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Christmas Falls: Season 2 #7
No Business Like Snow Business
Harvey Novak loves living in Christmas Falls. He loves his job running the Festival Museum too, except when it means he has to deal with his ex, who’s putting together the town’s newest tourist brochures. There are a lot of things Harvey is willing to do for Christmas Falls, but playing nice with the guy who cheated on him isn’t one of them. When a real-life Christmas mystery falls into Harvey’s lap, it offers the perfect distraction. And the guy with the mystery is pretty distracting too.
Sterling van Ruyven has come to Christmas Falls to look for his long-lost uncle, and enlists Harvey’s help to track him down. It’s all business—if there’s an extra van Ruyven heir out there somewhere, Sterling needs to know about it. He isn’t expecting to actually enjoy spending time in this ridiculous Christmas-themed town with the cute guy from the museum.
Their fun flirtation turns into a holiday fling, but that’s all it can ever be. Harvey’s heart belongs in Christmas Falls, and Sterling hasn’t found his yet. But maybe Christmas is the time for miracles after all.
Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.
Sterling van Ruyven has come to Christmas Falls to look for his long-lost uncle, and enlists Harvey’s help to track him down. It’s all business—if there’s an extra van Ruyven heir out there somewhere, Sterling needs to know about it. He isn’t expecting to actually enjoy spending time in this ridiculous Christmas-themed town with the cute guy from the museum.
Their fun flirtation turns into a holiday fling, but that’s all it can ever be. Harvey’s heart belongs in Christmas Falls, and Sterling hasn’t found his yet. But maybe Christmas is the time for miracles after all.
Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
131 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
103 books2,285 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
December 13, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“I feel it too, I wished I could tell him. We have chemistry, we have fun. You’re everything I’ve always wanted but thought I couldn’t have
I want to know a hundred thousand random trivia facts about you.”
No, I was not expecting to get teary-eyed over a Christ-mystery read, but damn, if this wasn't more emotional than I thought it would be. I mean, it's not supposed to mean anything - it was just casual, we can't declare our love over a quick meeting that we might just want it to forever. But, it's No Business Like Snow Business when a small-town bright-eyed museum owner meets an out-of-town city rich kid, it was never meant to become something. ❄️🤍 For what started off simply as twenty-two-year old Harvey Novak just helping Sterling find his long-lost relative, for numerous reasons - both nefarious and soul-searching, something that was just supposed to be fun, lit up an electric torch between the two. 🥺
A spark that kindled over their simply just getting along and enjoying each other's company, seeking out each other's comfort, as well as this kindred understanding that seeped into both their skins. Harvey, who's still smarting from an awk-weird break-up, and Sterling, not quite out of the closet or even considering that Christmas Falls, 'a place so crazy you can hardly believe it exists', would be the answer to his wayward thoughts and emotions. 😟 And yet, somehow Harvey is. Harvey with his kindness and his generosity, his sassy humor and love of trivial facts, and just the chance to be fun and carefree - a feeling that his days in Manhattan of living up to the Van Ruyven name just cannot complete. 🫂
“Yes, we were having fun, but it became something more for me, and I don’t want to let you go.”
I'm usually wary of towns that are solely committed to keeping the Christmas spirit alive, but Christmas Falls didn't sound so bad - '... like a vortex... Drawing in the people who need it most.' And I think that was the underlying appeal to it - that connection that made the mystery, itself, such a meaningful and heartwarming one. 🥰 As we inched closer to the truth, I felt torn between wanting it to end on a high, and still feeling that a low is not exactly going to be a bad thing, either. The authors built it up so well, so softly, but surely - one that even the doubts, and the distractions were impactful and made sense. I liked how the clues were built upon in their investigation, how it made sense and how it slowly fell into place. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Harvey and Sterling were so sweet together. I've never heard of Trixie Belden, but Harvey's love for her has piqued my interest. But, it was not only just them being a tag-team of detectives, their attraction was just so earnest and honest that I wanted them to work. To Sterling's rather stiff business-like demeanor, Harvey's a bundle of joy and hope. A cheery goodness that cares not for riches of money, but riches of the heart. 'I like your weird bits too, even if you keep them better hidden than mine.' And yet, they click. Each seeking something to complete what their lives and hearts are missing. They were really adorable together; just so cute! 🥹🥹 Their chemistry just felt so natural and believable, that I wanted them to work. I loved how Sterling matched Harvey's enthusiasm, how he was supportive of his enthusiasm. Their parting, I almost cried! It was so sad to see them have to say goodbye!!! 🥲
“That was how you measured love, I guessed: by both the light and the shadow it left behind.”
The supporting cast was nicely done, too. Y'know, these authors do have a nice way of bringing out this wholesomeness that is not borderline annoying, which I respect and admire. And even though towards the end, a couple of discerning typos made their presence known, and even though, I think the hopping from person-to-person to track down the missing person's whereabouts became a bit wearisome after awhile, I was so invested and curious as to what did become of him, that I needed to know! 😅 I needed to know if Sterling's heart would be at peace, if Harvey would be the answer for him, if they would get their chance at their own happy ending. 'Light, and hope, and joy, and a promise to love each other.' There is just so much weight to the mystery, itself, that it was a tug to my chest; such a lighthearted, but still an important significance to it, that I was just really touched by it. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
A soft and fun read that had enough emotional depth that made it worth my while. One that captures the feel-good Hallmark vibes in festive cheer, that made even the romance such an enjoyable and satisfying one. It is saying a lot that even if it is part of a series, I did not feel like I was missing out, rather, I wish I could see more adventures of Harvey and Sterling together - of the joy and warmth they share with each other - together. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“I feel it too, I wished I could tell him. We have chemistry, we have fun. You’re everything I’ve always wanted but thought I couldn’t have
I want to know a hundred thousand random trivia facts about you.”
No, I was not expecting to get teary-eyed over a Christ-mystery read, but damn, if this wasn't more emotional than I thought it would be. I mean, it's not supposed to mean anything - it was just casual, we can't declare our love over a quick meeting that we might just want it to forever. But, it's No Business Like Snow Business when a small-town bright-eyed museum owner meets an out-of-town city rich kid, it was never meant to become something. ❄️🤍 For what started off simply as twenty-two-year old Harvey Novak just helping Sterling find his long-lost relative, for numerous reasons - both nefarious and soul-searching, something that was just supposed to be fun, lit up an electric torch between the two. 🥺
A spark that kindled over their simply just getting along and enjoying each other's company, seeking out each other's comfort, as well as this kindred understanding that seeped into both their skins. Harvey, who's still smarting from an awk-weird break-up, and Sterling, not quite out of the closet or even considering that Christmas Falls, 'a place so crazy you can hardly believe it exists', would be the answer to his wayward thoughts and emotions. 😟 And yet, somehow Harvey is. Harvey with his kindness and his generosity, his sassy humor and love of trivial facts, and just the chance to be fun and carefree - a feeling that his days in Manhattan of living up to the Van Ruyven name just cannot complete. 🫂
“Yes, we were having fun, but it became something more for me, and I don’t want to let you go.”
I'm usually wary of towns that are solely committed to keeping the Christmas spirit alive, but Christmas Falls didn't sound so bad - '... like a vortex... Drawing in the people who need it most.' And I think that was the underlying appeal to it - that connection that made the mystery, itself, such a meaningful and heartwarming one. 🥰 As we inched closer to the truth, I felt torn between wanting it to end on a high, and still feeling that a low is not exactly going to be a bad thing, either. The authors built it up so well, so softly, but surely - one that even the doubts, and the distractions were impactful and made sense. I liked how the clues were built upon in their investigation, how it made sense and how it slowly fell into place. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Harvey and Sterling were so sweet together. I've never heard of Trixie Belden, but Harvey's love for her has piqued my interest. But, it was not only just them being a tag-team of detectives, their attraction was just so earnest and honest that I wanted them to work. To Sterling's rather stiff business-like demeanor, Harvey's a bundle of joy and hope. A cheery goodness that cares not for riches of money, but riches of the heart. 'I like your weird bits too, even if you keep them better hidden than mine.' And yet, they click. Each seeking something to complete what their lives and hearts are missing. They were really adorable together; just so cute! 🥹🥹 Their chemistry just felt so natural and believable, that I wanted them to work. I loved how Sterling matched Harvey's enthusiasm, how he was supportive of his enthusiasm. Their parting, I almost cried! It was so sad to see them have to say goodbye!!! 🥲
“That was how you measured love, I guessed: by both the light and the shadow it left behind.”
The supporting cast was nicely done, too. Y'know, these authors do have a nice way of bringing out this wholesomeness that is not borderline annoying, which I respect and admire. And even though towards the end, a couple of discerning typos made their presence known, and even though, I think the hopping from person-to-person to track down the missing person's whereabouts became a bit wearisome after awhile, I was so invested and curious as to what did become of him, that I needed to know! 😅 I needed to know if Sterling's heart would be at peace, if Harvey would be the answer for him, if they would get their chance at their own happy ending. 'Light, and hope, and joy, and a promise to love each other.' There is just so much weight to the mystery, itself, that it was a tug to my chest; such a lighthearted, but still an important significance to it, that I was just really touched by it. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
A soft and fun read that had enough emotional depth that made it worth my while. One that captures the feel-good Hallmark vibes in festive cheer, that made even the romance such an enjoyable and satisfying one. It is saying a lot that even if it is part of a series, I did not feel like I was missing out, rather, I wish I could see more adventures of Harvey and Sterling together - of the joy and warmth they share with each other - together. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Read
December 12, 2024Dnf 18%, I'm not feeling it.
January 14, 2025
It was... fine?
Look, I'm usually a HUGE Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock fan, so it kind of makes me die inside a little that this book wasn't a holiday favorite for me.
It was... cute. I feel like it tried too hard to make the chemistry happen, and the mystery wasn't exciting enough to hold my attention.
I put this review off because I wanted to think more deeply about my feelings for the story, but it was just, unfortunately, a bland read for me.
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Look, I'm usually a HUGE Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock fan, so it kind of makes me die inside a little that this book wasn't a holiday favorite for me.
It was... cute. I feel like it tried too hard to make the chemistry happen, and the mystery wasn't exciting enough to hold my attention.
I put this review off because I wanted to think more deeply about my feelings for the story, but it was just, unfortunately, a bland read for me.
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
November 18, 2024
Harvey was so funny! I loved his sass and sense of humour and the way he just busts out the true crime podcast info as well as endless random Christmas trivia. Sterling made me laugh too, but more in the sense of being a shell shocked city boy in a small town 😂 I was definitely feeling in the Christmas spirit when they met Win.
I really enjoyed the mystery solving aspect of the plot, it was a fun new way to see Christmas Falls and the sense of community was really strong.
Also I'm totally of Harvey's thought process that small town life is better than city life - you couldn't pay me to live in a city ever again 😂
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Lisa Henry, and this is my honest review
I really enjoyed the mystery solving aspect of the plot, it was a fun new way to see Christmas Falls and the sense of community was really strong.
Also I'm totally of Harvey's thought process that small town life is better than city life - you couldn't pay me to live in a city ever again 😂
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Lisa Henry, and this is my honest review
December 8, 2024
Much more than a Christmas story, this is just beautiful and sweet and low angst and *le sigh* loved.
December 12, 2024
This one has BOTH holiday romance and a slight mystery?!? I am hooked!
I really enjoyed Harvey and Sterling doing a little "sleuthing" to find out where Sterling's uncle now and the young man who was with him, only using the old photo that Sterling found after his grandfather died.
I really LOVED reading how these two connected after spending time together. I adored the town of Christmas Falls - at least on paper 😆
I loved the answer of the little mystery.
I could do LESS with Harvey's annoying ex that seemed to be around. But at least Harvey was able to really kick him out of the curb.
I really enjoyed Harvey and Sterling doing a little "sleuthing" to find out where Sterling's uncle now and the young man who was with him, only using the old photo that Sterling found after his grandfather died.
I really LOVED reading how these two connected after spending time together. I adored the town of Christmas Falls - at least on paper 😆
I loved the answer of the little mystery.
I could do LESS with Harvey's annoying ex that seemed to be around. But at least Harvey was able to really kick him out of the curb.
December 8, 2025
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
So che ogni lettore ha i propri gusti personali, e il mio mi dice che questo tredicesimo volume – e ne mancano solo due per concludere la serie tradotta – ha scalato la classifica e si è posizionato al primo posto fra i miei preferiti letti finora.
Lisa Henry è una delle mie autrici predilette e qui, in coppia con J. A. Rock, ha creato un giallo natalizio che mi ha avvinta fino alla fine.
Harvey e la sua anziana assistente Martha lavorano il Museo del Festival di Christmas Falls, forse l’unico posto poco gettonato dell’intero paesello, che da novembre a Natale viene invaso da turisti amanti delle festività e da mille luci, colori e attrazioni di ogni tipo, per la gioia di grandi e piccini.
Harvey comprende che la catalogazione dei precedenti festival, soprattutto quelli più datati con attrazioni francamente discutibili, possano non attirare un grande pubblico, ma la sua passione è sincera, così come la sua vastissima conoscenza su miti, tradizioni e curiosità legate alle feste natalizie nel mondo.
Grande è quindi il suo stupore quando un affascinante forestiero giunge da lui per visitare il museo e chiedere il suo aiuto con lo scopo di ritrovare lo zio scomparso decenni prima.
Continua sul nostro blog!
So che ogni lettore ha i propri gusti personali, e il mio mi dice che questo tredicesimo volume – e ne mancano solo due per concludere la serie tradotta – ha scalato la classifica e si è posizionato al primo posto fra i miei preferiti letti finora.
Lisa Henry è una delle mie autrici predilette e qui, in coppia con J. A. Rock, ha creato un giallo natalizio che mi ha avvinta fino alla fine.
Harvey e la sua anziana assistente Martha lavorano il Museo del Festival di Christmas Falls, forse l’unico posto poco gettonato dell’intero paesello, che da novembre a Natale viene invaso da turisti amanti delle festività e da mille luci, colori e attrazioni di ogni tipo, per la gioia di grandi e piccini.
Harvey comprende che la catalogazione dei precedenti festival, soprattutto quelli più datati con attrazioni francamente discutibili, possano non attirare un grande pubblico, ma la sua passione è sincera, così come la sua vastissima conoscenza su miti, tradizioni e curiosità legate alle feste natalizie nel mondo.
Grande è quindi il suo stupore quando un affascinante forestiero giunge da lui per visitare il museo e chiedere il suo aiuto con lo scopo di ritrovare lo zio scomparso decenni prima.
Continua sul nostro blog!
November 29, 2024
A family mystery solved in Christmas Falls.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! In search of his uncle, Sterling comes to Christmas Falls, and first tries the museum. There, he meets Harvey, the museum curator. They found themselves acting as amateur sleuths for a few days. This is the part of the story that had me captivated. I so wanted them to solve the mystery and find Sterling’s uncle. Without spoiling anything, the book has a really satisfying conclusion. If I had a long-lost relative, I’d also love to search for them in Christmas Falls!
Here is a little quote which really spoke to me: « That was how you measured love, I guessed: by both the light and the shadow it left behind »
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Review, I received an advanced reviewer copy (ARC) for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! In search of his uncle, Sterling comes to Christmas Falls, and first tries the museum. There, he meets Harvey, the museum curator. They found themselves acting as amateur sleuths for a few days. This is the part of the story that had me captivated. I so wanted them to solve the mystery and find Sterling’s uncle. Without spoiling anything, the book has a really satisfying conclusion. If I had a long-lost relative, I’d also love to search for them in Christmas Falls!
Here is a little quote which really spoke to me: « That was how you measured love, I guessed: by both the light and the shadow it left behind »
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Review, I received an advanced reviewer copy (ARC) for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 12, 2024
Adorable
A sweet, warm story set in a little town with a big heart. A little quirky MC living in a town where it is Christmas all year. Read on a day when I needed smiles and love.
A sweet, warm story set in a little town with a big heart. A little quirky MC living in a town where it is Christmas all year. Read on a day when I needed smiles and love.
December 16, 2025
Probably my best holiday read for the year ... heaps of bon mots compelling me laugh out loud. Lovable MCs, a missing persons investigation, a small town that celebrates Christmas festivities with extreme prejudice, lots of Christmas-related 'factoids'. This will be one read to put on my re-read list.
December 4, 2024
I don't normally do highlights in Kindle books, but I did in this one - and I feel like that's a review all by itself right there, haha. The RANGE Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock have - I literally laughed and cried.
Example:
"This town really needed to pull its dick out of Christmas's ass before someone got hurt."
and then -
"That was how you measured love, I guessed: by both the light and the shadow it left behind."
And how lines like those two fit so perfectly into the same book is the magic of Lisa & J.A.!
I adored this little Christmas mystery. Sterling has come to Christmas Falls trying to find info on a long-lost uncle, with only a 30+ year old photo for clues. Luckily, Christmas Falls Museum "curator" Harvey is ready to live his amateur sleuth dreams and help the stranger out! I love that from the moment Sterline arrives in town, he's basically like "this is basically a Hallmark movie," and then he just goes with it. And Harvey!! Harvey just needs someone to see him and love him for exactly who he is, quirks and all. I love these two together.
This is the seventh book in the Christmas Falls: Season 2 multi-author series, and can be read as a standalone.
Example:
"This town really needed to pull its dick out of Christmas's ass before someone got hurt."
and then -
"That was how you measured love, I guessed: by both the light and the shadow it left behind."
And how lines like those two fit so perfectly into the same book is the magic of Lisa & J.A.!
I adored this little Christmas mystery. Sterling has come to Christmas Falls trying to find info on a long-lost uncle, with only a 30+ year old photo for clues. Luckily, Christmas Falls Museum "curator" Harvey is ready to live his amateur sleuth dreams and help the stranger out! I love that from the moment Sterline arrives in town, he's basically like "this is basically a Hallmark movie," and then he just goes with it. And Harvey!! Harvey just needs someone to see him and love him for exactly who he is, quirks and all. I love these two together.
This is the seventh book in the Christmas Falls: Season 2 multi-author series, and can be read as a standalone.
November 25, 2024
This was squishy fantastic goodness!!!
What happens when a rich out of towner shows up on a mission in a town that celebrates Christmas all year? He falls in love with the town's historian/museum minder OF COURSE.
Sterling and Harvey were absolutely adorable on their mission to find Freddy and *Cap Guy*. We got to see their chemistry build and meet all the locals on the way.
The quilting Grandma
The retirees with a bouncy dog
A pool cleaner turned secret santa fixer
A tour boat guide
The list goes on. We can't forget Martha, the batty helper, the evil elf, or the nightmare mechanical santa float.
Christmas was a main character and Christmas Falls. The pun-tastic themed names, the random trivia, the Pear Tree Inn... everything was lovely.
My absolute favorite was the innocent goodness of Harvey. With his love of podcasts and mysteries, he believed in that Christmas miracle, and he got it.
AND there was a big moment in an airport. That's my kryptonite.
NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS will be available on December 3rd, and if you're looking for that ✨️feel good holiday goodness ✨️ Sterling and Harvey absolutely deliver.
What happens when a rich out of towner shows up on a mission in a town that celebrates Christmas all year? He falls in love with the town's historian/museum minder OF COURSE.
Sterling and Harvey were absolutely adorable on their mission to find Freddy and *Cap Guy*. We got to see their chemistry build and meet all the locals on the way.
The quilting Grandma
The retirees with a bouncy dog
A pool cleaner turned secret santa fixer
A tour boat guide
The list goes on. We can't forget Martha, the batty helper, the evil elf, or the nightmare mechanical santa float.
Christmas was a main character and Christmas Falls. The pun-tastic themed names, the random trivia, the Pear Tree Inn... everything was lovely.
My absolute favorite was the innocent goodness of Harvey. With his love of podcasts and mysteries, he believed in that Christmas miracle, and he got it.
AND there was a big moment in an airport. That's my kryptonite.
NO BUSINESS LIKE SNOW BUSINESS will be available on December 3rd, and if you're looking for that ✨️feel good holiday goodness ✨️ Sterling and Harvey absolutely deliver.
Read
January 8, 2025DNF at 41%
I lost interest.
It's not going anywhere.
I lost interest.
It's not going anywhere.
December 5, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry is part of the second season of the multi-author Christmas Falls collection, taking place in this small, holiday-obsessed town. This story brings a nice balance, combining an over-the-top holiday town with a less-holiday focused mystery twist. Christmas Falls is a town that has fully embraced the holiday. The stores are named with Christmas puns, the streets have holiday names, and the town’s festival pretty much consumes everything.
I enjoyed the way the authors use the research into Freddy as a chance to both get Sterling and Harvey hanging out together, as well as to introduce us more to the town and its history. I think folks who have read other books in the collection will particularly enjoy getting to see familiar people and places (though I had no problems following along as a newcomer).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry is part of the second season of the multi-author Christmas Falls collection, taking place in this small, holiday-obsessed town. This story brings a nice balance, combining an over-the-top holiday town with a less-holiday focused mystery twist. Christmas Falls is a town that has fully embraced the holiday. The stores are named with Christmas puns, the streets have holiday names, and the town’s festival pretty much consumes everything.
I enjoyed the way the authors use the research into Freddy as a chance to both get Sterling and Harvey hanging out together, as well as to introduce us more to the town and its history. I think folks who have read other books in the collection will particularly enjoy getting to see familiar people and places (though I had no problems following along as a newcomer).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 28, 2024
This was so good. Sweet, funny, a cute mystery as well. These authors are new to me but they really told the story well with interesting characters and good pacing.
December 3, 2024
This was such a fun read about Harvey, a local, and Stirling, a visitor to Christmas Falls. I loved Harvey with all his Christmas trivia and love of sleuthing, as well as the adorable Stirling who is visiting from New York, and quite out of his depth in the charming atmosphere of Christmas Falls. Their journey to find Stirling’s long-lost family member is a slow-burn, instant-attraction tale that is sweet, a lot of fun and emotional with some heat. I enjoyed every word and highly recommend it as a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 6, 2024
Harvey and Sterling were so sweet together. To Sterling's rather stiff business-like, Harvey's a bundle of joy and hope, Harvey was so funny! I loved his sass and sense of humour.
Never read a Christmas story with a crime investigation twist, but I loved it.
I think Christmas Falls might be a place I need to visit every year.
This book is my first experience with the authors but now I need to search for more.
Never read a Christmas story with a crime investigation twist, but I loved it.
I think Christmas Falls might be a place I need to visit every year.
This book is my first experience with the authors but now I need to search for more.
November 18, 2024
Ooh, I liked this one, especially the mystery part. It was fun trying to figure out how it's going to end.
Sterling crashes into town looking for a missing person, and Harvey loves nothing more than mysteries - except maybe holiday trivia. Together they run around the town looking for answers, and grow closer.
This was low on spice but high on fun and sweetness.
Sterling crashes into town looking for a missing person, and Harvey loves nothing more than mysteries - except maybe holiday trivia. Together they run around the town looking for answers, and grow closer.
This was low on spice but high on fun and sweetness.
October 8, 2025
I'm absolutely loving this second series of The Christmas Falls books, they're so uplifting and happy, with lovely and likeable MCs. This is yet another heartwarming tale, this time of opposites attract. It's such a charming story, which beautifully brings together the unlikely pairing of a sweet, quirky and bookish nerd, Harvey, with what appears to be a cold, calculating businessman, Sterling. They come together in a quest to find Sterling's long lost uncle, who could step forward and claim part of what will be Sterling's inheritance. As the festive season unfolds, Sterling and Harvey fall for each other in a perfectly written love story. Sterling comes to realise that there is more to life than business and money, and the quirky Harvey spends his time convincing him of that. The ending is delightful ❤️
December 20, 2024
We've seen a lot of adventures around Christmas Falls this season, but until now, we had yet to see a real mystery. But when Sterling van Ruyven blows into town, that's exactly what we get.
Sterling believes he's on a bit of a wild goose chase. A long lost photo tucked into a drawer in his later grandfather's desk isn't a lot to go on, but he can't seem to let go of the mystery of one of the men in the photo - his uncle Freddy, the one no one talks about, the one who threw away the van Ruyven name never to look back.
But what starts out as a "business trip" for Sterling - ensuring his long lost uncle doesn't plan to contest his grandfather's will - doesn't stay that way for long after meeting Harvey Novak, the caretaker and curator of the Christmas Falls museum.
While Harvey may not be a super sleuth - no matter what his obsession with the Trixie Belden books may say - he is a wealth of Christmas Falls knowledge, which makes him well suited to help Sterling. But it becomes more than that rather quickly.
The attraction they feel for each other is rather instantaneous. Harvey is quite quick to develop a crush while Sterling takes his time to sort through his feelings. And even though they're not at the same emotional place right now, they don't hide it from each other. They communicate rather openly, though Sterling does admit to having a hard time voicing his emotions.
In the end, Christmas Falls ends up doing Sterling some good. It gives him the time and the space away that he needs to think about what he wants for his life, and his future. I loved that he allowed himself that grace. That he was honest with Harvey about needing it, and that Harvey was honest with him in return about wanting what was best for Sterling, but never standing in his way.
This book had a lot of introspective moments, but it suited both Harvey and Sterling well. Finding their own happy endings, then finding their future together suited them perfectly. And we got to see a whole new side of Christmas Falls, one just outside all the festivities and fanfare of the festival.
With just a handful of books to go, we're nearing the revelation (hopefully!) of who this Secret Santa really is!
Sterling believes he's on a bit of a wild goose chase. A long lost photo tucked into a drawer in his later grandfather's desk isn't a lot to go on, but he can't seem to let go of the mystery of one of the men in the photo - his uncle Freddy, the one no one talks about, the one who threw away the van Ruyven name never to look back.
But what starts out as a "business trip" for Sterling - ensuring his long lost uncle doesn't plan to contest his grandfather's will - doesn't stay that way for long after meeting Harvey Novak, the caretaker and curator of the Christmas Falls museum.
While Harvey may not be a super sleuth - no matter what his obsession with the Trixie Belden books may say - he is a wealth of Christmas Falls knowledge, which makes him well suited to help Sterling. But it becomes more than that rather quickly.
The attraction they feel for each other is rather instantaneous. Harvey is quite quick to develop a crush while Sterling takes his time to sort through his feelings. And even though they're not at the same emotional place right now, they don't hide it from each other. They communicate rather openly, though Sterling does admit to having a hard time voicing his emotions.
In the end, Christmas Falls ends up doing Sterling some good. It gives him the time and the space away that he needs to think about what he wants for his life, and his future. I loved that he allowed himself that grace. That he was honest with Harvey about needing it, and that Harvey was honest with him in return about wanting what was best for Sterling, but never standing in his way.
This book had a lot of introspective moments, but it suited both Harvey and Sterling well. Finding their own happy endings, then finding their future together suited them perfectly. And we got to see a whole new side of Christmas Falls, one just outside all the festivities and fanfare of the festival.
With just a handful of books to go, we're nearing the revelation (hopefully!) of who this Secret Santa really is!
Read
December 4, 2024A holiday mystery, a little opposites attract and a chance for a man to find the real person he was meant to be for the first time... This was a fun and low angst holiday read and gave us a chance to explore Christmas Falls in a new way, as we meet familiar characters and a few new ones in the search for Sterling's long lost uncle.
This book held my attention from start to finish, made me chuckle and made me want to keep reading - it definitely has that Hallmark movie feeling with the guaranteed small town HEA. It's a great addition to the multi-author second season and I encourage you to read this book if you've liked the previous Christmas Falls stories. It can also easily be read standalone.
This book held my attention from start to finish, made me chuckle and made me want to keep reading - it definitely has that Hallmark movie feeling with the guaranteed small town HEA. It's a great addition to the multi-author second season and I encourage you to read this book if you've liked the previous Christmas Falls stories. It can also easily be read standalone.
November 16, 2024
Received an ARC for this fluffy adorable Christmas Falls story. Harvey is adorably dorky and I immediately loved his quirkiness. I loved how there was a second story to this one with Sterling trying to find his uncle and learning the backstory of his past with Harvey’s help.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) So many mystery easter eggs
2) A not-so-happy backstory that became good and
3) So much Christmas trivia and adorableness as Sterling learns the real reason for finding Freddy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #fiction #advancedreaderscopy #christmasfallsseriesseasontwo #nobusinesslikesnowbusiness #lisahenry #jarock @lisa_henry_author
Reasons I Recommend:
1) So many mystery easter eggs
2) A not-so-happy backstory that became good and
3) So much Christmas trivia and adorableness as Sterling learns the real reason for finding Freddy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #fiction #advancedreaderscopy #christmasfallsseriesseasontwo #nobusinesslikesnowbusiness #lisahenry #jarock @lisa_henry_author
November 16, 2024
Harvey is the sweetest most adorkable Festival Museum employee with a love of Trixie Belden, random facts and Christmas trivia. Circumstances bring Sterling from New York and into the orbit of Harvey. He also happens to bring a mystery in need of solving which means he and Harvey form the “Fans of Teenage Girl Amateur Detective Club.” With help from some of the quirky residents the mystery is solved and the less than cheerful family backstory turns out to be one of happiness. Along the way Sterling re-evaluates what is important in his life and it turns out to be Harvey and Christmas Falls.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read with wonderful characters, a story line that kept me fully engaged and a heartwarming HEA that left me smiling.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read with wonderful characters, a story line that kept me fully engaged and a heartwarming HEA that left me smiling.
December 1, 2025
STRANA FAMILY BOOK BLOG
In questo volume è il mistero a primeggiare. Sterling si reca a Christmas Falls per ritrovare suo zio, scomparso senza lasciare tracce da prima che lui nascesse. La recente dipartita del nonno ha generato in Sterling il timore che lo zio possa riapparire, per rivendicare l'azienda. Al suo arrivo nella cittadina del Natale, incontra Harvey che si dimostra subito disponibile, neanche fosse un detective esperto, a trovare suo zio, forse per via della sua passione a Trixie Belden. Tra i due si sviluppa rapidamente una forte intesa e la complicità è palpabile. Sebbene la narrazione sia fluida, alcuni aspetti non mi hanno convinta al 100%. Non ho riscontrato lo stesso livello di coinvolgimento che ho provato con gli altri libri della serie. Trovo che la prima stagione sia superiore rispetto alla seconda. Ovviamente è solo un'opinione soggettiva, basata sul mio gusto personale, poiché lo stile degli autori, nell'intera serie, rimane impeccabile e offre sempre un agognato lieto fine.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spicy: 🌶️
Emozione: 💘💘💘
In questo volume è il mistero a primeggiare. Sterling si reca a Christmas Falls per ritrovare suo zio, scomparso senza lasciare tracce da prima che lui nascesse. La recente dipartita del nonno ha generato in Sterling il timore che lo zio possa riapparire, per rivendicare l'azienda. Al suo arrivo nella cittadina del Natale, incontra Harvey che si dimostra subito disponibile, neanche fosse un detective esperto, a trovare suo zio, forse per via della sua passione a Trixie Belden. Tra i due si sviluppa rapidamente una forte intesa e la complicità è palpabile. Sebbene la narrazione sia fluida, alcuni aspetti non mi hanno convinta al 100%. Non ho riscontrato lo stesso livello di coinvolgimento che ho provato con gli altri libri della serie. Trovo che la prima stagione sia superiore rispetto alla seconda. Ovviamente è solo un'opinione soggettiva, basata sul mio gusto personale, poiché lo stile degli autori, nell'intera serie, rimane impeccabile e offre sempre un agognato lieto fine.
Valutazione: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spicy: 🌶️
Emozione: 💘💘💘
December 3, 2024
A fun sweet holiday mystery of a man coming yo Christmas Falls for closure to find so much more. Sterling comes from money and a family full of secrets. When his grandfather passes, he travels to Christmas Falls to find the long-lost uncle he never got to meet. Harvey had always lived in Christmas Falls while running the local museum decides to help Sterling solve his mystery. Throughout the fun twists and turns, the pair grows closer and learn what it's like to have a support system that truly cares for you as a person. Overall a fun quick read that will keep you intrigued from start to finish for these guys to get their well deserved happily ever after.
November 15, 2024
Harvey & Sterling
The mystery of finding Sterling's uncle added to the story along with Harvey and Sterling's developing relationship. It was all very entertaining to read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
The mystery of finding Sterling's uncle added to the story along with Harvey and Sterling's developing relationship. It was all very entertaining to read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
December 14, 2024
Loved this story and also the mystery following in the background which kept me invested in this story.
December 2, 2024
Copy received for an honest review
Oooh this was so cute. I liked Harvey from the previous books I have read, especially in season 2, and it was great to get his story.
I love his sense of humour, and he is quite a sassy being, he is.
Sterling seems to be the opposite, and at times quite cold. But as Harvey and the reader get to know him, we see that underneath all the hard shell is a man who just needs that right person to break through. And then the fun and flirty Sterling really came out to play.
I love their adorkableness when it comes to child/teen mystery series, and as they are leading their own investigation to solve their own mystery, a real child like quality comes out in both of them.
Adored seeing more of the people of Christmas Falls, who I am coming to love more and more with each book.
Now I need to read the books I have missed so far in this season.
I sure do hope we get season 3 next Christmas
Oooh this was so cute. I liked Harvey from the previous books I have read, especially in season 2, and it was great to get his story.
I love his sense of humour, and he is quite a sassy being, he is.
Sterling seems to be the opposite, and at times quite cold. But as Harvey and the reader get to know him, we see that underneath all the hard shell is a man who just needs that right person to break through. And then the fun and flirty Sterling really came out to play.
I love their adorkableness when it comes to child/teen mystery series, and as they are leading their own investigation to solve their own mystery, a real child like quality comes out in both of them.
Adored seeing more of the people of Christmas Falls, who I am coming to love more and more with each book.
Now I need to read the books I have missed so far in this season.
I sure do hope we get season 3 next Christmas
December 16, 2024
This one hit all the right spots.
December 3, 2024
This book was surprising. A little different than the others in the series since it involved a mystery to solve, but it was a nice edition to the typical romantic plot line. And I didn’t even think the museum guy would get a story, so it was nice to have him get his happily ever after.
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