds herself in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, stranded, pregnant and alone. And there’s no room at the local inn… So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her ranch, where they’ve got a spare room over the stable. And luckily a paramedic named Mack McAfee is there to help when Mary Jo goes into labor. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noelle. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack…because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love.

1225 Christmas Tree Lane

Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. But someone leaves a basket of puppies on her doorstep, and now she’s determined to find them all good homes. Also complicating things is the invitation her daughters extended to their dad…whom Beth divorced a long time ago. As always in life, there are surprises. More than one family’s going to have a puppy under the tree. More than one scheme will go awry. And more than one romance will have a happy ending!

[Aftan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The holidays would not be complete without Debbie Macomber and a cozy revisit to Cedar Cove. This book offers just that. A re-visit of previously released novels but a fun-re-read nonetheless. The stories are both heartwarming and easy, so curl up with a comfy blanket and enjoy!

1st Book:
Mary Jo is a single mother trying to navigate what to do with her situation. Her three loveable but overprotective brothers, the Wyse Men, will do whatever they think is necessary for Mary Jo to have the ending they think she deserves. This book is a cute parallell to the Christimas Story complete with 3 men bringing gifts, a manger complete with animals and a heartwarming happy ending.

2nd Book:
Beth is still figuring out life as a new divorcee when Christmas comes, complete with her daughters coming to visit...with her ex husband and a basket of puppies! Will this be a holiday of their dreams or end with an oof?

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber contains two previously published A Cedar Cove Novels. The two novels are A Cedar Cove Christmas and 1225 Christmas Tree Lane. While I read the books when they first came out, I definitely enjoyed reading them again. I found the two stories to be easy to read. I like the author’s writing style. She has a way of drawing the reader in. There are great characters in the two tales. I especially enjoyed the Wyse brothers in A Cedar Cover Christmas (they had me grinning often). I like that in 1225 Christmas Tree Lane we get to catch up with the characters from the series. I enjoyed the humor throughout both stories (which had me smiling and chuckling). Friendship, love, faith, and community are themes in the two stories. I enjoyed reading these heartwarming and charming stories. Mistletoe and Mischief had me humming Christmas carols and planning my front yard holiday display.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute duo of stories from the Cedar Cove series (which I have not read) set one year apart. In A Cedar Cove Christmas, Mary Jo is very pregnant and looking for the family of the father of her baby while her brothers (the three Wyse men) are looking for her. It's a sweet story of love and family.

One year later, in 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, Beth is surprised when, according to her two college age daughters, her ex-husband of three years wants to join them for Christmas. Everyone is surprised when he shows up with another woman. This story explores occasions when divorce is not the answer.

I enjoyed these stories, and fans of this series will love them.

Family friendly.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stories sharing the same setting and many of the same characters are featured in this book by Debbie Macomber. They were an easy read, which in today's hectic world is needed, not every book has to be thought provoking and a cerebral experience. The characters of both of the stories are likeable and leaves the reader wanting the best possible outcomes for them. That being said, in A Cedar Cove Christmas, I did find that intentional connections to another familiar story (the Christmas nativity) to be predictable and overdone. However, as I had not ready any other books set in the Cedar Cove series, it did serve as a good introduction to many of the characters that are seen in the town. If you are looking for a light-hearted seasonal read, this just might be the book for you.

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber such a beautiful Christmas story that takes place in Cedar Cove. You can picture the beauty of Christmas Eve with an apartment above a stable. The stable has all the memories and animals of Baby Jesus being born to Mary and Joseph. Mary Jo with the help of Mac and Grace deliver Mary Jo’s baby. 1225 Christmas Tree Lane is a beautiful story that takes place in Cedar Cove too. A basket of 10 puppies is left on Beth’s porch and she has to find homes for all of them by Christmas Eve. Her daughters try to get Beth and their father back together again. But they think their parents are involved with other people. This is a book filled with love, love of Christmas and belief that miracles happen at christmastime. Maybe they do. Read the stories.

[Rosie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing - I just could not put it down. The story and characters were so real, and the story-line was so interesting. I found myself reading for over an hour at a time, and then rushing to get the work done, in order to go back to reading the next chapter.

It was two books in one, which was a surprise, but such excellent value, and the story-line continued into the second book - just a time gap between, so the characters had grown up and married.

It was such a joy to read a book that was so easy to read, and such a pleasure to read, that I felt sad when it was finished. I cannot wait to read more books.

Debbie Macomber is such an accomplished author, whose books I thoroughly enjoy reading. At this time of year I read over and over the Mrs Miracle stories (and films).

It is such a delight to read a book with no violence and horror, and just good people trying to help others in everyday living. Well done Debbie, please keep the books coming.

[Barbara Lack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has 2 stories in the book. First is A Cedar Cove Christmas. This was such a heartwarming story. Maryjo is such a sweetheart and Mack was so wonderful. I loved her brothers they were so funny. The animals were great too. The second story is 1225 Christmas Tree Lane. It’s in the same series as the first one. We catch up on many of the town residents. The main characters are Beth and her ex-husband Kent along with their two college age daughters. This had a lot of funny moments and a lot of misunderstandings. There were 10 adorable puppies also.
This book will put you in the Christmas spirit in no time.

[SP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize when I received this ARC that it would be two short stories in one book. I believe this is my first Debbie Macomber book as well. Both stories take place in the same small town and have some overlapping characters as well. While our weather is still over 100 degrees outside, it brings anticipation of the holiday season and cooler weather. These are warm, wholesome Christmas stories
That are perfect for getting cozy with during the holidays when life is busy.

This review is based on an ARC from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do ten abandoned puppies and a pregnant, unmarried and abandoned Mary Jo Wyse have in common? It’s Christmas Eve and they find themselves in the town of Cedar Cove where love abounds and the spirit of Christmas is alive and well. Mary Jo is searching for the father of her baby and is taken in by a local librarian in whose barn she goes into labor. (A Cedar Cove Christmas). Meanwhile the ten puppies are left in Beth Morehouses’s home while she is preparing for a Christmas celebration with her two daughters and her ex-husband who arrives with a “friend.” (1225 Christmas Tree Lane) in these two separate stories, the power of the season supplies the happy ending.

[Margaret A. Janzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot in one book

I think this book would have been better as many books and maybe they are and I just haven't read them and were just referring back to old characters but it was very distracting even though I think we were sort of tracking the puppies and their owners - there was a lot of backstory that either was in a prior book or was preparing for another book or ... but just too confusing. I found I liked a couple of the characters storylines and would have liked to have stayed with them. I kept thinking I need to stop reading this book but I kept reading it and each group of characters was very interesting but it was just too much in one book.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another holiday season in Cedar Cove - actually, 2 since the book recounts the stories of Christmases one year apart. The first is a tongue-in-check retelling of the nativity story. Unmarried, very pregnant Mary Jos Wyse heads to Cedar Cove to locate the family of her baby daddy. She is followed by three Wyse men, her brothers. This was a fun read. The following year Beth Morehouse will be entertaining her daughters for Christmas, joined by her ex. Hmmm? What's that about? Oh, and she needs to find homes for 10 lab mix puppies by Christmas.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize it when I got this ARC, but this book is 2 short stories that are being re-released into a new book. After I started reading the first story I kinda remembered the story and had to go back and look at the series to see why. It was great re-visiting Cedar Cove and remembering the wonderful Christmas stories I read years ago.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Mischief by Debbie Macomber. Not one but two delightful Christmas Holiday stories taking place in Cedar Grove. A Cedar Cove Christmas and 1225 Christmas Tree Lane, although they are reprints they still have all the charm, warmhearted family stories that Ms Macomber does so well. Like visiting old friends.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize until I started reading this book that it was really a rerelease of two books that I’ve already read. A cedar cove Christmas and 1225 Christmas tree lane.. They are both good book and take place in Cedar cove so there is overlap of characters. I always enjoyed the Cedar cove books and just wished I’d realized this was a rerelease because I don’t like to reread books.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Debbie Macomber that I have loved, but Mistletoe and Mischief fell short. I struggled to finish this, but it did have a lovely holiday cheer to it.. This would be good to read on a plane, but I struggled so stay engrossed. I'll give a try another day and see if my feelings change. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the complimentary advanced readers copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan Brenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taste of a series

I enjoyed the two books in this collection but it was obvious that they were written towards the end of, or at least later in a series. It was more obvious in the second story. Many chapters were vignettes about couples who I assume have had their own stories. They were well written, so I didn't feel like a question mark, and they tempted me to find the books to read. A second-chance story in true Christmas spirit.