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Love on Sanctuary Shores
Wishing for Mistletoe
When the heart pens its own holiday romance, even a skeptic can find magic under the mistletoe.
On Sanctuary Island, Ariel Highbridge seeks refuge from crippling writer's block and a disillusioned heart. As a writer of Regency romances who's been betrayed by love herself, Ariel struggles to weave tales of romance when her own faith in it has frayed.
Tom Fuller is a devoted schoolteacher and a widower, whose life orbits around his daughter Shauna. He has sworn off the possibility of new love. Yet, the arrival of their enchanting neighbor stirs an unexpected warmth in both father and daughter's lives..
As the island's Yuletide enchantments weave their spell, Tom and Ariel find themselves drawn to each other. Ariel's burgeoning belief in love and Tom's tentative steps towards healing suggest that perhaps, this Christmas, they could write a love story of their own.
But their fledgling romance will soon face its ultimate test, and it will take the magic of the season and the island's charm for their love story to prove the most enchanting tales don't end—they simply transform into new beginnings.
* * *
Welcome to the shores of Sanctuary Island, where six bestselling authors of Christian romance bring you stories of love and redemption. From tender romance to enduring faith, each standalone novel in this series promises unforgettable characters and heartwarming small town charm.
On Sanctuary Island, Ariel Highbridge seeks refuge from crippling writer's block and a disillusioned heart. As a writer of Regency romances who's been betrayed by love herself, Ariel struggles to weave tales of romance when her own faith in it has frayed.
Tom Fuller is a devoted schoolteacher and a widower, whose life orbits around his daughter Shauna. He has sworn off the possibility of new love. Yet, the arrival of their enchanting neighbor stirs an unexpected warmth in both father and daughter's lives..
As the island's Yuletide enchantments weave their spell, Tom and Ariel find themselves drawn to each other. Ariel's burgeoning belief in love and Tom's tentative steps towards healing suggest that perhaps, this Christmas, they could write a love story of their own.
But their fledgling romance will soon face its ultimate test, and it will take the magic of the season and the island's charm for their love story to prove the most enchanting tales don't end—they simply transform into new beginnings.
* * *
Welcome to the shores of Sanctuary Island, where six bestselling authors of Christian romance bring you stories of love and redemption. From tender romance to enduring faith, each standalone novel in this series promises unforgettable characters and heartwarming small town charm.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
253 people are currently reading
10808 people want to read
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
125 books3,270 followersRobin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
October 26, 2024
Wishing for Mistletoe, part of the Love on Sanctuary Shores series, is a heartwarming Christmas story of two people who have a place in their hearts that has room for healing and new love. Ariel is staying on an island on Lake Huron to get her writing back on track. Her neighbor, Tom, is a widower with a young daughter and teacher at the school of the island. As the two are drawn to each other, they both have need for some healing and trusting in God to go forward. Young Shauna adds her advice for Dad. Sweet romance in a close-knit island community that goes all out for Christmas.
I received a copy from the author for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy from the author for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
October 10, 2024
Such a sweet Christmas 🎄 story. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance of discovering family and coming home to faith. Add in Christmas and it was a great read for this time of year. An escape in a book. I loved it!
August 19, 2024
Let God write your love story.
A heart-warming, tender romance to get you in the mood for Christmas. Both Tom and Ariel learn to open up and love again. Life is not without heartaches and trials, but God does all things well. Young Shauna adds spice and innocence to their story.
This was a quick and easy read for me. It brings a reminder that all good things come from God, and He will work all things out, if we put our trust in Him for everything. I enjoyed this story very much.
I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
A heart-warming, tender romance to get you in the mood for Christmas. Both Tom and Ariel learn to open up and love again. Life is not without heartaches and trials, but God does all things well. Young Shauna adds spice and innocence to their story.
This was a quick and easy read for me. It brings a reminder that all good things come from God, and He will work all things out, if we put our trust in Him for everything. I enjoyed this story very much.
I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
October 27, 2025
I'd love to visit Sanctuary Island in Lake Huron, if only it were real. Robin wrote it into such a delightful place with such delightful, and thoughtful, characters. What a sweet gift this book would make, with its compelling story and uplifting verses and prayers. Sanctuary indeed.
August 20, 2024
Ariel is a writer and she is stuck. She can't start writing even one page. She feels the need to get away. Ariel's friend offers her vacant house on Sanctuary Island. It's a perfect place for her to get her head together.
I'm from Michigan and Sanctuary Island sounds so much like Mackinac Island. Wintertime on an island might not be ideal for some but for Ariel, it's perfect. She soon will discover what GOD plans for her life.
Tom Fuller, the next door neighbor, and his daughter never expected how much their lives can change after meeting Ariel.
A sweet story. It has everything you want in a story. There's great characters. A wonderful location. A book that gives you hope. And it's Christmas!
I'm from Michigan and Sanctuary Island sounds so much like Mackinac Island. Wintertime on an island might not be ideal for some but for Ariel, it's perfect. She soon will discover what GOD plans for her life.
Tom Fuller, the next door neighbor, and his daughter never expected how much their lives can change after meeting Ariel.
A sweet story. It has everything you want in a story. There's great characters. A wonderful location. A book that gives you hope. And it's Christmas!
November 6, 2024
I have been a fan of Robin Lee Hatcher’s books since I was a teenager and have read almost all of her books! I was excited to find out about her release Wishing for Mistletoe! Wishing for Mistletoe is part of the multi-author series Love on Sanctuary Shores. Ms. Hatcher’s Wishing for Mistletoe transports the reader to Sanctuary Island, a world away from the hustle and bustle of life off the coast of Michigan. While on the Island readers meet Tom, a widowed father, his daughter Shauna, who are year round residents of Sanctuary Island, and Ariel, a author who is seeking shelter in Sanctuary Island in order to write her next book. Ariel’s friend Gwyneth has offered Ariel the use of her summer home in Sanctuary Island as a retreat to get some writing done during the winter season. Gwyneth also tells Ariel that if she needs anything while in Sanctuary Island to reach out to neighbor Father-Daughter duo Tom and Shauna. As Ariel gets to know Tom and Shauna and the people of Sanctuary Island, Ariel gets closer in her relationship the Lord and learns that maybe God has her right where she’s meant to be, blessing her in Love and helping Ariel to write the stories He gives her all along the way.
Robin Lee Hatcher has a way of sweeping you into a story and giving you an escape like no other. I felt like I was strolling the streets of Sanctuary Island, taking in all the sights and shops while reading Wishing for Mistletoe! I loved meeting Ariel, Tom and, of course, Shauna! I sympathized with what Ariel and Tom went through in their respective lives before meeting each other. I love how Wishing for Mistletoe is wrapped up in Christian values and that it’s characters were always seeking to get closer to God and His Will regardless of what they were going through. I love that the adults in Wishing for Mistletoe also instilled those Values to the kids in the book. (Being a Children’s Minister myself, I loved seeing the Godly Wisdom that came from Shauna!) Even though, Wishing for Mistletoe is part of a series, I did not feel like I was missing out on anything in the book–which does not always happen when you don’t begin a series with book #1. I love the escape and the Lesson (as well as the Christmas Cheer) that Wishing for Mistletoe by brought me. If you are for a Christmassy escape that’s full of Encouraging Truth, then I highly recommend Wishing for Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher!
Have you read Wishing for Mistletoe? What did you think of the book? Have you read the other books in the Love on Sanctuary Shores series? What do you think of the series?
I would like to thank Robin Lee Hatcher for giving me a copy of Wishing for Mistletoe to review and for letting me be on the Advance Reviewer Team for Wishing for Mistletoe. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on Amazon and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.
Robin Lee Hatcher has a way of sweeping you into a story and giving you an escape like no other. I felt like I was strolling the streets of Sanctuary Island, taking in all the sights and shops while reading Wishing for Mistletoe! I loved meeting Ariel, Tom and, of course, Shauna! I sympathized with what Ariel and Tom went through in their respective lives before meeting each other. I love how Wishing for Mistletoe is wrapped up in Christian values and that it’s characters were always seeking to get closer to God and His Will regardless of what they were going through. I love that the adults in Wishing for Mistletoe also instilled those Values to the kids in the book. (Being a Children’s Minister myself, I loved seeing the Godly Wisdom that came from Shauna!) Even though, Wishing for Mistletoe is part of a series, I did not feel like I was missing out on anything in the book–which does not always happen when you don’t begin a series with book #1. I love the escape and the Lesson (as well as the Christmas Cheer) that Wishing for Mistletoe by brought me. If you are for a Christmassy escape that’s full of Encouraging Truth, then I highly recommend Wishing for Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher!
Have you read Wishing for Mistletoe? What did you think of the book? Have you read the other books in the Love on Sanctuary Shores series? What do you think of the series?
I would like to thank Robin Lee Hatcher for giving me a copy of Wishing for Mistletoe to review and for letting me be on the Advance Reviewer Team for Wishing for Mistletoe. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also on Amazon and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.
December 11, 2024
Perfect holiday reading!
So many fellow readers were talking about the new book by Robin Lee Hatcher that I had to find out for myself: was this the excellent Christmas story everyone claimed it was?
A resounding, unequivocal yes! It’s sweet, heartwarming, and small town living at its best.
Highly recommend!
So many fellow readers were talking about the new book by Robin Lee Hatcher that I had to find out for myself: was this the excellent Christmas story everyone claimed it was?
A resounding, unequivocal yes! It’s sweet, heartwarming, and small town living at its best.
Highly recommend!
September 19, 2024
Another delightful story by Robin Lee Hatcher. Hatcher’s books always flow smoothly and keep the reader engaged. Hatcher writes a beautiful love story between a writer dealing with a painful breakup and a widowed dad who is finally ready for romance. Ariel has come to Sanctuary Island to find a peaceful place to rediscover inspiration for writing. Tom and his daughter Shauna live next door to Ariel’s borrowed home.
Hatcher writes a beautiful love story all the while infusing the story with an authentic journey of growing faith. Scripture and prayer are woven into the story in a genuine manner that draws the reader to understand what it means to have faith in God.
As a reader, I was cheering for Ariel and Tom to realize their love for each other and find a way to make it work. I also loved reading about a writer and book lover. I also love books!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance intertwined with realistic faith in Jesus.
Hatcher writes a beautiful love story all the while infusing the story with an authentic journey of growing faith. Scripture and prayer are woven into the story in a genuine manner that draws the reader to understand what it means to have faith in God.
As a reader, I was cheering for Ariel and Tom to realize their love for each other and find a way to make it work. I also loved reading about a writer and book lover. I also love books!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance intertwined with realistic faith in Jesus.
December 10, 2025
A delightful Christmas-filled romance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I completely enjoyed this book which is filled with the spirit of Christmas….warm holiday festivities, new beginnings, and sharing faith with friends.
In an attempt to break through writer’s block, author Ariel Highbridge commits to spending the winter season on ice-bound Sanctuary Island in Lake Huron. Her temporary neighbor, widower Tom Fuller, and his daughter become instrumental in helping her find peace with the isolated life in the community.
And what a fun time to enjoy this charming small town! SNOW, preparations for a Christmas festival, a “right up Ariel’s alley” children’s holiday writing contest, and a yummy cupcake shop. Author Robin Lee Hatcher writes such a sweet “new beginnings” romance developing between Ariel and Tom, despite a few bumps long the way.
For a story filled with the warm feelings of Christmas, I highly recommend Wishing for Mistletoe. You will delight in the preparations for the holiday with gatherings of friends, childlike anticipation, and a hopeful and loving relationship developing. The conclusion is absolutely charming.
Favorite quote: “For food in a world where many walk in hunger; for faith where many walk in fear; for friends in a world where many walk alone, we give You thanks, O Lord. Amen.”
I completely enjoyed this book which is filled with the spirit of Christmas….warm holiday festivities, new beginnings, and sharing faith with friends.
In an attempt to break through writer’s block, author Ariel Highbridge commits to spending the winter season on ice-bound Sanctuary Island in Lake Huron. Her temporary neighbor, widower Tom Fuller, and his daughter become instrumental in helping her find peace with the isolated life in the community.
And what a fun time to enjoy this charming small town! SNOW, preparations for a Christmas festival, a “right up Ariel’s alley” children’s holiday writing contest, and a yummy cupcake shop. Author Robin Lee Hatcher writes such a sweet “new beginnings” romance developing between Ariel and Tom, despite a few bumps long the way.
For a story filled with the warm feelings of Christmas, I highly recommend Wishing for Mistletoe. You will delight in the preparations for the holiday with gatherings of friends, childlike anticipation, and a hopeful and loving relationship developing. The conclusion is absolutely charming.
Favorite quote: “For food in a world where many walk in hunger; for faith where many walk in fear; for friends in a world where many walk alone, we give You thanks, O Lord. Amen.”
November 9, 2025
While Wishing for Mistletoe is part of a series, each novel is standalone, written by different authors, and set on the same island.
This is a charming romance story about an author struggling with writer's block. Once she is on the island of Sanctuary, she realizes what has led her to that point. She sets about righting the situation while immersing herself in the local community.
This is a charming romance story about an author struggling with writer's block. Once she is on the island of Sanctuary, she realizes what has led her to that point. She sets about righting the situation while immersing herself in the local community.
January 7, 2026
Sweet and predictable story not unlike a Hallmark movie. I am not a huge fan of Christian romance books, but I appreciate the characters growing in their faith and using the truth of scripture to navigate their lives.
March 10, 2025
A sweet Christmastime romance. I enjoyed this story. Ariel was an author so I loved that aspect especially. It’s light and a quick read perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon!
January 4, 2026
I loved this book! It was somewhat simple and a bit predictable but I loved it for being a sweet, Godly love story. The characters both love God and were seeking him to guide their lives and relationship and it just felt cozy, feel good, and pure! I also love that Robin Lee Hatcher has ties to Boise. I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
November 24, 2024
Kept my Interest
I really enjoyed “Wishing for Mistletoe” by Robin Lee Hatcher. Once again the author made her characters, Ariel, an author with Writer’s block, and Tom, a school teacher, and his daughter, Shauna, very like able and believable. The description of the island community of Sanctuary made me want to visit.
I will be reading this book again and highly recommend it if you like clean stories that include romance and faith.
I really enjoyed “Wishing for Mistletoe” by Robin Lee Hatcher. Once again the author made her characters, Ariel, an author with Writer’s block, and Tom, a school teacher, and his daughter, Shauna, very like able and believable. The description of the island community of Sanctuary made me want to visit.
I will be reading this book again and highly recommend it if you like clean stories that include romance and faith.
November 19, 2024
What a sweet Christmas story about a romance writer and a schoolteacher/widower. Ariel and Tom have to learn to open up to love again. Tom's young daughter Shauna was a delightful addition and provided Tom wisdom and insight. This story is also one about trusting God and that all things work together for good.
November 17, 2024
Wishing for Mistletoe was uplifting
Great story of Tom and Ariel trying to find a way to a relationship despite fears from previous lost relationships. Characters were realistic and loved Shauna's maturity and encouragement to her Dad. Wonderful church family and minister that helped Ariel especially to include putting God's will first in her love relationships. Highly encourage you to read all 6 stories/books ithat take place on Sanctuary Island.
Great story of Tom and Ariel trying to find a way to a relationship despite fears from previous lost relationships. Characters were realistic and loved Shauna's maturity and encouragement to her Dad. Wonderful church family and minister that helped Ariel especially to include putting God's will first in her love relationships. Highly encourage you to read all 6 stories/books ithat take place on Sanctuary Island.
November 10, 2024
You will be reminded of Mackinac Island as you visit Sanctuary Island in this latest book by Robin Lee Hatcher! Ariel Highbridge arrives on Sanctuary Island on one of the last ferries before the only way in or out is by plane and Ariel hates flying! Ariel, an author, is having writer's block and recovering from a bad romantic relationship. I loved how all of the people on the island accepted Ariel and how she made herself get out and meet people--not that her next door neighbor and his daughter gave her much choice! Wishing for Mistletoe is a tender story that you won't want to miss. I might have shed a good tear or two! I received a complimentary e-book copy of Wishing for Mistletoe from the author. This is my honest opinion.
November 11, 2024
The perfect ending
This was the perfect ending to this series. Everything about it was perfect. I really enjoyed reading how the characters worked through their questions and concerns with prayer and bible reading. I liked reading their thought process in what was happening in their lives. I loved the relationship between father and daughter and how they welcomed the heroine into their life to complete their family. And I especially liked the recap in the epilogue of all the couples in the previous books. A big thank you and congratulations to all of the authors of this series. A definite recommendation to read about and sojourn onto Sanctuary Island.
This was the perfect ending to this series. Everything about it was perfect. I really enjoyed reading how the characters worked through their questions and concerns with prayer and bible reading. I liked reading their thought process in what was happening in their lives. I loved the relationship between father and daughter and how they welcomed the heroine into their life to complete their family. And I especially liked the recap in the epilogue of all the couples in the previous books. A big thank you and congratulations to all of the authors of this series. A definite recommendation to read about and sojourn onto Sanctuary Island.
November 12, 2024
A beautiful Christmas story
Love. Oh my. Love of God. Love of parents. Love of spouse and children. This beautiful story has it all.
A message of hope and joy of knowing God's love and care even when in our humanness we fail.
Such a beautiful setting. Such great friends to offer support. So glad I read it.
Love. Oh my. Love of God. Love of parents. Love of spouse and children. This beautiful story has it all.
A message of hope and joy of knowing God's love and care even when in our humanness we fail.
Such a beautiful setting. Such great friends to offer support. So glad I read it.
November 6, 2024
I do not tend to read Christian romance and it somehow escaped my notice that this book falls into the genre when I picked it up. However, I was home sick and needed something light and comforting and this certainly met those needs. A very sweet, if predictable, story about a woman heading to an island for a winter of writing only to develop feelings for the widower and his daughter next door. The religious elements are heavy and the character development was slim. I am not the right reader for this one.
I won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
I won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2024
If you want a sweet story to get you ready for the Christmas season, this is the book for you. Ariel ventures to Sanctuary Island to heal her heart and to nurture her stagnant writing. Her new neighbor is Tom, a widowed dad who sees in Ariel someone he might finally be ready to fall in love with after years of being single. They form a friendship, along with Tom's daughter, as they explore the quaint town as it is readied for Christmas. Will the town live up to its name and offer a respite for Ariel to learn to trust someone with her heart? Will Tom be willing to fall in love even if Ariel is only on the island temporarily? Join them as they explore their faith and their feelings on Sanctuary Island.
August 20, 2024
Ariel Highbridge is a romance novelist suffering from writer's block. She has come to Sanctuary Island for the winter, looking for inspiration for her next book. Tom Fuller is a schoolteacher who lives next door with his eleven-year-old daughter Shauna and dog Scruffy.
Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher is a stand-alone contemporary romance. It is also part of the series Love On Sanctuary Shores with five other authors. I enjoyed Ariel and Tom's story. The setting was delightful, making one wish they lived there. The faith element was one of the best I have read.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher is a stand-alone contemporary romance. It is also part of the series Love On Sanctuary Shores with five other authors. I enjoyed Ariel and Tom's story. The setting was delightful, making one wish they lived there. The faith element was one of the best I have read.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
October 12, 2024
Such a sweet inspirational Christmas story!
A story about an author having writers block and moving to an island for the winter to try to get past it, I was so intrigued. I really enjoyed how Ariel realized what she really needed was to spend more time with God to reset her life. Tom was such a great girl dad. I loved how patient, loving, and supportive he was of Ariel too. Theirs was a very sweet love story. Quick easy read for me, and very enjoyable!
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
A story about an author having writers block and moving to an island for the winter to try to get past it, I was so intrigued. I really enjoyed how Ariel realized what she really needed was to spend more time with God to reset her life. Tom was such a great girl dad. I loved how patient, loving, and supportive he was of Ariel too. Theirs was a very sweet love story. Quick easy read for me, and very enjoyable!
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
August 29, 2024
This is exactly my kind of story. It's full of Christmas fun and has a strong message. In these pages, we find the secret to writer's block, and, well really, to everything else. This will go in my Christmas collection. Very well done!
December 18, 2024
Wishing For Mistletoe by Robin Lee Hatcher is the most charming Christmas Christian contemporary novel that will warm the reader’s heart and make you smile. It is the sixth book in Love On Sanctuary Shores but can be read as a stand-alone. All the books in the series are written by different authors and I cannot wait to dip into them.
This is a book about deep love. Love comes in many forms. We love because Jesus first loved us. Love is a verb. “Love was shown by what a person did.” There is the love of God for us; our love for Him; and family, friendship and new love. This love puts others above self. It is beautiful to witness love in action.
We see the importance of building a relationship with God. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. We need to open it, read it, and digest the words. “She discovered a little [Bible reading] wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy her hunger. She needed more and more.” We all want to be hungry for the word of God.
God calls us into His presence. “When was the last time she’d simply sat in God’s presence?... When was the last time she’d been content to be and not to do?” A relationship builds as we spend time together – whether that is with God or with other people.
Characters have been hurt by loss. There is the temptation to keep our hearts safe by withdrawing from life – but then we are merely existing and not living. “Don’t stop living just because there might be some pain around the corner.” God wants us to live an abundant life. We can trust His leading. “Faith demanded he trust God for what was best.” When we put God first, things will work out in His timing and His plans. “Put God first in all things, and the rest would work itself out.”
God’s great idea for planet earth was the church. The church is not a building. The church is the people who meet inside the building and then go out into the world and spread the good news of Jesus. “It’s my church family who were the constant… source of help I needed when I was at my lowest.” We need people to love, support and encourage us. “Witnessing their faith hold strong in the midst of disappointment and heartbreak had strengthened Tom’s own faith … he thanked God for them in his prayers.”
We need to practice an attitude of gratitude. Our prayers are important as they help us to build a relationship with God and each other. At times circumstances are hard and remain seemingly unchanged, even after much prayer but “prayer doesn’t change circumstances, but it does change the person who prays regularly” – Wow!
The community of Sanctuary Shore is a small, close knit one, full of warmth and compassion. There are tourists in the summer but for many winter months the island is shut off from the mainland due to frozen waters. At Christmas there are traditions that bring the residents together.
All the characters were delightfully drawn. The love between them reaches beyond the pages of the book to encompass the reader. From the youngest to the oldest, the love is tangible.
Sanctuary Shore is a place where fractured hearts can find healing. The peace and tranquility connect hearts with each other and with God.
I absolutely adored Wishing For Mistletoe and am sorry it is ended.
This is a book about deep love. Love comes in many forms. We love because Jesus first loved us. Love is a verb. “Love was shown by what a person did.” There is the love of God for us; our love for Him; and family, friendship and new love. This love puts others above self. It is beautiful to witness love in action.
We see the importance of building a relationship with God. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. We need to open it, read it, and digest the words. “She discovered a little [Bible reading] wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy her hunger. She needed more and more.” We all want to be hungry for the word of God.
God calls us into His presence. “When was the last time she’d simply sat in God’s presence?... When was the last time she’d been content to be and not to do?” A relationship builds as we spend time together – whether that is with God or with other people.
Characters have been hurt by loss. There is the temptation to keep our hearts safe by withdrawing from life – but then we are merely existing and not living. “Don’t stop living just because there might be some pain around the corner.” God wants us to live an abundant life. We can trust His leading. “Faith demanded he trust God for what was best.” When we put God first, things will work out in His timing and His plans. “Put God first in all things, and the rest would work itself out.”
God’s great idea for planet earth was the church. The church is not a building. The church is the people who meet inside the building and then go out into the world and spread the good news of Jesus. “It’s my church family who were the constant… source of help I needed when I was at my lowest.” We need people to love, support and encourage us. “Witnessing their faith hold strong in the midst of disappointment and heartbreak had strengthened Tom’s own faith … he thanked God for them in his prayers.”
We need to practice an attitude of gratitude. Our prayers are important as they help us to build a relationship with God and each other. At times circumstances are hard and remain seemingly unchanged, even after much prayer but “prayer doesn’t change circumstances, but it does change the person who prays regularly” – Wow!
The community of Sanctuary Shore is a small, close knit one, full of warmth and compassion. There are tourists in the summer but for many winter months the island is shut off from the mainland due to frozen waters. At Christmas there are traditions that bring the residents together.
All the characters were delightfully drawn. The love between them reaches beyond the pages of the book to encompass the reader. From the youngest to the oldest, the love is tangible.
Sanctuary Shore is a place where fractured hearts can find healing. The peace and tranquility connect hearts with each other and with God.
I absolutely adored Wishing For Mistletoe and am sorry it is ended.
August 26, 2024
Wishing for Mistletoe is best selling author Robin Lee Hatcher's addition to the multi author Love on Sanctuary Shores series, and it's a wonderful title that speaks of letting God write our story, even when He may be taking us in a direction we might never have expected.
Ariel is a regency romance author dealing with writer's block, and her beloved friend has offered her the use of her summer house on an idyllic island that becomes much more remote during the winter season. Unsure what to expect of spending her Christmas holiday in such a unique location, Ariel soon finds herself charmed by the beloved community and the warm, friendly people who call it home. Most of all, she finds herself connecting in ways she didn't see coming with her handsome next door neighbor, and his spirited eleven year old daughter. As Ariel starts to sense something changing in her life, a sweet romance starts to spark between her and Tom. Can they both learn to let go and let God this Christmas season?
A wonderful, heartwarming read that gives readers everything they could want in a Christmas romance, Wishing for Mistletoe is a captivating read that I read in nearly one sitting. This truly felt like a Great American Pureflix Christmas movie in book form, and I adored that. Sweet, swoon worthy, and faith based, it was everything I've come to expect from Robin Lee Hatcher, and I was most definitely not disappointed. I always appreciate how authentically she writes her faith elements, and that ended up being one of my favorite parts of the story.
If you're looking for a lovely faith based Christmas romance this holiday season, then this might just be the book you're looking for!
Final Rating: 5/5.
I highly recommend picking this one up, and I have to quickly add that I've never been to Mackinac Island myself, but I've always been fascinated by it, and that was what the island in this story made me think of right from the start. Such an interesting setting, and I loved it.
Thanks so much to Robin Lee Hatcher for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Ariel is a regency romance author dealing with writer's block, and her beloved friend has offered her the use of her summer house on an idyllic island that becomes much more remote during the winter season. Unsure what to expect of spending her Christmas holiday in such a unique location, Ariel soon finds herself charmed by the beloved community and the warm, friendly people who call it home. Most of all, she finds herself connecting in ways she didn't see coming with her handsome next door neighbor, and his spirited eleven year old daughter. As Ariel starts to sense something changing in her life, a sweet romance starts to spark between her and Tom. Can they both learn to let go and let God this Christmas season?
A wonderful, heartwarming read that gives readers everything they could want in a Christmas romance, Wishing for Mistletoe is a captivating read that I read in nearly one sitting. This truly felt like a Great American Pureflix Christmas movie in book form, and I adored that. Sweet, swoon worthy, and faith based, it was everything I've come to expect from Robin Lee Hatcher, and I was most definitely not disappointed. I always appreciate how authentically she writes her faith elements, and that ended up being one of my favorite parts of the story.
If you're looking for a lovely faith based Christmas romance this holiday season, then this might just be the book you're looking for!
Final Rating: 5/5.
I highly recommend picking this one up, and I have to quickly add that I've never been to Mackinac Island myself, but I've always been fascinated by it, and that was what the island in this story made me think of right from the start. Such an interesting setting, and I loved it.
Thanks so much to Robin Lee Hatcher for allowing me to advance read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her ARC team. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
August 27, 2024
"No Mistletoe Required" to be transported for a front row seat on Sanctuary Island when God orchestrates your very own fairytale amidst the perfect Christmas backdrop resplendent with snowfall, twinkling lights, and small town charm.
I was instantly drawn into Ariel's plight with writer's block and her spiritual wilderness. I could picture myself in Whimsical Pages Bookshop and envision walking down the aisles perusing the books along the shelves and selecting the just right copy and journal. Tom's tenderhearted parenting through his own grief and his compassion and care for Shauna and the gentle way he pursued Ariel akin him to Sanctuary Island's very own prince charming. It was easy to fall in love with Cathy's cupcake shop and almost be able to smell and taste the newly introduced Christmas cupcake flavor. On our 90 degree day in the place I call home while reading this heartwarming tale, I yearned for a cup of hot chocolate with my very own candy cane that Tom, Shauna and Ariel often enjoyed. In my mind's eye, I could see Scruffy digging holes and chasing the carrot for Frosty's nose! More than once, my eyelids rimmed with tears at the delicate balance of being pursued and yet fully trusting God's timing in all things and being afraid to open your heart once again.
Just as Ariel wrote, "to honor God with a desire to also entertain, to lift a burden, and to bring a smile or mend something that was broken in her readers with hope in their hearts after the book closed for a final time", so has Robin Lee Hatcher done in this charming love story when two wounded hearts learned to beat again in unison and show that two are truly better than one and God is the perfect author of all things. As I turned the last page, I had a smile on my face in and in my heart. This will be one I read again and again, hot chocolate in hand, cozied up by the fireplace and transport right back to Makinac Island and walk the streets of the Annual Christmas Festival with the characters I fell in love with.
I received an Advance Readers copy and this review is entirely my own. I was not required to leave a positive review.
I was instantly drawn into Ariel's plight with writer's block and her spiritual wilderness. I could picture myself in Whimsical Pages Bookshop and envision walking down the aisles perusing the books along the shelves and selecting the just right copy and journal. Tom's tenderhearted parenting through his own grief and his compassion and care for Shauna and the gentle way he pursued Ariel akin him to Sanctuary Island's very own prince charming. It was easy to fall in love with Cathy's cupcake shop and almost be able to smell and taste the newly introduced Christmas cupcake flavor. On our 90 degree day in the place I call home while reading this heartwarming tale, I yearned for a cup of hot chocolate with my very own candy cane that Tom, Shauna and Ariel often enjoyed. In my mind's eye, I could see Scruffy digging holes and chasing the carrot for Frosty's nose! More than once, my eyelids rimmed with tears at the delicate balance of being pursued and yet fully trusting God's timing in all things and being afraid to open your heart once again.
Just as Ariel wrote, "to honor God with a desire to also entertain, to lift a burden, and to bring a smile or mend something that was broken in her readers with hope in their hearts after the book closed for a final time", so has Robin Lee Hatcher done in this charming love story when two wounded hearts learned to beat again in unison and show that two are truly better than one and God is the perfect author of all things. As I turned the last page, I had a smile on my face in and in my heart. This will be one I read again and again, hot chocolate in hand, cozied up by the fireplace and transport right back to Makinac Island and walk the streets of the Annual Christmas Festival with the characters I fell in love with.
I received an Advance Readers copy and this review is entirely my own. I was not required to leave a positive review.
December 10, 2024
An exquisitely written Christmas novel full of faith and hope and new beginnings. I so enjoy Robin Lee Hatcher’s storytelling style. Her talent in creating living, breathing people from fictional characters is phenomenal and the subsequent emotional connection I feel enhances my reading enjoyment so much.
This was my introduction to Sanctuary Island, but I am eager to sample some of the other stories in this series – especially since there are a few new-to-me authors in the mix. Love the unique setting and the small town ambience that promises happily ever afters. This is the kind of town that puts action into their caring and there were so many sweet moments of camaraderie, compassion and service. Perfect for a Christmas story.
And the perfect place for Ariel to land as she struggles both professionally and personally. Hatcher does an amazing job of conveying the conflicting highs and lows of authorship. Insecurities surface, despite past success, and somewhere in the mix, Ariel realizes that her priorities might be skewed. I found her faith journey quite profound and easily relatable to my own life.
And then there’s Tom and his precocious daughter who play a significant role in integrating Ariel into island life. And at Christmas time, that’s pretty special. He has a heartbreaking back story and is still working through some issues but I love the way the island community encourages these two. And I really love the solid faith woven throughout their love story.
I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Hilarey Johnson which made ‘reading’ Wishing for Mistletoe even more memorable. A solid recommendation if you enjoy audio books.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/12/10/w...
This was my introduction to Sanctuary Island, but I am eager to sample some of the other stories in this series – especially since there are a few new-to-me authors in the mix. Love the unique setting and the small town ambience that promises happily ever afters. This is the kind of town that puts action into their caring and there were so many sweet moments of camaraderie, compassion and service. Perfect for a Christmas story.
And the perfect place for Ariel to land as she struggles both professionally and personally. Hatcher does an amazing job of conveying the conflicting highs and lows of authorship. Insecurities surface, despite past success, and somewhere in the mix, Ariel realizes that her priorities might be skewed. I found her faith journey quite profound and easily relatable to my own life.
And then there’s Tom and his precocious daughter who play a significant role in integrating Ariel into island life. And at Christmas time, that’s pretty special. He has a heartbreaking back story and is still working through some issues but I love the way the island community encourages these two. And I really love the solid faith woven throughout their love story.
I listened to the audible edition of this book narrated by Hilarey Johnson which made ‘reading’ Wishing for Mistletoe even more memorable. A solid recommendation if you enjoy audio books.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/12/10/w...
August 28, 2024
What do you do when you realize your life is a path of wrong choices and you are experiencing self-doubt in all areas of your life? Ariel was in such a place when she accepted a friends offer to stay at her home on Sanctuary Island (an appropriate name) and she hopes to overcome her writers block and finish her current novel. Leaving behind a broken engagement and other broken relationships, she struggles with writing this romance novel. She meets Tom and his daughter Shauna and they slowly become an important part of her life. As Ariel begins to question the root of her problem’s she realizes her relationship with God is not what it should be. She never prayed and sought God’s direction in her relationships and remembers her mom and dad prayed from the time she was born for the right man to come into her life. Could failed relationships be a part of Gods plan for her to finally restore her relationship with God and find the perfect man for her? From the start this novel pulls you into the story and its characters. I loved how they interacted with one another and encouraged Ariel in her journey in restoring her personal relationship with God and realizing who God wanted her to be with.
R. Fody
August 28, 2024
R. Fody
August 28, 2024
September 2, 2024
Oh, how I enjoyed this sweet story! I'm ready to move to Sanctuary Island myself and eat a cupcake in the middle of winter! Ariel has writer's block and moves to an island at the request of a friend to try to get her mojo back. She hopes a new location will help her be able to write her next novel but what she gets instead is so much better! She finds deeper faith, great neighbors and an even better path to follow on her writing journey. She meets Tom and his daughter, Shauna, next door and they come to mean so much to her. They teach her a lot about God, her faith and herself. I really liked all the main characters. They were well-developed, likable and realistic. Shauna was such a cute 11-year-old! Tom was a widower, but he was doing a good job with raising Shauna on his own. He didn't know he needed romance in his life until he met Ariel! They were a great couple! I liked how they were light and easy together - no drama, just sweet and caring. The townspeople were fantastic in this story too. They added a lot to the overall likability of the story. Get ready for the holidays with this book!
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