Mountain Mistletoe

by Kayla Lowe

Grace has spent years chasing her dream as an interior designer in the bustling city, but now, she’s back in Evergreen—the little mountain town that had always captured her heart, especially during Christmas. The moment she drives into town, everything feels familiar—the twinkling lights, the crisp air, and the scent of pine trees all around. But there’s something else that pulls her in, something more than the memories of her childhood Christmases.

Ethan. Her childhood best friend. The one she hadn’t seen in years, but never quite forgot. When their paths cross again, Grace can’t help but feel that old connection spark to life. And, oh, how it sparkles.

When the mayor asks for help to organize the town’s Christmas Eve festival, Grace doesn’t hesitate. She jumps in with both feet—and of course, Ethan is right there with her. Between setting up decorations, laughing over snowball fights, and late-night cups of cocoa, they start to remember why they were so close growing up. But soon, it’s more than just rekindling their friendship.

The snowstorm that’s threatening to ruin everything only brings the town together more. It’s hard not to get lost in the charm of the festival, and harder still to ignore the pull between Grace and Ethan. As the Christmas Eve ball nears, and the town gathers for one final celebration, a dance under the mistletoe leads to something neither of them expected.

With her heart firmly planted back in Evergreen, Grace faces the toughest decision of Does she go back to the city, or does she stay in the town—and in the arms of the man who’s always held her heart?

If you love stories about love, second chances, and small-town Christmas magic, Mountain Mistletoe is the perfect read for you. Grab your cocoa and get ready for a heartwarming tale you won't want to miss!

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Romance

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2024

About the author

Award-winning author Kayla Lowe writes women's fiction that explores complex themes with sensitivity and depth. Kayla’s books delve into the intricacies of relationships, self-discovery, and resilience. From cozy love stories interspersed with a bit of faith to heartwarming tales of friendship and suspenseful novels of empowerment and heartbreak, her books illustrate the struggles specific to women.

When she’s not churning out her next novel, you can find her with her feet in the sand and a book in her hand or curled up on the couch with her dogs.

Go to www.authorkaylalowe.com for a free book!

Reviews

[Jasmine (Jazzie) [Jesus Loves You!!] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good! It made me want to drink hot chocolate and eat gingerbread cookies while reading it! It was very Christmasy, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants a quick read for the holidays!

*I received a free copy of this book from the author for my honest review. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written small town story with strong characters in Grace and Ethan. The author brings a sweet Christmas romance between childhood best friends. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Sweet story about reconnecting with a childhood friend and finding love. I enjoyed the town coming together to bring Christmas beauty.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace has gotten to come home for Christmas this year and she is looking forward to family, traditions and an Evergreen Christmas. This town does Christmas better then anybody else and I have sure missed the festivities'. I have been away trying to establish myself in my career as a interior designer.

The next day she decided to take a walk and get reacquainted with the town. Just walking down the street I can imagine what it will look like in a few weeks, oh what memories. Not paying attention to where she was going she plows into someone's chest. Looking up to apologize she realizes it is Ethan, her childhood best friend. They give each other a big hug and go to get a cup of coffee to catch up with each other. Boy it is so good to be home and to see Ethan again, I have missed him.

The mayor calls for volunteers to organize the town's annual Christmas Eve festival. Grace jumps at the chance to make this holiday season one that will not be forgotten soon. With Ethan's help they dive right in and they rekindle their old friendship amidst a flurry of decorations, snowball fights and late-night cocoa breaks. They are just about finished with getting things ready for the big festival a major snowstorm is predicted and threatens their plans. So they call out the whole town and they together will get all of the snow cleared away. As the festival must go on! This kind of determination makes Grace appreciate the town of Evergreen even more, strong feelings are also starting to happen with Ethan.

At the Christmas Eve ball they find themselves dancing under the mistletoe and when they kiss fireworks go off. Oh what is she doing as she will be going back to work in a few days and leaving Evergreen. But then she realizes that she can open an interior design store anywhere. So what does Grace do? Will she stay or go back to the city? Will Ethan be able to convince her to hang around and spend time with him?

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this. It is a sweet clean Christmas romance. This is about Ethan and Grace. They were best friends growing up. Ethan stayed in the small town of Evergreen while Grace pursued a career in the city. They both have jobs that they love. They reconnect at Christmas time when Grace comes home to visit after years. Will things go back to how they were before they lost contact with each other? Will they become more than friends? If so, will Grace leave her job in the city or will Ethan leave his job in Evergreen. I love how they came together to bring what they do for a living to make it an amazing Christmas for Evergreen. I love books like these where it is instalove (even though they used to be best friends) and friends to lovers. This book makes me love small towns even more. If you love friends to lovers in a small town at Christmas I think you will love this book.

[Danyelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a cute short story. Grace and Ethan were good together. It is only 57 pages long. You can listen to it in one setting. Like an evening or on a drive. I listened to it on Christmas. It was a wonderful perfect story to end Christmas. It is a clean romance. No spice. It was a sweet one as well.

Grace and Ethan were best friends growing up. Grace moved away to pursue a career in the city. Ethan stayed behind in the small town. She found a job that she loves in the city and Ethan found a job that he loves. Grace comes home for Christmas and runs into Ethan. Those two reconnect for the first time in years. Will they get together or will Grace go back to the city. If so, Will Grace move back home or will Ethan move to the city? Read this short story and find out.

I think you will like as much as I did. I love Christmas books. I like to read anytime of the year. Just like watching Christmas movies throughout the year. Give this book a chance!!

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 5 out of 5]

You definitely will enjoy this sweet outstanding ebook. I loved it. Grace comes to her hometown for Christmas. She sees that her childhood friend, Ethan, has become a very good looking man from the kid she knew. They have such an undeniable attraction that just sizzles. Will they discover that it feels like coming home when they're together? Can Grace leave the city behind and stay with Ethan and can she give him her heart? Does Ethan tell Grace what he really feels for her and does he want Grace for his future? What a fantastic 5⭐️winner this truly amazing author has written. If you like clean romance, childhood friends, and mistletoe kisses then you definitely don't want to miss this delightful ebook.

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

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

The seasons would change and the years will pass, but one thing remained constant: the enduring love of Grace and Ethan. Family and unbreakable bonds of a community will always be there to support them.

This cozy Christmas novella has all the Christmas charm! Grace comes home for Christmas after living in the big city and following her interior design dreams. She reconnects with her childhood best friend, Ethan, to organize and step up the small town's Christmas Festival as a snowstorm threatens to mess with their plans, but the whole town unites to make it a Christmas to remember. Grace and Ethan rekindle their friendship and a little more with this HEA.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

best friend romance.
Grace is a young woman with a well-established career as an interior designer in the big city. She has returned to her small hometown where she helps out with the Christmas festival, volunteering with Ethan, her childhood best friend. The more time she spends with him, the more the lines between love and friendship blur.
Will their feelings for each other develop or will she have to return to the big city….

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

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and characters. If there is a town out there like this one I would love to move there. These two were best friends growing up and when she left town they lost touch. But now she is back and they are working together for the Christmas Festival. Will they reconnect or will she leave again?.

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

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town charm. Townspeople coming together for the common good. Childhood friends who fall in love, and a beautiful HEA. What more could you ask for?
This standalone book with no cliffhanger had nice characters, and reminded me of the Christmas movie channel.
An enjoyable read for a pleasurable evening.

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

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick and cozy holiday read then this is the book for you. It was like Christmas on paper. Grace returns to her hometown, Evergreen, where she runs into her childhood friend Ethan. The town itself is like a Christmas wonderland. Together they work to bring the magic of Christmas to their hometown. Snow falls, sparks fly, and the town comes together to have a very magical Christmas. I’m only giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because the whole time I wondered why Grace and Ethan didn’t keep in tough for all those years. I felt like we needed their backstory. This was a very easy book to read in one sitting.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back home to the mountain town from the big city she's faced with the decision of her future. Reunited with her friend and the lifestyle of her past, will it be enough to start over there or return to the city? What happens when a winter storm threatens the festival? How does her experience change her relationship with her friend?.

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

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace and Ethan meet again when Grace comes back to the small town of Evergreen for Christmas. They haven’t seen each other in a few years but while they organize the town Christmas celebrations they rekindle their friendship. There is an interesting twist but it fits right in to this gentle sweet story about finding Christmas joy.

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

[De Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

All hands on deck.
Sweet. Grace returns home for the holidays and immediately gets caught up in the town’s Christmas Festival. Ethan is by her side as usual and she starts to feel a change in their relationship. Ethan has loved her since they met as children and he’s not willing to let her go. Can he convince her to stay or will she return to her city life?.

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

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace and Ethan had been best friends growing up. She moved off to the big city and he stayed in their home town of Evergreen. After years of being too busy building her interior design business, Grace finally came home for Christmas and discovered that she wanted more from Etthan than friendship. He was more than happy to oblige. This is a quick sweet sentimental story that is light and uplifting.

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

[Marichus Real · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace arrives home after several years of living in the city. She has been friends with Ethan all her life as he is her best friend. Getting back to Evergreen, makes her realize what she misses and what she really wants.
I found the story a bit repetitive and too narrative for my liking, still, I enjoyed reading it. It was a sweet story and I liked how the whole Evergreen came together to help when needed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Livy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a such a cute charming mini read! It read like a hallmark movie. A little repetitive in some themes but super cozy and romantic. A great read for cozying up by the fire! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the books in the series!.

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

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Grace returns home from the city, being back in her small hometown brings happy memories. When she bumps into her childhood bestfriend after loosing contact Ethan it starts a series of pleasant encounters. This is another swet quick easy festive read and another great addition to the series.

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

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace returns after a few years of working on her career to her home town. There she is reconnecting with her old friend Ethan.
Sweet romance novel. It is great to read how the two are reconnecting and working as a team to tackle challenges. A great book to relax with on a cozy evening.

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of Mistletoe Kisses, Grace and her childhood best friend, Ethan meet again when she comes back to Evergreen. A well written small town Christmas story with strong characters and a very good storyline that held my interest. I want to read more in this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet small town Christmas romance. Grace left Evergreen to pursue a career as an interior designer. She is now back home for Christmas, and runs into her childhood best friend, Ethan. Will there be a spark between them? Or will they just stay best friends?

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

[Theresa Lambe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute and jam packed read! Talk about holiday festives in a short amount of time! Of course, the best part is the sweet love story that Grace and Ethan have. It's felt through the pages and is unbelievable sweet. Not to mention, the cute love story with the town. That's why smalltown love stories are so great!

[Virginia Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy, heartwarming holiday read- Perfect for when you’re looking for something light and joyful. The small-town mountain setting instantly put me in the Christmas spirit, and the characters felt so genuine and easy to root for.

“A reminder of what really matters. Of the beauty and love that exists in the world,”. 💌

[GOLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the heart and warmth of the Christmas season. Ethan and Grace’s romance is a sweet and short one. A great addition to this series of standalones.

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

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town Christmas , a very sweet, very predictable tale in small town America. Has a bit of a Hallmark quality to it. There is the attraction. Then the major problem. Then the solution. Then the mistletoe. It is a quick read but is a happy tale.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Community and coming home. Evergreen embodies the spirit of Christmas. Grace returns home after years. Running into her childhood friend Ethan sparks a cute love story. Fun Christmas romance.

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

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short sweet Christmas romance. Ethan and Grace meet and the plot follows their journey to a HEA. Waiting to read the next book.

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

[Lynn Walker-Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Christmas stories and this one was a can’t put down read. The flow of finding peace and someone to love you is an A+. The characters were realistic and fun to see their journey thru Christmas.

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

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a good read. So sweet and a perfect Christmas story. Worth the read, recommend this book.

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