The Christmas Box

by Toni Blake

She loves Christmas!
Opening a Christmas shop in her hometown of Winterberry, Kentucky is a dream come true for Lexi Hargrove. Lexi is no stranger to loss, but her holly, jolly approach to life has sustained her. She couldn’t have imagined the first person to walk through the door of the Christmas Box would be Travis Hutchins, her long lost high school crush who stood her up for a date a dozen years ago. He’s looking for coffee, not Christmas – and makes it clear he’s a holiday hater. But why does he still have to be so hot? And when did he become so Grinchy?

He hates Christmas!
Travis never planned to come back to Winterberry, but his estranged father is dying. He just wants to keep a low profile, do his duty, then head back to his life in Chicago. Things he never running into Lexi Hargrove, and an endless explosion of all things Christmas directly in eyesight of where he’s staying. When did she get so pretty? And why does he keep going back?

Can one wish upon a Christmas star change everything?
Lexi isn’t sure why she’s wishing for Hottie McScrooge across the street to find the joy of Christmas, but soon a whole array of Christmas wishes begin to change both their lives. Can those wishes keep Lexi’s shop open even when the situation looks bleak? Can they help Travis make peace with his dad before it’s too late? And can Lexi and Travis look past all their fears and differences to fall in love?

Genres: Romance

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Toni Blake's love of writing began when she won an essay contest in the fifth grade. Soon after, she penned her first novel, nineteen notebook-pages long, and announced to her mother over breakfast one day that she was going to be a writer when she grew up. Since then, Toni has become the author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels. Her work has been excerpted in Cosmo, she's been a recipient of the Kentucky Women Writers Fellowship and a nominee for the prestigious Pushcart Prize, and she's also had more than forty short stories and articles published. Toni lives in the Midwest and enjoys traveling, genealogy, crafts, and snow skiing.

Toni has also written under the name Toni Blair.

Photo: Cassandra Stella

Reviews

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lexi opens her Christmas store she’s excited about finally fulfilling her mom’s dream. Travis is back in town after over a decade to honor his Uncle and be there for his dying father. However they have history and while it’s not awful Lexi wa shirt by him in the past and is keeping her guard up especially since he is a self proclaimed Christmas hater. But as the days pass things change, feelings blossom, and magic is in the air. Each page is filled with heart, hope and revelations for both Lexi and Travis. I could not put the book down as this story of love and hope unfolded. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and inspirational story. The small town setting brings together a cast of characters in a tight knit community. Lexi is the sunshine character to Travis’ grumpy demeanor. Set at Christmas, both Lexi and Travis are dealing with issues in their lives. Readers will enjoy this seasonal romance as these two characters fall in love.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story that was just the right length. The small town setting followed a predictable formula, but it was pleasant and cute.

The book has a few typos, particularly near the end.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m such a sucker for Toni Blake’s books and I love it even more when it’s a holiday-themed one! So I had high hopes for this one. Toni Blake pens some of my most favorite Contemporary Romances.

THE CHRISTMAS BOX captures the holiday spirit well. But unfortunately, not everyone is as jolly as Old Saint Nick. The hero, Travis, is a huge grinch and honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of him. He truly embodied the grinch persona well. But that also meant that he had a further distance to travel to make me fall for him.

Fortunately, Blake’s free-flowing writing style and the heroine, Lexi, kept the holiday spirits alive and I was able to enjoy the book.

Sweet and sensual, THE CHRISTMAS BOX explores both heartfelt and humorous themes, making this book full of surprises. I enjoyed the banter and the holiday inspiration sprinkled throughout. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who may be struggling to enjoy CHristmas. THE CHRISTMAS BOX is sure to melt the hearts of all scrooges this winter season.

I hope that Toni Blake will continue to write more sexy contemporaries with more small-town settings as they are my favorite from her.

[Lynne Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story between a Christmas loving woman and a wannabe grinch. Travis comes back to his hometown for a one time job and be with his dad, who is dying. While there he reconnects with Lexi and learns the true meaning of Christmas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Box
By Toni Blake
Book two in The Box series

The last thing Travis wants to do is come home to Winterberry for the holidays. This time of year is not something he looks forward to say he's a Grinch wouldn't be too far off.  Yet he's back and trying to spend time with his father, who is not expected to live much longer.  With so much to deal with,  the cheerful woman across the street who loves Christmas so much she's opened a Christmas themed store,  is not high on his priorities.  But sometimes revisiting the past is exactly what you need to find your future. 
Lexi Hargrove has a lot to prove,  mainly to herself and upholding her family legacy.  Her new store The Christmas Box is everything she imagined,  literally tied with a giant ribbon. The overly optimistic person she is,  spreading the joy of the season is the perfect antidote to the grumps.  She's got her work cut out for her in Travis, and when they spend time together fulfilling wishes for the town, it becomes more than she expects.  But did she have a chance to make him see that the town and her have more to offer than the dark times from his youth?

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to choose a few holiday books during the season, and this one was a real stand out for me. A second-chance small town romance, a self-named Grinch in Travis, and the woman who wants nothing but for people to have the Christmas spirit all year round, and opens a shop in her small town called The Christmas Box trying to keep her family legacy alive of owning a business in the town. Travis, a very angsty, and only in town as his father is in a nursing home with a terminal illness, so he’s there to do his duty and leave back to Chicago where he fled to right after high school from a bad home life.

But the magic of Christmas puts Lexi and Travis in each other’s paths, and soon each will be finding out that the magic of Christmas is real in their small town. This book has all the feels, some heart wrenching, some endearing moments and a town that stays together, even during the rough patches. And a huge shout out to Marley, who also found her place in the world. Not often do I finish a story in a day, but this one pulled me in within the first chapter.

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book beautifully contrasts Lexi’s love for Christmas with Travis’s Grinch-like attitude, leading to a delightful opposites-attract dynamic. As they reconnect, Lexi's warmth and holiday cheer gradually melt Travis’s icy exterior, but deeper emotional layers come into play, particularly as Travis grapples with his complicated family issues. The story touches on themes of loss, forgiveness, and finding love in unexpected places.

Blake captures the magic of Christmas with vivid imagery, heartwarming moments, and a strong focus on emotional healing. It’s not just a lighthearted romance but also a touching tale of reconciliation and personal growth. The characters are relatable, and the small-town charm adds to the festive feel. Perfect for those who enjoy feel-good holiday romances with a deeper emotional resonance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so difficult to describe as it has so much to it. It has the romance between the perpetual cheery Lexi with the grumpy Travis giving them a second chance after the high school debacle. Travis has to deal with his dying father and forge a relationship before it is too late. The story is romantic, serious, heart warming and sad. The reader finds second chances, acts of kindness, and "the sense that miracles can happen if you just believe." It grips your attention from the beginning and is really hard to put down as it has all the feels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Lexi has lost so much she is so filled with Christmas cheer she opened a store dedicated to it. Grinchy Travis had a terrible childhood and he stood Lexi up when they were teens but asks him to create a wishing box for her store and from there drags him into all kinds of Christmas activities including building a gingerbread house, dressing up like Santa, and helping her fulfill the wishes in her box. But he’s only back in town temporarily for work and reluctantly to be with his father during his final days. Can she convince him to stay? I love the stray dog he rescued that loved him even when he didn’t want her at first.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect read for Christmas movie lovers.

Sweet and cozy, Lexi and Travis are great MCs who give us a fantastic grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Just really a great book to pick up for the holiday season, especially if you're a fan of TV Christmas movies, because The Christmas Box gives that feeling of being wrapped up in your favorite throw blanket with a mug of cocoa. It's got a heartfelt storyline and the pacing is great for a cozy read.

🎄 Grumpy/Sunshine
🎁 Second Chance Romance
🎄 Small Town
🎁 Christmas Magic

✨ I received an ARC via BookSprout for review, my opinions are my own .✨

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming sweet magical Christmas story. Where Mr Grinch meets Mrs Clause. Lexi has just opened her Christmas store when Travis has returned home after many years away to be with his dying father. They have a history from high school that broke Lexi's heart. Lexi tries to pass on her love of Christmas to Travis, breaking the hard exterior that he was put up from previous years. A friendship develops when they decide to grant a few wishes from the Christmas box, ok so my heart melted at this time.

This is a book that I could not put down, love this little town and the characters. Highly recommend.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was granted an ARC through Booksprout of this wonderful novel. The Christmas Box by Toni Blake is a delightful new novel for this Christmas. Full of Christmas cheer and wishes, it also reflects heart changing stories and coping with loss. Old heartaches come to light where forgiveness may or may not be given but miracles occur through the creation of a magic Christmas Box. It’s also a reminder of our precious elderly population who are sometimes forgotten during the holiday season. A definite five star read, The Christmas Box is a novel not to be missed this upcoming holiday season.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can always enjoy a great Christmas story no matter what month it is and that's exactly what Ms. Blake delivers!

Sunshine/grumpy are definitely the personalities of our mains, Lexi and Travis!

This story brings the feelings that a Christmas story should bring! Love, acceptance, joy, hope!

Yeah, I expected a happy ending, which is exactly what I needed!

The magic of the season twinkles through Ms. Blake's words!

This was my first story by this talented author. Absolutely not my last!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done! Such a great romance story, very engaging storyline and loveable characters. Heartfelt emotions, both romantic and familial providing a contrast of realistic reactions. Sweet, clean and magical chance for classmates to get to know one another on a more mature level and I loved it from beginning to end! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexi is opening a Christmas store in honor of her mother and grandmother. Travis returned to Winterberry for the first time since graduating high school. His dad is dying and his uncle persuaded him to come back. What a great story about a small town and how the people help one another. Will Lexi forgive Travis for standing her up in high school? Will Travis, Mr. Grinch, finally learn to like Christmas. Great story!

[Joan Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy Hallmark movies , you will really like this book. It’s a small town story taking place in December of a young woman who wants to fulfill her mother’s dream and a young man who comes back to town after he left years ago. The town is beautifully depicted in detail. Grumpy guy meets cheery, hopeful girl. Enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of the book in advance and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a small town setting! Lexi opens a Christmas store as a tribute to her mother who loved Christmas as much as she does. Travis is back in town to take care of his father and he hates Christmas and everything about it. This is the perfect meeting of sunshine versus grumpy and you have to know that sunshine wins out especially at this special time of year. Great story with a great backdrop.

**Received this ARC for review**

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful warm romance that will set your heart afire. Trying to keep her family legacy by opening her own store on Main Street Lexi Hargrove worked hard to get The Christmas Box ready for the holidays. She was not prepared for the first visitor to be Travis Hutchins who had stood her up in high school for a Christmas dance. In spite of him being Mr. Grinch Lexi decided to get him to like Christmas. This is a quick sweet read.

[Michelle Stricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, relateable characters that grew naturally - even with the excessive involvement and busybody attitudes of other characters.

The first book in this series was only rated 2 stars by me. This was much more enjoyable and a complete story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect feel-good Christmas story and it's one that will stay with me for a long time, even though I've finished it. A blend of emotion, healing, hope, community and love makes it the perfect recipe for a heartwarming book.

Lexi recently opened a Christmas shop in her hometown, hoping to have it continue a legacy her mom and grandma had left before a fire tragically took them and their diner. A Christmas shop had been her mom's dream, and she wanted so badly to honor that.

Travis has returned to his hometown for the final part of his dad's life. His intention was to fulfill his obligation and then get right back to his life in the city. As a teenager, he was also the one who had stood Lexi up on a very important night. Now, they live right across the street from one another.

If you love to believe in the magic of Christmas, the miracle of the season, and that love can heal the greatest of wounds, grief, this is a must-read book for your holiday season.

Thank you, Toni Blake, for an ARC of this beautifully written book.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be incredibly heart warming. I enjoyed the MMC side of the story a little more than the FMC. I enjoyed the writing style very much as well, even brought tears to my eyes more than once!! I can't wait to read more books by this author!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! What a fantastic idea to open a store for Christmas all year round, I live in Michigan so I know we have stores like this in Frankenmuth. Lexi’s first customer is Travis, the boy that stood her up in high school. He really tries to fight her upbeat Christmas spirit but he ends up falling for her. They are the perfect couple.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! First Christmas book of the season and what a book it was! Enjoyed it so much that I read it in one day? Lexi and Travis (and the others) were so good I hope there will be a continuation (maybe the baby box) 😊 loved this so much I ordered the wedding box and can't wait to see what book. #3:in series will be thank you Toni I think this is a winner!!! 😆

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a good Christmas story for any time of the year. It’s about family, love, loss, good friends and the spirit of Christmas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandie Culp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute Christmas romance! You can feel the Christmas spirit come alive on the pages of the book through the characters. A cute and easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valerie J. Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, but there were a lot of misspellings, punctuation errors and grammar errors, which is so unlike Blake. These detracted from the story. I guess Blake doesn't care and/or she has a new editor(s) and/or proofreader(s).

[Kristi Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy Christmas read with all the feels. Set in Kentucky in a small town at Christmas- local girl is trying to get her Christmas shop up and going. Will she make it or will her new found friendship change things.

[Deena Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet book. I usually read mystery/thrillers and picked this book as a change of pace and I am so glad I did. I loved the characters and the small town feel of the book. Will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s a grinch…

Lexi is down for Christmas. Like a lot.
Travis us a grinchy grinch who is only in town to do his duty to his father.
Loosely connected to the wedding box.
Recommend.