Icicle Dreams

Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance #2

by Jessie Gussman

Amy McBride and Jones Quebedeau have been best friends forever. Amy runs the pet sanctuary in Mistletoe Meadows and Jones is the town veterinarian. Amy helps Jones as a vet tech and Jones donates his services for her stray animals. They do pretty much everything together.

When Jones's aunt dies and leaves him a large inheritance, with the condition that he must be married to receive it, he enlists Amy's help to find him a suitable bride. But there isn't anyone he'd rather spend time with than Amy, so it just makes sense that they'd tie the knot, and both of their businesses could use the influx of money.

But will marriage upset the solid friendship they've had for most of their lives? Or will a wedding, and a little help from the Christmas season, show them that there was always something deeper between them?

Here's what reviewer's are saying about Icicle

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Another exciting, fun, thrilling book from our wonderful author, Jessie Gussman!" - Lana

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "It keeps you wanting to turn the next page and opens some story lines for continuing the series. I'm ready for more!" - Nana

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "You are not going to want to miss this best friends to more story!" - Elizabeth

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "There is so much I would like to tell you in this review but then I would release all the good spoilers. Read it you will love it" - Lorraine

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A 'mixed' read. Has tough stuff and really sweet, loving stuff. Something to make you think; something to make you smile and feel good." - D'anah

Books is the Mistletoe Meadows

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

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian Romance

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story Icicle Dreams was to read. Perfect for any time of year. it is so nice to see best friends, Amy and Jones become more, plus to see the Secret Saint continue his dreams of helping others in need.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series watching the characters grow in their faith and love

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Icicle Dreams is an emotional book. It is Christmas week. Instead of joy and happiness there is so much other things going on in the family that they have not been celebrating as usual. There is Gilbert watching his wife Desire suffer with cancer. There young children having to understand their Mom was dying. A family that was surrounding them with all the love and support a family could possibly muster. One couple deciding to get married soon as Judd and Terry have feelings for each other and what was told her when she arrived back in town as being a duplex was really just a big home. They knew they had not sinned but it felt wrong for them to continue to live together. Then Jones and Amy had been the best of friends for most of their lives and he considered her siblings his family but not her. They did everything together, and when he received a letter that he would inherit $10 million dollars if he was married within a week, he couldn't think of anybody he wanted to be with except Amy. Isadora's husband left her pregnant with two small boys. She had come home for her family to help and give her the encouragement she needed. Marjorie, the Mom of the entire family was handling all the chaos like the ever caring parent she was to take care of whoever needed her at the moment. She had lost her husband not long ago. So she knew what each child was going through. And then Wilson drops a bomb on Judd when he tells him he can't help being the Secret Saint anymore as there is a family suffering that he feels he needs to help. Such a sad time to be grieving the death of a spouse and Mom, the devastation of a father walking out on his family, then a turn of events when happiness takes over as two of the sisters have a double wedding in the oddest setting.

This book is a good story where Jessie puts her all out there in writing this book. It shows in each heartache and each new promise. And threads Christmas through the story from beginning to end.

[Nancy]

This is such a beautiful series that has hit so many emotional areas as the story includes a very ill sister-in-law. The family is trying to support their brother Gilbert as he faces the loss of his wife. These stories are really best if read in order as the story continues from book to book.

In this story Amy McBride and Jones Quebedeau have been best friends forever. They work to support one another's dreams. Jones comes every morning to help Amy with her pet sanctuary. She helps him out at his vet clinic when he needs her. They spend all of their time with each other. People around them believe there is more than friendship between them that they just don't realize.

When funds for her clinic are drying up she has been keeping a secret how difficult her finances have become. She has little food for the dogs she has rescued and not much for herself. She is believing the Lord will make a way for her to provide her needs.

Jones's has been trying to save his funds to pay off his school debts. So when he finds out he has inherited a large amount of money from his deceased aunt, he is surprised. He could do a lot with that money, pay of his debt, get his own building and of course help out Amy with her pet sanctuary. The only problem is to inherit the money he must be married within one month of her death. With the clock ticking, Jones come to Amy for her help in finding a bride.

Will Amy and Jones decide to marry to get the inheritance? Will their eyes be open to their deeper feeling for one another?

There's such a fun scene involving mistletoe in this story playing up the name of the town.

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

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy McBride struggles financially to run her pet sanctuary and she wonders if it was God's will for her to do so. She's skimping on her own meals to help feed her dogs, but she realizes "Just because things are hard, it doesn't mean you should doubt God."
Amy and Jones Quebedeau have been best friends for a long time. Jones is the town's veterinarian. They both love animals and help each other out. Jones notices Amy's lost weight and has no food in her cupboards or fridge. When Jones' aunt dies and leaves him a very large inheritance with the condition he marries within a limited amount of time, he finally chooses his best friend Amy to be his wife. Will she accept his proposal? It's Christmas, and there are several marriages taking place. There's also drama with a death as well as a divorce, showing the reality of life, even during the holidays.
While I love Ms. Gussman's books and their clean and Christian perspectives, "Icicle Dreams" wasn't one of my favorites. Looking at both sides of a situation for several pages and waffling back and forth, becomes wearing and tiresome for the reader. Perhaps a sentence or two would be OK, but I felt several paragraphs (or more!) following each opinion seemed to clog the story and slow it down. I also felt there were too many rambling conversations and narratives, and the characters seemed 2 dimensional. I also found no chemistry between Amy and Jones. Since I had not read Book 1 in the series, I was initially confused with all the characters' names and who they were. Fortunately, I figured it out in time.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Jones have always been best friends, but (to everyone else's bewilderment) have never thought of marriage. So when Jones is left an inheritance conditional on him being married, it's Amy he goes to for advice. But somehow, none of the women Amy can suggest appeal in the least - chiefly because they're not like Amy. The money would solve a lot of problems, but is a loveless marriage really worth it? And when a family member finally suggests the obvious, will it take their friendship to the next level, or destroy it?

After meeting Amy and Jones (not to mention the rest of her family) in book 1, I've been looking forward to seeing them get together, and this didn't disappoint. Their general willingness to talk about things is a good reminder, and their hesitance to discuss one subject is understandable - but it's nice to see it eventually change. I also enjoyed seeing more of the family, including Terry and Judd from book 1 and other whom I expect to get their own stories soon (looking forward to it!). Be aware that while Amy and Jones' story is complete, we see various threads of family life continuing from book 1 and leaving much more to subsequent books, so this may be best read as a 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.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book recommend it to anyone who is looking for a sweet story about two best friends. The H and h have been best friends since childhood. They are each other’s confidant, helper and support. The H is a veterinarian who has great school debts since he paid his way through college and vet school. The h has her own nonprofit that takes care of strays and works at finding good homes for them. The H faithfully helps her in the morning feeding and cleaning out the pens. When the H receives a letter from his aunt’s attorney informing him that he has inherited 10 million dollars but to claim it he must be married by 30 days after her death. He comes to the h for her help. She reads the letter and then works with him suggesting names of various women that he knows, but none are appealing to him. At this same time the h’s sister-law is dying from cancer. The brother spends all his time talking care of and being with his wife. The grandmother and the h take care of the 3 young kids. Finally the H realizes that the best one for him is the h and she realizes it also. After various dramas involving the death of the wife and others dramas in the family the H and h along with her oldest sister and her fiancé get married together before the funeral. HEA results for the H and h.

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

Awww! This is such a sweet friends-to-love romance told in the remarkable and talented way that only Jessie Gussman can do. This is the second book in the series and I guess they could be standalone books but I would recommend reading Sleigh Bell Dreams first to truly understand all the characters and especially the close bond that Amy McBride, pet sanctuary owner/operated, and her very best friend Jones Quebedeau, veterinarian, have together. They are so sweet, comical and adorable together as friends and they just notch those up to a higher level when Jones gets some unexpected news in the mail. Yes, this book is going to deal with grief and with cheating spouses but it’s going to give good Godly advice along the way with loving care and support while two new romances begin to bloom and blossom even in the cold of winter. Honestly, I found myself smiling at this couple probably more often than I should have but I just couldn’t help it. True friends, perfect soulmates, opposites in some ways but fitting together like a perfect jigsaw puzzle. I always enjoy Jessie Gussman’s books but I believe this one might be one of my very favorites. I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman’s latest novel in her new series is set in Virginia. In this lovely book, Amy and Jones have been best friends for years. He is a veterinarian and she runs a dog rescue. Everyone around them thinks they should have fallen in love years ago but both of them have been too busy to really notice. When Jones suddenly discovers he is going to receive an inheritance if he marries, Amy becomes the best candidate. Amy is in dire financial straits so they both have to suddenly see each other with new eyes.

I have always loved best friends to lovers’ stories and this one is especially sweet. There is a serious underlying issue involving Amy’s sister-in-law who is dying of cancer. And as in all of Jessie Gussman’s books, we find ourselves convicted of God’s grace and love in even the worst circumstances. It is an enjoyable and romantic novel that will warm your heart as you get ready for Christmas.

I received an advance reader copy of this book for free and I am offering my honest opinion,

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life-time friends
Not having read the first book in this series, it took me a while to navigate the identities and roles of some of the characters; however, the essence of Amy and Jones’ story can be read independently.
Animal lovers, Amy and Jones, have grown up as best friends and have chosen complementary careers in animal welfare. A surprise inheritance for Jones compels them to make a change in their relationship, while other unrelated occurrences also affect most of the remaining McBride siblings in the following few days.
The author tackles various current serious societal challenges in informal, yet thoughtful, discussions between sisters Amy and Terry, reflecting the strong Christian and family values instilled by their mom. Amy and Jones’ conversations demonstrate the respect and consideration they have for one another…at times to the point of exasperation for the characters and for the reader!
I received an ARC of this heartwarming pre-Christmas novella from the author, and this is my honest opinion.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jones and Amy’s story is sweet, heartwarming and captivating. They are the best of friends who fear that wanting more than friendship will ruin what they have between them. Then, Jonas is informed that he will receive a substantial inheritance if marries within a short period of time. With heavy debts from his veterinarian education and his clinic, Jones could put the money to good use. He also hopes to help Amy with her dog rescue and sanctuary, though he has no idea how very dire her circumstances have become financially. He asks Amy for help in choosing a wife, but soon both realize that only one woman should be his wife…..her.

Throughout their story, more insight is given into the lives of Amy’s family members, the situations they are dealing with, (like the eminent death of a loved one), and their relationships with God and their faith. There are some very emotional and tender moments, as well as some funny and entertaining ones.

I will happily recommend this beautifully written and inspiring book.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean Christian romance. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Everybody has always thought that Amy and Jones would always get together, but they seem oblivious. They have an amazing friendship. Amy has been running her pet sanctuary, but is pretty much running out of money. Jones is a local veterinarian who helps and doesn’t charge her. Jones has the possibility to receive a multi-million dollar inheritance, but only if he’s married within the next few weeks. He asks Amy for help figuring out who he could marry. Will they realize they are meant for each other?

This was another great novel and I am enjoying the characters. People can be stubborn. I think the theme of this is to pray for God to open your eyes to see who is willing to help. Don’t assume and not ask for help.

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

[Victoria]

Amy McBride and Jones Quebedeau have been best friends since childhood and throughout their history, they never entertained taking their friendship to the next level until Jones was left a sizable inheritance that he can only receive if he is married—by next Friday! Everyone who knows them knows that they were meant for one another and it is almost comical to see the clueless couple finally slowly come to the same conclusion. The characters are so lovable and their relationship is so solid that I was cheering them on. Their story is set in the middle of some serious family drama with other members of the McBride family and I look forward to seeing how their stories are resolved in future books in the series. This book brought out a full gamut of emotions in me from tears to laughter and, as is characteristic of Gussman’s faith-based books, it challenged me to think and examine my values. Highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving all the books in this series and this friends to more story about Amy and Jones is perfect. They have been friends since childhood. Jones gets a letter from his Aunt's lawyer stating that Jones will inherit ten million dollars, but he must get married within a month after his Aunt's death to receive it. Jones panics because there is only one week until the deadline. He asks Amy to help him find a wife and neither of them considered that they should marry each other because they are "just" friends. Everyone else sees them as more than friends so after one of Amy's nephews holds mistletoe over the heads of Amy and Jones and tells them they have to kiss and they do, things start to change. Will they get married and if so will they meet the deadline? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this as a clean Christian romance with lovable characters. Listening to the audiobook also makes this book come to life. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotions come in reading this story

It hits so many things that so many people are dealing with every day, broken relationships, death, financial hardships.
She tells of good people doing good things to help those in dire circumstances, some secretly, some boldly and some because they are family-all doing these things because they love the Lord first.
Amy and Jones are two of the good ones-giving what they have to help those with even less than they have. Amy has a soft heart for dogs or any animal and will do without so they are fed and cared for. Jones' job is being a veterinarian, yet he still gives his time, what little money he has left over to help Amy. They are best friends and expect to always be in. Being in love is new ground, their faith is their compass, and together they fins they are better. This story gives you so much to think about, to deeper your faith as these couples have.

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Icicle Dreams” by Jessie Gussman
A Very Busy Sweet Romance
I did thoroughly enjoy my time in the town of Mistletoe Meadows and the family of Christians at the center of this story. Although I did get the feeling that at least one member of the family thought that a good Christian choosing a good Christian for a life partner would always be the right choice, which I know to be a fallacy in the real world, maybe rare, but not unknown. For most folks know for any marriage to be happy for the couple’s full life-time; they both have to put in the work to make it a reality. Marriage is much like two people in a row boat; if only one person is rowing; they just go round ‘n’ round in circles. I am hoping for more stories of this family and town and expecting to really enjoy reading those stories, too!!. Happy Reading ! !

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this smalltown series in Mistletoe Meadows and the family it revolves around. This is the 2nd book and it was loaded with several different life issues going on in the family. Jessie Gussman keeps you reading and gets your heart involved. It is during the Christmas season, involves the life situations of several family members with a very loving and wise Mother that is at the helm of the family. She has taught her family Christian values and is there for them even with mess ups. As always Jessie includes Christian values and an inspirational read. This one covers some deep life situations, has children, funny and unusual situations along with sad parts, and the main characters share a beautiful friendship. It keeps you wanting to turn the next page and opens some story lines for continuing the series. I'm ready for more!

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Icicle Dreams ~ Mistletoe Meadows ~2 by Jessie Gussman

Another truly brilliant addition to the new series from Jessie.
We are back in Mistletoe Meadow and here is Amy McBride and Jones Quebedeau's story.
They have been best friends for years and haven't seen each other romantically, are just friends. When Jones receives news from his grandmother's will, for him to receive any inheritance he needs to get married. The problem is that he is not dating, and not interested in any women from the town.
Can Amy help him find a wife? or is she the one? Icicle Dreams is a brilliant clean romance story that pulls the reader in from the start. I highly recommend this book to all and am looking forward to reading the next one.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Original, Page-turner, , Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Jones have been friends forever. They do everything together every day! Their personalities are different, but they work together well and have for years...as friends and nothing more. Both of them are struggling financially, and when Jones' estranged aunt wills him her large estate with the condition that he be married within a month of her death, they start thinking of bride of convenience prospects for him. When Amy's family suggest she be the bride, the blinders they have had on all of thier lives start to fall off. You are not going to want to miss this best friends to more story! I received an advance e-copy of this book from the author. All opinions wihin this review are my own.

[Lorraine Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Icicle Dreams the story of Amy and Jones, lifelong friends , besties, Amy owes an animal rescue and Jones is a Vet. After reading this story I would recommend that if you have a friend like Amy or Jones that you hold them tight and never let anything come between you. I truly love this story Jessie Cussman is amazing she gives you a little bit of everything you need in each book she writes. Friendship, love , hope, dreams , the Lord, the Bible, family. There is so much I would like to tell you in this review but then I would release all the good spoilers. Read it you will love it Amy and Jones are fun friends da but what they don’t realize is that it is so much more then friendship. Take this journey with them you won’t regret it.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of laughter and a lot of tears

Jones is a vet who is pinching pennies to pay off school loans. He is offered a very large inheritance on one condition – he must marry within one month of the will’s reading. He only has about a week left and does not even have a girlfriend – only a best friend. That best friend, Amy, is having her own problems. She has lost much of her funding for her animal shelter, and her sister-in-law is dying. Should Jones and Amy get married in order to solve their financial problems? Or does the Lord have another reason for leading them toward marriage?

As usual, Jessie Gussman incorporates great scriptural principles into an enjoyable reading experience.

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

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Jones have been the best of friends forever. The kind that finishes each other sentences. Family and friends know they are in love with each other but they are comfortable as best buddies. Things change when Jones aunt leaves him an inheritance with the stipulation, he has to marry to receive it and he does not have much time. He enlists Amy's help to fine a wife but then realizes in doing that he his relationship with Amy would change as he could not be wed and have her as his best friend. I really love this new series by Jessie. There is so much insight to contemplate as we see God’s standards of right living demonstrated through the people in this novel.
R. Fody
Sept. 29-30, 2024

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a hard time reviewing Jessie Gussman’s books because I think I’ve used all the words of praise that I know on her previous ones. I think I love her short courtships ones because I can relate to them. I had known my husband a month and we’d dated 2 weeks before we married. Now that is not the case with Amy and Jones, they’ve known each other so long and are such good friends that they’re both afraid to change the status quo for fear of hurting their friendship. The idea of them marrying is very new to them. To explain the book, I’m going to use a quote from it: “Grief, breakups, surprise marriages, million-dollar inheritances, now we’re solving the world’s problems. “ What’s not to like with all of that? This book was a treat to read.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Jessie always makes me think. While the book is entertaining, it’s also thoughtful and presents more sides to the issues than originally appear. Jones had a problem and asked Amy to help him. Amy’s sister-in-law was ill, one sister had a devastating loss and Amy’s mom was caring for her grandchildren with Christmas approaching. With financial and family issues at the forefront, it was inspiring to see them turning towards God’s teachings to deal with everything and Amy’s mom guided them in that direction while recognizing her children are adults and responsible for their own decisions. Highly recommend!

Received an ARC and this is my unsolicited and honest review.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a tissue box before you set down. That way, you don't have to quit reading to get it. That's just in the first part of the book. It doesn't center around that.

I love the story about Amy and Jones, who have been best friends all of their lives. They've always done everything together. When his aunt dies, she leaves him 10 million dollars. There is only one stipulation, he has to be married within a month from her death. Jones wants Amy to help him find a wife. Will they find a wife for him before his time runs out for the inheritance? Or will they discover something they hadn't realized?

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

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best if read in order. Each book centers mainly around one couple, but the characters overlap, and there's a broader storyline that continues behind the scenes.
One sibling has found love. One has been betrayed. Another is having to say goodbye. Meanwhile, she's facing a change in relationship with her best friend. He's received news of an unexpected inheritance, but it comes with a catch. He has to be married. Will they be able to find him a wife before the deadline? How do they react when everyone suggests they get married? Would they be able to adjust without ruining what they already have?
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Jones have been friends longer than they can remember. When a situation arises that Jones has about seven days to find a woman to marry him, Amy's family suggests Amy. Both Jones and Amy are shocked at the suggestion. Can they exchange their friendship for love and marriage? Will they realize it's a perfect solution?

Read this fun, clean, inspirational romance for answers to those questions and more. Not only that but there is a double wedding and double happy-ever-afters.

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.

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did, it is an awesome clean good book. Amy and Jones are so cute together. They’ve been best friends for ever. He’s veterinarian and Amy is an animal shelter rescue. Plus Amy works part time For Jones. He’s a relatively new veterinarian who has set up shop in a garage with his apartment above his veterinarian clinic. He didn’t want to start his practice without at least paying off his student loans. Then his Aunt Edith passes away, leaving him and her will, but with a major stipulation. yes I enjoyed the book and yes, I highly recommend the book. I absolutely love reading Jesse Gessman’s books.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, and heartwarming addition to the Mistletoe Meadows series by Jessie Gussman.
Amy runs an animal refuge and is barely hanging on.
Jones is a veterinarian that is trying to pay down his school loans so he can buy a building to have his existing practice in.
They have been best friends forever but never thought about being more. He finds out he can inherit several million dollars, but only if he gets married in a week.
Does the possibility of getting married to each other even stand a chance? Amy doesn’t think she’s marriage material, but Jones’ eye are starting to open to the idea.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Jones have been friends for years. Amy runs an animal rescue and Jones is a vet. Amy loses her biggest supporter and is struggling to get by. Jones learns that his aunt just passed away and left his $10M, but he has to be married. He and Amy wrack their brains trying to figure out who he can marry. Amy's family knows that it should be them, but they never saw each other that way. One morning a nephew holds up the mistletoe and tells them they have to kiss. They are both shocked at the feeling, but scared to mess up their friendship. They agree to a marriage of convenience, but find that they already love each other. So sweet!