Sleigh Bell Dreams

Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance #1

by Jessie Gussman

Dr. Terry McBride is thrilled to come back to her hometown of Mistletoe Meadows to take over the practice of the town's retiring physician. Unfortunately the tight housing market has her sharing a duplex with quiet and mysterious Judd Landis. Terry is unsure about the situation, since they'll share a kitchen and bathroom, but Judd turns out to be the perfect roommate, except it's obvious he's hiding something. Maybe a lot of things.

Judd wants to do the good doctor a favor, and give her a place to stay, because he knows she giving up the opportunity for a more lucrative career to come back to her hometown, but he has carefully cultivated a cover to hide the Secret Saint things he's been doing in town and he doesn't need the noesy doctor blowing his cover, no matter how kind and compassionate - and attractive - she is.

When Terry is tasked with posting on the town's social media page about the actions and possible identity of the Secret Saint, Judd is in danger of being found out. But, as they work together through the Christmas parade and a hot chocolate contest as well as helping needy members of their community, the attraction between them is undeniable. Will they see that they can do more for the community - and each other - if they pair up permanently?


Here's what reviewer's are saying about Sleigh Bell

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jessie Gussman has brought us another marvelous inspirational and faith filled book." - Avid Reader

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is a wonderful story!" - Beach Girl

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is a sweet, wholesome, Christmas story with a great message about how we view others and the way to treat our relationships as Christians!" - K.M. Nice

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I enjoyed curling up with this book and getting to know the town, the people, our heroine’s family, and more. A great start to a new series." - Michaela

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It will be hard to wait for new books to this series." - BobbieMcC


Books is the Mistletoe Meadows

Sleigh Bell DreamsIcicle DreamsSugarplum DreamsChristmas DreamsHolly Jolly DreamsCandy Cane DreamsMistletoe DreamsSilent Night DreamsCandlelight Dreams

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Holiday, Audiobook

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

Reviews

[Emilija · Rating 2 out of 5]

2023 52 Book Challenge - December Mini Challenge - 8) Sleigh Bells

This was a cute little story with basically no plot except getting the two main characters to fall in love with each other in as little time as possible. I had to keep taking breaks because I was getting bored so quickly.

Also, as happens with American Christian Fiction, it shoved so much religion in your face that it felt sanctimonious, and the faint seasoning of homophobia really was just *fantastic*. That was sarcasm, btw, it really put me off reading the rest of the book and I don't want to continue this series.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little feel good christmas read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!!💜

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, clean contemporary romance with spiritual themes. My first read by this prolific author. Interesting story that beautifully lays the groundwork for future books and makes me want to continue the series. Lots of family dynamics with complexity, sometimes bittersweet.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful new Christmas story from Jessie Gussman. Dr. Terry McBride is finally able to fulfill her wish to have a small clinic in her hometown. The only problem is that there aren’t any rental properties in such a small town. Terry is fortunate enough to find a duplex owned by Judd Landis, but they do have to share a kitchen and bathroom.
Judd is such a quiet guy, but he has a huge heart that no one is aware of. Terry is so happy to be home with her family again and to be able to care for the residents of her community.
Amazing characters and unexpected secrets make for a very special story that is filled with God’s love and blessings. Don’t miss this opportunity to read such an inspiring and uplifting book!

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman starts this new series off with Terry McBride, a hometown girl and one of six children, returning to the small town of Mistletoe Meadows as the new doctor of the town’s general medical practice. However, she needs to find a place to live and finally ends up at the doorstep of Judd Landis to possibly rent one half of what she’s led to believe is a duplex but is in all reality just the other half of his home but she never realizes that. This forced proximity begins a period of shared dinners and holidays together while the major topic of discussion around the small town is who is Secret Saint? And Terry has been given the task as social media blogger for the town to discover who exactly is behind all the good deeds being done by this mysterious Secret Saint. Terry may be very intelligent but Secret Saint is very sneaky not wishing to be identified. Yet the new doctor in town is up to the task with the help of her patients and her growing curiosity/attraction over her duplex “neighbor” while the quiet, reclusive Judd Landis has fallen for the doctor but is hiding a few secrets of his own. A romance that takes a little while to work it’s way out but in the process it takes the reader through some very enjoyable scenes such as a large Sunday afternoon family dinner, horse drawn sleigh ride to pick up children for church, good deeds performed including a not so happy squirrel rescue, small intimate dinners, decorating a Christmas tree and riding the horse drawn sleigh in the Christmas parade. As with all Jessie Gussman books you can expect Christian values to be included which I must admit I was rather surprised to find that the main characters in this book are single but are actually living in the same home alone together even though the home is suggested to be a duplex. No lines are crossed only kissing is done but not finding the living conditions to be unsuitable for an unmarried male and female seemed uncharacteristic for the moral values exhibited by this Christian couple. You will still find the witty down-to-earth Jessie Gussman storytelling that many have come to love…I know I have. I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleigh Bells Dreams is a sweet Christmas story of love and magic in Mistletoe Meadows where Christmas is year round. Terry comes back to town to take over the medical clinic which had always been her dream. She needed a place to stay and her sister tells her Judd that she went to school with has a duplex and one side is empty. When she goes over to talk to Judd she hits him in the face when he opens the door and she was about to knock. He shows her the living room and office and the bedroom upstairs. He tells her they share a entry, kitchen and bathroom. She thought that was an odd duplex but she needed a place to live. It seemed that her sister and brother was in the matchmaking mode as this was not really a duplex.

Judd had a secret and came and went at all times of the day and night. He did handyman jobs, cleaning the courthouse, and any other jobs he could get. Terry thinks it is strange but now at the medical clinic she heard of all kinds of things happening all over town that nobody knows who is doing it. They called it Secret Saint. It just seemed that whoever the Secret Saint was he had everyone's best interest at heart. They thought he had been spotted before daylight one morning and the description sounded like Judd. Terry had not got around to ask him till one morning she is leaving early for the clinic and he is just coming in to go to his bedroom. He did not give her an answer to what he had been out doing. He was planning on keeping his secret at all costs, or so he thought.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sweet and inspiring story set during the Christmas season. Faith, family and acting in service to others are all part of this wonderful book along with a bit of Christmas wonder and romance. With some divine guidance and perhaps a little earthly matchmaking, two people who dedicate their lives to caring for and assisting others find companionship that gradually becomes so much more.

Terry, a family doctor, has just returned to her home town of Mistletoe Meadows to take over the medical practice of a retiring doctor. With her mother’s house full and rentals scarce, she finds herself becoming a housemate to Judd, a former classmate and a friend of her sister. With similar values and their Christian faith in common, they become comfortable with each other and work well together. Judd is keeping secrets, not just from Terry, but from most of the townspeople. Acts of charity and goodwill have been happening around town with no one knowing who is the Secret Saint doing the deeds. Judd and his accomplice prefer to keep it that way. He only hopes he can keep his secret from his housemate who has been roped into reported the actions of the Secret Saint and perhaps identifying him or her. Along with a sweet romance, this book is filled with acts of kindness, holiday activities, family interactions and memories, as well as discussions of Christian values and teachings. It is truly a delight to read.

I would give this exceptional book my highest recommendation.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry is thrilled to be back in Mistletoe Meadows in the job she's always wanted: running the clinic. But the only rental she can find is a so-called duplex shared with Judd, an odd-job man - a 'duplex' that shares the kitchen and bathroom. She knows she's really home when she's tasked with posting on social media about the town's 'Secret Saint', who makes a habit of going around filling needs. Judd has always known Terry is far out of reach, and offers her a home to help out, not out of any misguided ideas of starting a relationship. But sharing a home while keeping a big secret is difficult, and the unacknowledged attraction between them doesn't make it any easier. Will she uncover his secret? And can opposites really form a lasting relationship?

An exciting start to a new series - exciting in that I anticipate seeing more of the various characters and spending time in Mistletoe Meadows, not in a suspense-type way. This is a gentle and charming story of two people who find that they enjoy spending time together and want to spend more - though the path isn't always straightforward. It's perfect for snuggling up with on a cold day (or really any sort of day), and includes plenty of the author's signature thought-provoking conversations, as well as a good dash of humour. All in all, another great read and a great start to a new series. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to start this new series with a new cast of characters to get to know as well as a fun new town, Mistletoe Meadows. It's also a Christmas series which just adds to the entertainment. This is a faith filled story with wonderful family interactions.

Dr. Terry McBride has finally gotten to return to her hometown of Mistletoe Meadows. Since she was young her plan was to return to practice medicine. With the town's doctor having to leave his practice to take care of his ill wife, Terry is ready to slip into his shoes. The only problem is finding a place to live due to a shortage of places to rent or buy. Her sister suggests a duplex owed by Judd Landis whose name sounds familiar. They actually went to school together and sat in the same homeroom for years.

I loved Judd Landis who is a quiet introvert that goes out of his way to help wherever he can. People have the wrong idea about him and think he doesn't work to provide for himself. He and Terry trade off making meals during the week as they share a kitchen. Terry finds him to be a great roommate as he always has dinner ready as he promised.

Judd is keeping a secret as he meets many needs of the people in the town. He doesn't want recognition for them so he hides behind the title Secret Saint. Terry was put in charge of the town's
social media page so she's always posting the things that the Secret Saint is doing around town. She hasn't connected the dots yet about who is behind all of the good deeds.

As Christmas draws near will Terry discover the secret Judd is hiding? Will they act on their growing attraction to one another?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every night, I put it in God’s hands. And every morning, I try not to pick it back up."

After reading a couple romantasy novellas, it was time to curl up with a Christmas romance. I’m always exited to start a new Christmas series (especially as the weather starts to shift just the slightest bit cooler) and this title and cover just called to me.

Mistletoe Meadows. Does that not sound like a perfect, picturesque little town?! In the mountains…. But I digress. 😉 If you know me, you know I love this author and I’ve read everything she’s written. So, something exciting about this book is that it’s located by… 🥁 🥁 the Richmond Rebels!! (Another series for you to read if you haven’t 😉)

So, this Christian contemporary romance starts with our heroine (a doctor) arriving back home to her hometown in the mountains where her family resides. After a bit we get to the meet… hurt. (!!!!) Our heroine and hero develop a romance through housing forced proximity. A Secret Saint mystery (like a Secret Santa for the town) was sweet and unique. A fun idea. I enjoyed curling up with this book and getting to know the town, the people, our heroine’s family, and more. A great start to a new series. I’m excited to read more Christmassy romances this season!

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry McBride has come home to Mistletoe Meadows to start her physician practice. Since her mom’s house was full of her brother and his children, she ended up renting a room at the home of the highly introverted Judd Landis. Judd was someone she went to school with but barely remembered. He, however, had always admired her. Judd is both handsome and mysterious to Terry, he doesn’t seem to have a steady job other than doing handyman work around town. And he seems to vanish at night.

In the meantime, the town is talking about the Secret Saint who seems to leave presents or help people out, and no one knows who he is. When Terry gets roped into posting on the town website, she starts wondering who it could be, and if Judd might have something to do with it.

Jessie Gussman once again weaves a charming story that involves interesting small-town characters. Terry and the tongue-tied Judd slowly get to know each other and she begins to see there is much more to him than meets the eye. The Virginia setting has just the right amount of Christmas spirit and mouth-watering hot chocolate to get the reader in the mood for the holidays. There also just might be a swoony kiss or two as well.

I received an advance reader copy from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idyllic Mistletoe Meadows is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that celebrates Christmas year round.
It is the home of the McBride family. Dr. Terry McBride comes home to take over the clinic from the retiring Dr. Vivik. There seems to be a housing shortage but Terry hears about a possible duplex so she goes to see if it's available. The conversation between Terry and Judd Landis, owner of the duplex, had me laughing out loud. "No goats allowed." With rules like that you'll laugh too.

There is sadness because two of the characters have cancer, one is terminal, but it is written with dignity and heart.

I loved the characters. Jessie Gussman has created a family, and their friends and neighbors, that I'm anxious to know more about. It will be hard to wait for new books to this series.

This story is a clean, Christian, Christmas romance with a happy-ever-after. It also has discussions between the characters of good biblical principles. I highly recommend it.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author, Jessie Gussman. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I am so thrilled to have had the chance to read this book in the first of new series Mistletoe Meadows. Dr. Terry McBride is moving back to her hometown to take over the practice of the physician that had just retired. Terry’s father had passed away and she had five siblings. Gilbert was her brother that was staying at her mom’s house because his wife Sally had cancer and they needed help with their three kids. She was having a hard time finding a place to live but lucky Judd had a duplex and he said she could stay there. They soon started sharing meals together and their friendship was starting to grow. The town also had a Secret Saint that did various good deeds in the town and for the less unfortunate townspeople. People really wanted to know who was doing all these nice deeds and somehow they had Terry write a social media post trying to figure the Secret Saint out. This is such a good story and puts you in the mood for hot cocoa and horse drawn sleigh rides.

I received this ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute concept, too opinionated

Fairly early on I realized i wasn't quite a fan of this writing style, but i wanted to give the author and storyline a chance.
Ultimately, the story idea was cute. The writing style could have allowed the reader more creative mind. It seemed the author felt a child might have been reading it so they explained every thought process that most adults can deduce on their own.
I was also disappointed in the haughtiness the main female character displayed a few times (i.e. saying it's "stupid" that parents send their children to daycare). I would think a compassionate Christian doctor from a small town would understand that situations vary. If that was the only naive or opinionated sentiment expressed, i may have overlooked it. But there were more.
I hope the author grows to appreciate the art of demonstrating Christ's love rather than judgment. Otherwise they may lose their focused fan base (or turn a newer believer away from seeking Christian stories altogether).

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean, Christian romance. It pulls you in and makes you think.

Terry has earned her medical degree and comes back to her hometown to practice. She needs a place to stay and her sister recommends a “townhouse” that might be available. She goes to see Judd about the townhouse. He offers it to her but doesn’t want her to pay rent. He gets her to agree. They went to school together, but she doesn’t remember him. As she is setting up the office, she hears about someone who is doing good deeds for the Christmas season. Can she figure it out?

Jessie has another great book. I love her writing and tend to get involved in the book and ignore everything around me, totally focused. The idea that maybe we shouldn’t necessarily date a lot of people but to focus on a relationship and courting that would lead to marriage. I love these Christian viewpoints. Great read.

I received and ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful Christmas romance between Dr. Terry McBride and Judd Landis in their hometown of Mistletoe Meadows. Terry moved back to Mistletoe Meadows to take over the medical clinic after the doctor retired due to his wife dealing with cancer. Judd had a large house that he said was a duplex even though it only had one front door so he could offer Terry a place to live since her Mom didn't have room in her house for her to live full time. It was within walking distance of the clinic where she would be working. The town had a mystery person named the Secret Saint who did random acts of things that needed doing for the town and its people at no cost. You will have to read the book or listen to the amazing audiobook to find out the identity of the Secret Saint and to find out if Terry and Judd's romance turns into something permanent. I highly recommend this clean Christian romance to those who enjoy a heartwarming Christmas story. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry is back home in Whisker Meadow, VA as the town doctor. She grew up there with her 5 siblings and her goal was to always come home. As she looking for a place to live, her sister suggests asking Judd because he has a duplex. Well, the duplex shares a kitchen and bathroom. Judd is very introverted and quiet. He agrees to "rent" to her, but doesn't accept any rent payment. Terry thinks that is very strange, but doesn't have anywhere else to stay so she agrees to stay temporarily.

Judd is the Secret Saint in town. He goes around doing nice things for those in need. Terry soon figures out there is more to Judd than meets the eye. Such a good book. I love that Terry chose to come home rather than go to a large city to make more money. Judd appears to not work, when actually he does more than people see.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating romantic story. Dr. Terry McBride passes up the opportunity to practice medicine in a larger city and returns home to take over a small practice. However, there is a housing shortage and ends up sharing a duplex with Judd. Judd is a man of all trades, dismissed by most as never going to amount to much. But as you begin the story you see what most people do not see. A man who is secure in his identity in Christ. Both Terry and Judd dismiss the world’s view of success and beauty. Their foundation of right living is firmly established on following God’s standard in their lives. The heart of this story is to see ourselves as who we are in the eyes of God.
R. Fody
Sept. 5, 2024

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a feel good holiday read with substance, look no further! I loved Terry and Judd's story!
Terry comes back to take over the Dr.'s clinic in Mistletoe Meadows and can't find a place to live. Judd has a duplex with a nontraditional floorplan. Terry is desperate, so she goes ahead with moving in there. She is also tasked with documenting the Secret Saint deeds that have been happening around town. Who is the one doing the good deeds all around town wanting no recognition?
Pick up this book for smiles and laughter and happy ever after all the while keeping God as the center of the character's lives! I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. All opinions wihin this review are my own.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story with humor, romance, and biblical principles to live by.
Terry is a doctor who returns to her home town of Mistletoe Meadows to take over the medical clinic. When her sister suggests Judd may have a duplex to rent, she becomes reacquainted with an old high school classmate. Although she barely remembers him, he remembers her very well since he has always had a huge crush on her. Judd is an introverted, unassuming man who works at odd jobs; however, Judd has a secret identity.

This book is “laugh out loud” funny. However, as with all of Jessie Gussman’s books, it also contains sound biblical principles.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was quickly drawn into this magical story and couldn’t put it down. I loved all of the characters introduced and am glad that the author has plans to expand this book into a series. The friends-to-more between Judd and Terry was so delightful; I loved that they knew each other well before the kissing began. And oh the kissing—it was worth the wait! My favorite aspect of this story was Judd’s humility in his role as “Secret Saint” and how he worked hard to bless others while keeping his identity a secret. It was so inspiring! This is a book you can enjoy at Christmas and any time of the year. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Dr Terry McBride is happy to be home in Mistletoe Meadows taking over the clinic for the retiring Dr. but she needs a place to live as her brother and his family are living with her mother. She it told Judd Landis has a duplex and might be willing to rent the other half. When she arrives, it’s not really a duplex, but he’s willing to have her live there. He doesn’t have a consistent job, but works several places and sometimes overnight. When a Secret Saint provides gifts for needy people, the town tries to determine who is behind the gifts. This is a touching Christmas story by Jessie Gussman and as always a great read!

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Terry is happy to be back home. She is in search of a place to live. She was told to see Judd Landis that he has a duplex. It really is not a duplex But she does end up renting a room from him or half his house. They share the bathroom and kitchen. Judd has a huge, sweet heart of which he helps everyone he can.
The story is well written with great characters. It's an inspiring story of giving to other that needs our help and not questioning why or putting them down for being in their situation. It is set during the Christmas season. I like how there is a Secret Saint not a grinch or Santa Claus. by the way Terry is given the job to find out who the Secret Saint is but we are not going to spoil the fun and tell.

[Kat]

got all 4 free in boxed set for xmas

she is a dr, returning to her small town to take over the old drs practice
she needs to find a place to live
her one sister does a pet rescue, her brother and his family moved back in with her mom, their dad died. his wife has cancer.

she moved into a mans 'duplex' which was really his house. he goes around town doing good deeds but doesnt let anyone know its him

one of the ladies in town made her the person to try and find out who is doing the good deeds. she has no clue its him

he came to dinner at her moms house, she thinks her sister might be interested in him. he offered her nephew a job blowing leaves with him to get his mind off his mom in the hospital
her mom invited him to thanksgiving dinner

[Terry Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic and a lot of fun. I adore this story's entire Secret Saint element. Every character is incredibly endearing. Judd is an inspiration to everyone; he loves his neighborhood and prioritizes God. Along with a few other community members, he is just such a good person. Returning to her hometown to establish a clinic and spend time with her family, Dr. Terry McBride soon establishes herself as a valued member of the community.Jessie Gussman has a tremendous talent for publishing books. What a charming Christmas tale. I always try to be a better Christian because of Jessie. Congrats, Jessie Gussman.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book can be read as a standalone but they are interconnected. This is the first book in the series.
She's returning home after becoming a doctor to take over at the clinic. One of 6 children she's glad to be closer to family. He's a former classmate and friend of her family's. Their first meeting doesn't go as planned but leads to pleasant surprises. The town seems to have a "Secret Saint" and she's been tasked to investigate and report. Who is it and why the secrecy? How does she react to the revelation? I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleigh Bell Dreams really is a dream book! 📕 I absolutely loved Terry and Judd, and everything about this amazing book! I am in awe at the talent Jessie Gussman has in weaving every little detail in to her fantastic stories! I love the details! Terry and Judd graduated together, but ten years later, after Terry has become a doctor, and returns to her home town to take over the clinic from the retiring physician, she doesn’t even remember Judd. But Judd never had forgotten Terry, ever, during all of those years! I LOVE love stories like this! I’m not going to ruin it for you, but it is GREAT! 🙏💖💙

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleigh Bell Dreams is a series starter, and Terry and Judd's story, in Jessie Gussman's new Mistletoe Meadows series. It's a sweet, clean, and boldly Christian romance. I loved how Terry's aspirations were about what she could do for others, and not how much money she would make as a doctor. I was fairly convicted by the attitudes of some of the supporting characters toward Judd, and their perception of his "lack of ambition." How often people judge, based solely on what they think they know! Jessie's stories always challenge my thinking/beliefs. This is a delightful beginning of a Christmas series to celebrate the holidays this year.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited for this new series, and I love the cover. The spitfire older lady Mrs. Tucker makes the story that much more fun because you never know what crazy idea she is going to come up with. I laughed out loud as Dr Terry knocked on Judd’s door a little to hard, boy did he get a surprise. This is such a sweet heartwarming story and shows how people may be someone different than what people suppose, that was the way Judd was and Terry was so sweet she could see him for his character. I liked this comment “I think I like the ending of this one better, too. Perhaps we should have and encore” He grinned, “I was thinking the same thing.” So swoony. Great story!