Mistletoe Magic

by Annee Jones

Will a little meddling from Granny Mae and a touch of mistletoe magic be enough to turn enemies into lovers in time for a merry Christmas?


Returning to Kings Valley was supposed to be revive my family’s beloved café and keep our town’s traditions alive. I never imagined my biggest challenge would be Kris Knight, the smooth-talking developer with grand plans to modernize our historic inn. From the moment we met we were at odds—our visions for the future couldn’t be more different. But a surprise kiss under the mistletoe has turned everything upside-down. Suddenly, the man I’d written off as my enemy seems to have more layers than I’d realized. Could my granny be right that there’s really such thing as Christmas magic after all?


My plan was transform the Queens Inn into a modern resort and bring new life to the town of Kings Valley. What I didn’t expect was Meredith Plum—fiery, passionate, and fiercely protective of her hometown’s traditions. From our first encounter, sparks flew, and not the good kind. But a surprise mistletoe kiss has suddenly changed the game, and now I’m questioning everything I thought I knew about her—and about my plans. Is there something more powerful at work this Christmas than I’d first believed, leading me toward something I never saw coming?

*********************************************************This book is a part of the "Mistletoe Kisses" series, a collection of 38 heartwarming clean romance stories that will make your spirits bright. Featuring popular tropes such as fake dating, friends to lovers, grumpy sunshine, accidental marriages, cowboys, Christmas magic, and so much more! These tales of holiday romance will warm your heart and kindle your belief in Christmas magic. "Mistletoe Kisses" - Where one kiss can change everything.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Novella, Holiday, Contemporary

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

About the author

International bestselling author Annee Jones writes romance that ranges from sweet to scorching, sassy to dark, contemporary to fantastical. Perfect for your coffee break or midnight escape—quick reads for wild hearts.

Outside of writing, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit. She loves practicing Barre, relaxing in the sauna, and staying up way too late reading.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter

Find out more about Annee and her books here: https://linktr.ee/anneejones

Reviews

[Amber Kestner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I couldn't put down as soon as I saw it for Kindle Unlimited. I adore both Meredith, Granny, and of course, mister Knight and shining armor himself Kris. For a guy who wanted to change a historic town, he got to learn what it was about and fell in love with it too. I really did enjoy this short book. Kris and Meredith definitely had a spark between the two without knowing. Spirit the puppy was adorable for being a new companion to the main character Kris. It is a magical book. I do recommend picking up.

[Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a standalone in a multi-author series, Mistletoe Kisses.

Mistletoe Magic is probably the shortest novella I’ve ever read, but totally enjoyable. It has a charming small town that is rooted in its traditions. Meredith is pro traditions and Kris, as a developer, has come to town to shake things up. As you can imagine, there is definitely tension between the two, and neither left a favorable first impression on the other.
However, I appreciated the development of understanding each of Meredith’s and Kris’ perspectives once they got to know one another. I really enjoyed Kris’ character growth. Lastly, I always enjoy a granny that JUST KNOWS. 🤭

🐾 opposites attract
🧈 small town
🐾 lost puppy shenanigans
🧈 meddling granny
🐾 holiday traditions

[Christina Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet holiday romance that felt like a Hallmark movie.

Love begins under the mistletoe and with the help of a dog and a granny.

I have questions, but I'll just go with the HEA.

[Robin (DocRobReads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25🌟
If you are looking for a sweet, closed door Xmas-y novella, this will fit the bill for you. It was a quick read with a lot of nods to nostalgia and the magic of the season. 💖

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith was going home. Back to Kings Valley, Vermont where she was born. It is a beautiful little town where everyone helps each other and pulls together to form a community. Her parents had finally retired and she was going to be running the family café along with her granny and keeping the towns traditions that they all loved alive. Meredith was barely home before she heard gossip of a new developer Kris Knight coming to town to modernize the historic inn. This was not in here plans for this little town and she would do everything within her power to stop him from making his visions come true.

When this Kris arrived in town he thought he had this deal all done. All he wanted to do was turn the Queen's Inn into a modern resort and bring some new life into this quaint little town. When he first met Meredith Plum he knew he had a battle ahead of him. She was against changing the Inn, any changes were too much for her. This town was just perfect like it was. I also felt the sparks fly between us and then her Granny somehow got us both under the mistletoe at the same time so we had to kiss. And what a kiss it was, why was I in town again? Now I am questioning myself and my dreams for the Inn. Maybe we can compromise and come up something we will both love.

[Livy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super charming read. I’ve been reading the Mistletoe series and have loved each one! They’re super cute, short reads, clean and uplifting.

Don’t judge a book by its cover. Something both Meredith and Kris did. There’s more to each of them that meets the eye. Meredith dealing with the loss of her parents. Kris reconciling his childhood memories with what he missed. With a meddling Granny Mae and Spirit- the two find themselves spending time together and each being the healing that the other needs.

If you love
❤️ cozy small towns
❤️meddling grandmas
❤️cute meddling puppy
❤️opposites attract
❤️overcoming obstacles
❤️no 3rd act break up
❤️happily ever after
This is the book for you.

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

[Holly Zegalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith wants the family inn and small town traditions to remain as they are. Kris wants a modernized inn for the town’s future. Who will get their way or will compromise and love win?

The characters just pulled me in and had me wanting to keep reading. The best part is as this is a novella I was done in one day. I adore the idea of mixing old traditions with new ones. Our own family has done just that but having our kids make ornaments reminiscent of our childhood. A slow pace town seems to be just what Kris needs. Ms. Jones give such great descriptions you can really see and smell as the characters interact throughout the book. Perfect for those that want a quick read with lots of imagery.

Tropes Include:
Small town
Happily ever after
Enemies to lovers.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sweet story, Meredith is struggling with being home and maintaining the wonderful memories of her family. Her efforts to honor her parents dream of the town are paramount to her actions. Kris is a developer in town to present a plan to improve the Queens Inn, thereby helping the town economy. He finds himself seeing the town and the holidays through a different set of lenses-ones he had never experienced. An adorable puppy helps nudge him out of his primary focus. Kris grows throughout this story, and I was rooting for him. The author demonstrates that two individuals, starting on opposite ends of the spectrum, can connect through opening up and listening to each other.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith Plum returns to Kings Valley to take over her parent’s cafe. She intensely values the traditions and charm of her hometown. Developer, Kris Knight, has come to town to present plans to upgrade the Queen’s Inn into a high class resort. These two clash over their disparate agendas. Can some Christmas magic in the form of a troublesome stray puppy and a surprise kiss under the mistletoe help them find common ground?

Mistletoe Magic is a short and sweet holiday romance. Meredith and Kris are both relatable and I appreciated how they both took time to alter their perspectives. Lost puppy, Spirit, was a wonderful addition as well and certainly helped set the tone for the series. Curl up with cup of cocoa, some Christmas cookies, and a cozy blanket and enjoy a pleasant diversion from the bustle of the season.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It was a page turner and the suspense was sweet. It was romance. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. These characters were very interesting and the passion between had ignited with the sparks. Life is about to get crazy as they rekindle their romance in this special season as it is going to be mind blowing Christmas miracle in the air. Was love in the air once again was it the perfect gift 🎁 in this moment.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed.

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

[Theresa Lambe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, geez, these two. Tall about opposites finding their way too each other. One more set in traditional things and the past, more looking to the future and on the go. And the meeting between them, not good.

But with an odd twist of fate, and a chance meeting with an exuberant dog newly named Sprit, their lives intertwine in such a manner they never saw coming. And then their outlooks start to change, and it's a beautiful thing indeed. To see much needed mindsets shift to allow the beauty of love in.

Don't miss this cute holiday read where historical love for places meets the eye for the future and the love that follows!

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good Christmas cozy romance. Kris goes to Kings Valley to persuade the council to let him renovate the old Inn to become a moden ski resort. Meredith returns after a few years to take over heer parents cafe and bakery. By the time Christmas arrives Kris has adapted the Inn plans and got himself a puppy while Meredith discovers tradition is good but needs to adapt to the future a bit. This is a page-turner.

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

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a Hallmark movie in a book

This is a classic Christmas feel good book, Kris is a money driven, big city exec and Meredith the small town baker who fights his plans...it may be a classic trope but it is a lovely, heartwarming, relaxing winter read. Kris finds everything he didn't know he was missing, his Spirit, community, an understanding of town history and the realisation that some things are more important than money! Meredith gets her Knight and her Knight finds his heart and his home. This book was like visiting friends, welcoming and warm.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mistletoe Magic is very quick read. Set in the small town of Kings Valley. Our heroine, Meredith, has returned to take over her family's bakery. Developer Kris is determined to turn the town into a resort and ruin the feel of the place.
For me, although this is a fun quick read, it lacked any kind of depth and there wasn't really time for the interaction between the main characters to make a lot of sense. There was heaps of potential here, but it felt rushed and ultimately unsatisfying. If you do want a quick Christmas read, then it may well be for you, but I wasn't thrilled.

[Celina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mistletoe Magic is a part of the Mistletoe Kisses Collaboration of Christmas theme novellas.

This was such a cute cozy feel good novella. Meredith decided to come home to Kings Valley to help care for her grandmother after a small health scare. She never thought she would be back, but home has a way of calling you.

Kris is only in town to make some big changes to this small town. Most of the town isn't happy especially Meredith. With some inspiration from Granny Mae just maybe she can spark a change between the two.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short charming Christmas romance from one of my favorite authors.
Meredith is back in King Valley, Vermont to work at Sugarplums. and for the local community. Kris wants to make name for himself at his father's company.
And he just needs Christmas spirit, Spirit and small town's charm to change the Plan.
Sweet, easy to read small town holiday romance.

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

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith is determined to dislike Kris because he works for a developer that is going buy and change the small town’s inn. But her matchmaker grandmother and a stray puppy bring them together and make them see new possibilities for the inn and for them. I enjoyed reading about all the small town holiday activities, the yummy food at the bakery, and the mischievous puppy in this kisses only novella. It was short but I would have liked an epilogue.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith and Kris are on opposite sides about the renovations to the Queens Inn in Kings Valley as they come from very different life experiences. This novella lets us get to know the town of Kings Valley along with how Meredith and Kris grow in their own way. The richly written characters make this book a joy to read.

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

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short sweet clean holiday read. Meredith returns to her hometown to help her granny Mae with Sugar Plum Bakery. Kris is in town to purchase Queens Inn and turn it into a luxury ski resort. After a mishaps with some bake goods for the Christmas market, Kris and Meredith spend a lot of time together. Meredith shows Kris why the traditions are special.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Chemistry

This charming story gave off small-town vibes under the magic of Christmas mistletoe. Opposite attract and clash between Kris and Meredith as their plans for her family's inn vary drastically. It was entertaining and the chemistry between them could not be resisted. What a fun little read.

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

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kris & Meredith: Enemies to lovers/ matchmaker/ home for the holidays/ sweet and clean small town romance: Standalone. Annee Jones did a nice job with this addition to the series. Will a meddling granny and some mistletoe magic be enough to bring these two together? If you enjoy Hallmark holiday movies, then you will love this quick read.

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

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking that fine line between restoration and replacement, construction and demolition, updating and changing, Kris’s plans for Queens Inn and Kings Valley had to walk that fine line. Meredith was tied to the past and he could only see the future. Annee Jones manages to close that gap and bring the two and the town together. Oh, the power in a sprig of mistletoe. This was an entertaining read as we see the two of them changing.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a sweet and romantic story where Meredith accepts that some changes a good and Kris accepts sometimes traditions and old values are good. I like that they fell in love while spending time together. Granny and Spirit help too.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith wants to keep the town's traditions alive, when Kris comes into town to make major changes. Will the Spirit of Christmas surprise them?
Cozy holiday romance. A quick read with sweet characters and a storyline that makes you believe in the magic of Christmas.

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

[Alicia Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little romance holiday theme, Meredith is all about traditions, nostalgic, and warmth whereas Kris has never experienced anything like that expect facades and wanting his father approval. I like that the puppy Spirit is acting as cupid for these two it's adorable.

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

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith loves Kings Valley just the way it is. Kris Knight, a developer, has come to town to propose updating the Queen's Inn into an upscale ski resort.

Will his plans work? Or will the residents veto them? What happens when Meredith and Kris meet? Will he be able to change her mind?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining holiday small town romance book that holds your attention from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with a strong bond with each other. I enjoyed this book.

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

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute small town/Christmas romance.. I liked it very much.. It is sweet and heartwarming, with endearing characters..

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

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

This was a wonderful Christmas story filled with sweetness, love and Christmas. The characters were easy to relate to and I loved Granny Mae. A delightful feel-good romance that is fun, festive and will warm your heart.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, quick Christmas story. Meredith and Kris quickly fall for each other. Cute, disaster-prone puppy helps bring them together. Satisfying HEA.

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.