Holly Jolly Dreams

Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance #5

by Jessie Gussman

Roland McBride has been trusted with taking over the Secret Saint duties in the town of Mistletoe Meadows. He loves helping families and making people smile. Only one problem - he has a competitor.

Nelly Bushnell just wanted to help out. She didn't realize she would be stepping on anyone's toes as she used her gifts to shower her hometown with Christmas Cheer. Unfortunately this seems to have caused some upset with her sworn enemy, Roland McBride. Just because they swore to be enemies in elementary school, doesn't mean that she doesn't take their vows seriously, and she takes great delight in continuing to do her Secret Saint - like deeds, just because it bothers him.

One cold, snowy night, the two Secret Saints meet and chop firewood together. That begins a partnership that lasts through the holiday season, but their identities remain a secret. Until Roland is falsely accused of a crime and the only way Nelly can save him is to reveal both of their identities. Will the Christmas spirit help these two enemies fall in love?


Here's what reviewer's are saying about Holly Jolly

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Another beautiful story from Jessie Gussman!" - Denice

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " A cute romance with some excellent suggestions on how to become a better Christian. " - Pamela

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Oh, what a fun read!" - Aud

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " Another superb book by Jessie! " - Lorraine

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If you want to read a book about the real meaning of Christmas, this is it." - Trudy


Books is the Mistletoe Meadows

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

Genres: Romance, Inspirational, Christmas, Christian Fiction

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2025

Reviews

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

This is a sweet Christian Christmas contemporary romance to curl up with. As the season is trending cooler, I’m loving that authors are starting to pull out their Christmas manuscripts. I’ll read Christmas books year round, but there’s just something special about reading them as the season approaches.

Roland and Nellie have been enemies since grade school. They were always in constant competition. Living in a small town, Nelly is the teacher of Roland’s nephew and they go to the same church. Whenever they see each other, their spines bristle.

This Christmas season, the Secret Saint badge is passed along to Roland from its last owner, but he’s startled and surprised to find out that someone else keeps helping out the households he plans to be a blessing to. With their identities hidden, these two do-gooders team up so that they can give the best help to the town - together. Meanwhile, Roland and Nellie are being voluntold that they will be working on the children’s Christmas program together. Sparks fly at each meeting, but when they covertly discuss things as Secret Saints, they are able to take a step back and push each other along the Christian path of love, forgiveness, and peace.

This is a sweet read that I really enjoyed. It was great to be back in Mistletoe Meadows. There is plenty of faith, family, Christmas cheer, and more. There are some difficult things touched on, but such is life. This is a just kisses romance, intimacy level 1.

Content warnings: theft, dementia, cancer

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

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This was absolutely a great book and by a great author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun catching up with the McBride family in this new book in the Christmas series that was started last year. Roland McBride is the baby of the family and he has been taking care of the family Christmas tree farm and living with his mom to help her care for their home. As his older siblings have found their spouses and started families of their own, he kind of feels left out. His brother-in-law Judd has been the Secret Saint for awhile and feels it's time to step down. He thinks Roland will be the perfect person to take over this secret ministry of giving to those in need in Mistletoe Meadows. As he starts his secret exploits, he soon realizes that someone else is also being a Secret Saint. If he can find out who it is, maybe they can join forces to bless more people.

Nelly Bushnell is a wonderful teacher in their small town. Being around the vibrant eight year olds gives her lots of opportunities to find out about needs in their community. She also soon realizes that someone else is doing the same thing. When they meet accidentally at the same home, they decide to come up with a plan to join forces. They also agree to keep their identities secret from one another.

The fun part of this story is that Roland and Nelly have been sworn enemies since they were children. It all began with a Valentine's day card mishap. She has never forgiven him and she has always competed with him throughout all of their years together in school. They have no idea they are working together to bless the families in their small town. There's a lot more fun in this story as Nelly begins to see Roland in a new light. How will she respond if she discovers who her secret partner has been throughout the Christmas Season?

I enjoyed the wonderful inspirational insights throughout the book. This story can work as a stand alone but reading them in order probably works best to understand the family.

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Jolly Dreams is a enemies to love story.   Nelly and Roland had grown up together in Mistletoe Meadows and for the last twenty years hated each other.  It was a silly childhood event that caused the trouble and Nelly vowed to never let Roland do anything better than her.  Just the mention of the other person’s name and it made them mad.  But when Roland’s Mom tells that Roland wanted to volunteer to help with the Christmas children program he is put with Nelly to produce it.  It starts off bad , but soon they are beginning to work together.  It was right after Roland had been given the job as Secret Saint from his brother-in-law Judd.  He wore a ski mask and different coat and shoes and went around at night leaving things that he found out the people of the community needed.  One night he runs into another person doing the same thing, leaving things on the same people’s porch.  They work well together and look forward to their anonymous meetings.  But Roland in talking says his Mom is not feeling well and went to see his doctor sister.  She knew then who it was.  She felt it was wrong to know who he was and he not know her so she meets him with her cape hood down.  By then they had started to work together on the Christmas program really well together and the nightly meetings had made them start to like whoever the other person was.  When the Pastor tells them at one of the practices with the kids that the money was going missing for the program he accused Roland as he is the only one seen coming into the church with a Christmas tree.  Nelly stands up for Roland’s reputation and Roland overhears.  Will this be what causes Nelly to ever be friends with Roland or will it stop what was forming between them?

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelly and Roland’s story both resonates and inspires. Like many of us do, they have held onto an incident from the past that caused them hurt and it now colours all of their interactions. The anger, resentment and hurt has lead to prejudice, rudeness and more conflict. When Roland and Nelly are called upon to work together in the church’s Christmas play, neither are happy that they will need to work closely with the other. They are constantly at odds and lamenting their situation, not treating each other as they themselves would like to be treated. .

Ironically, they work very well together as Secret Saints who secretly help the citizens of their town by providing much needed items, giving financial assistance and performing handyman jobs. Of course they are both keeping their identities secret, even from each other. Not knowing the other’s identity, there is no past incident to colour their perception and influence how they treat each other. Instead, there is civility, kindness, compassion and grace between them. Working together incognito begins to influence their treatment of each other out in the open, working on the Christmas play. It isn’t long before they realize that there are other very tender feelings underneath the animosity they have shown each other for years. They also realize that God has used the two working situations to teach them and to amend their thoughts and actions, not only between the two of them, but also with others.

I wholeheartedly recommend this lovely book.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, if you enjoy characters who meet and learn to like each other without knowing who the other person is, this book is for you. The H has been handed on the role as Secret Saint for the town. The h takes on the same role on her own. They meet by going to the same homes but avoid each other. Finally they decide it would be better to work together. He could do the more physical things and she had better opportunities to learn the needs of families as a grade school teacher. Thus they begin working together with meetings to determine what they wanted to do, then get the things they needed and carrying out their objectives. After successfully carrying out their objectives they realize that they have fallen in love with each other. Then the h realizes who the H is, he is the one person she has hated since grade school. She also realizes that she was wrong in her feelings. She addresses the situation honestly. The couple get their HEA. Hope you enjoy this book and the series as much as I have. Enjoy! Received this book free from the author as a member of her ARC team.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Jolly Dreams (Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance #5) by Jessie Gussman

I absolutely love reading Jessie Gussman’s books! Her stories are always heartwarming, clean romances filled with wonderful characters who feel so real that it’s easy to get lost in their world. Holly Jolly Dreams is book five in the delightful Mistletoe Meadows series, which I’ve been enjoying from the very beginning.

This time, the story takes us back to the charming town of Mistletoe Meadows, where the Secret Santa competition is in full swing. Roland McBride is determined to win, but he quickly finds himself up against some serious competition—Nelly Bushnell. The twist? Roland and Nelly have been enemies since elementary school. Watching them navigate their rivalry, while discovering if they can put aside the past and bring a little extra cheer to Mistletoe Meadows, makes for such a fun and heartwarming read.

I highly recommend this book (and the whole series!) to anyone who enjoys clean, sweet romance with a touch of small-town holiday magic. Jessie once again delivers a story full of charm, humor, and the true spirit of Christmas.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Gussman can be said to have woven two stories into this novel, both featuring Roland, the youngest member of the McBride family, and his enemy since elementary school, Elly, who is the current very popular third grade teacher in Mistletoe Meadows.
It focuses on the impressions people form about one another and how these perceptions change in response to different situations and hidden identities.
Incidental contact between Roland and Elly, which occurs almost daily remains tense, although both acknowledge to themselves after each encounter, that their behaviour fails to reflect their Christian values, differing significantly from the way they interact with each other and the local community during their nightly excursions.
A few of the occurrences in the Secret Saint passages lack real plausibility, and the story pace is occasionally a little slow; however, Elly and Roland’s shared nightly discussions and the daytime circumstances that lead to their growing friendship make this another charming holiday story from this profoundly Christian author.
This is an honest review of an ARC I received from the author.

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roland’s Brother pass the secret saint to him. Secret Saint in the town of Mistletoe other people would find out the needs of those who couldn’t pay their bills, their house needed some work done or didn’t have money to pay for wrapping paper. Roland drove about an hour away to a box store outside of the town to buy groceries for a family that was in need. He had eight bags of groceries that he put on the front porch of his house. He thought he smelled some fresh bread. He got away just in time when someone opened up the door. They found the box with the fresh bread and then discovered the bags of groceries. The lady at the house said I wondered how we were going to feed our family. Roland and Nelly had been bitter enemies since grade school. When they got together, it brought the worst out of both of them. It was time for the church to have their Christmas program. The pastor asked Nelly if she would chair the program. Marjorie volunteered her son, Roland to co chair the Christmas program. Needless to say this went over like a lead balloon. I highly recommend any book that.Jessie Gussman right. They are good, clean faith based books. I love her books

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet Christian romance.

As the new Secret Saint, Roland McBride is enjoying the opportunity to anonymously help needy members of the community. He is surprised to find out someone else is doing the same thing.

Nelly Bushnell is a beloved grade school teacher whose job puts her is perfect for learning which families need help. Helping them anonymously makes her happy. One night she bumps into another Secret Saint. They keep their identities secret from each other while working together to help others.

Roland and Nelly have been enemies since childhood when Nelly’s feelings were badly hurt over a misdelivered Valentine Day card. They have not spoken since, but that changes when they are put in charge of the church’s Christmas program. They can barely hide their animosity. Why can’t working together be as easy and pleasant as their Secret Saint co-workers?

This clean Christian romance delivers a strong message of love and forgiveness. I received a free copy but my review was honest and voluntary.

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman has drawn me in to the McBrides of Mistletoe Meadows! Their family feels like my family. Throughout all of the other books, we've gotten little vignettes of Roland McBride, just little teasers. It was such a joy to read his story and get to know him better! He is a quite man of faith, who feels he has an unjustified reputation he would like to replace. And somehow, he gets paired up with Nellie Bushnell, the girl that has never forgiven him for humiliating her in elementary school.
There is so much to really enjoy in Holly Jolly Dreams! As usual, Jessie Gussman mixes humor and tenderness with deep, godly truths! I appreciate how she uses anonimity to enable Roland and Nellie to get to know each other without stumbling over their prejudices! We see the idea that when you wrong someone and don't make it right, you have to somehow hold onto the idea that the other person is really to blame and deserved it. And we get to see Roland and Nellie each allow God to open their eyes to truth as they draw nearer to Him and each other! It is a beautiful story! And so much fun!

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book of the Mistletoe Meadows series and they just keep getting better and better. Roland McBride is the baby of the family and he stills lives with his mom to help with the Christmas tree farm and his Dad had passed earlier. His brother in law Judd turned over his Secret Saint to Roland. I love that the Secret Saints find out who needs help and they secretly help them out. Roland was excited to help people out. Nelly Bushnell is a school teacher her and Roland had a very strained relationship from grade school. They tried to beat each other in everything they did and after adulthood they avoided each other. Nelly lived with her grandma and she was starting to get signs of dementia and Roland had seen a big change in his mother as well. But the best part was circumstances kept pushing Roland and Nelly together. These books make you feel good and they always have a Christian based story.

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

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nelly and Roland had had a “relationship” since grade school. But….not the very best relationship! Nelly had put a valentine in the wrong box - in Roland’s and it was supposed to have been in another boy’s box. Roland made fun of her and that started the competition! All the way through High School. Nelly went to college, became an elementary teacher, and came back home in Mistletoe Meadows. Roland had taken over the role of Secret Saint, but, somehow so had Nelly. They met in their disguises, and worked very well together not knowing each others’ identities. They also ended up being responsible for the Christmas Program at church. That wasn’t going nearly as well as the Secret Saint. The story is awesome! Jessie Gussman has done it again! What a great story! She brings in how important character is in life and in relationships. This is a book that you need to read. Be sure to pick it up - you will have trouble putting it down!

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the former Secret Saint marries, he decides it’s time to pass the torch on to someone with a little more time to expend on the mission. In comes Roland, who is very excited about being the Secret Saint. But, suddenly, a woman has taken it upon herself to help people out, in the same sort of way that Secret Santa does-waiting until it’s dark and sneaking up to people’s porches and leaving whatever gifts she’s noticed that they need. As they keep bumping into each other in the dark, Roland first gets frustrated and a touch angry, thinking that this person is trying to BE the Secret Saint, but finally he sees that the Lord is trying to give him a helper! And, two sharing the load does so much more than one alone could. This story is so touching, especially when the two Secret Saints start falling for each other! Now, that’s an interesting way to find your spouse! This book is great for everyone!

[Nancy Delnay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Jessie Gussman! Roland and Nellie made themselves sworn enemies when they were young children due to their competitiveness. Now all grown up, Roland is still single at 30 while he takes care of the family Christmas tree farm and works as a handyman the rest of the year. Nellie has become a very well-respected elementary teacher. Roland was asked by his brother to take over the secret saint role this Christmas, while Nellie started doing it early because she didn't see it getting done. Both of them realized someone else was doing it but didn't know who, as they both wore disguises. But one night they run into each other while delivering firewood to a family. They agree to work together, but keep their identity secret from each other and everyone else in town. It is a fantastic story about what they do for Christian charity while working with their enemy. Read it to see what happens! You will love it!

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman has written another sweet enemies-to-lovers story in her Mistletoe Meadows series. In this novel, Roland McBride takes on being the Secret Saint, the anonymous person who helps people in need in the little Christmas town he lives in. Unbeknownst to him, Nelly Bushnell, his least favorite person since 3rd grade, has also taken it upon herself to be the Secret Saint. Soon they team up (without revealing their identities to each other) and discover how much they like each other,

The story is fun and romantic and maybe a bit silly, but it's definitely a great read for the holidays. As always, Jessie weaves in solid Christian themes throughout, reminding us of how important forgiveness is.

I received an advance reader copy of this book for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great visit with the Secret Saint of Mistletoe Meadows. It was funny to find 2 Secret Saints who had no idea about each other. When they accidentally run into each other while making deliveries in disguise, they decide it would be smarter to work together because they each got information from different places about the people who needed help.
It was interesting the way they meet in secret while keeping their identities covered. They both were surprised when they decided to reveal themselves and find out they were actually enemies before this started.
Loved both of the characters and how after getting to know each other when hiding themselves, they both were able to see how they misjudged each other for years and were able to apologize.
Highly recommend this whole series.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Roland is asked to be the Secret saint. He decides to accept and starts to help people around town. However, there are times it seems that someone gets there before him. Is there another Secret saint he doesn’t know about? Nelly decides she’s going try and be a secret saint and help others. She hears things from the students in her classes as a 3rd grade teacher. She wears a costume so others don’t recognize her if she gets caught. Nelly has been Roland’s nemesis growing up. Can they work together, keeping their identities a secret?

This was a cute story. It shows that even as Christians we struggle with others, with our own pride. It also shows forgiveness. Great book to see how to work through things.

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

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roland is asked to take on the role of Secret Saint for their small town for the Christmas season. Nelly is a third-grade teacher and sworn enemy of Roland since they were in third grade. She has always tried to best him at everything. Has that attitude remained with her into adulthood? When she sees some of her students in need, she decides to take on the role of Secret Saint herself. What will happen when two Secret Saints converge in the small town? Can they work together, or will they be in competition? Will their childhood rivalry resolve into a romance?

I appreciate the wonderful Christian aspects: forgiveness, seeing our own faults, doing what is right regardless of our own feelings, seeking God’s will, giving up control and leaving things in His hands.

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

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roland and Nelly have been on the outs since third grade and now in their adulthood, they are cringing at assuming their roles of co-leaders for the church’s Christmas pageant. If only they could work with their wonderful anonymous co-workers as Secret Saints, secretly taking care of people down on their luck. If only they knew that they were paired together in both cases. I loved these two characters who came to realize that their prejudice was coloring their view of one another. And I love the inspirational storyline of Secret Saints. It makes me want to be one too! This author takes Hebrews 10:24 seriously—“Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. And let us consider how to spur one another one to love and good deeds.” Highly recommend! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great being back in Mistletoe Meadows with the McBrides. Roland is the youngest McBride sibling. This is his story, although we get caught up with the other McBrides as well.

There's more Secret Saint adventures... would you believe there are two Secret Saints? Can they work together? It's all in the story.

There was a Valentine slip-up when Roland was in 3rd grade. From then until now he and Nelly Bushnell have been arguing and competing. When they both were volunteered to put the church Christmas program together the bickering and nit-picking continued. But during this time several things happen that make both Roland and Nelly realize that they have more in common than each originally thought.

I definitely recommend this clean, faith-filled, Christmas, contemporary romance.

I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jessie's books. She mixes just the right amount of romance and faith with great characters. This is book 5 in the series, but could also be a stand-alone. Roland and Nelly have known each other since early childhood, but have also been enemies since elementary school. Now they are tasked with working on the church Christmas play together. Can they overcome their long-standing dislike? In addition, Roland has been tasked with being the Secret Saint, but who is the lady in disguise also acting like a Secret Saint. Roland finds himself attracted to both ladies. Add in a little mystery--who is the thief stealing money from the Church?

I received an ARC of this book, but the rating and thoughts are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Christian romance between Roland and Nelly. They have been enemies since the third grade when Nelly accidentally gave Roland her handmade Valentine's card intended for another boy in the class. Roland had a secret crush on Nelly so he lashed out in jealousy after seeing the card was meant for someone else. Nelly responded by competing to be the best at everything they did for the next twenty years. When asks to be co-directors for the church Christmas program for children and both of them working as the town's Secret Saints, they realized they worked well together and actually liked each other. The characters are wonderful and I highly recommend this book for Christian romance readers. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe Meadows has been a fun series. This new book continues the tradition of the Secret Saint with a twist, now there appears to be two people doing the work. Will this lead to cooperation or competition?
When both "Saints" end up at the same house, both disguised, they agree to work together. And it turns out that they are more effective that way. We know who they are, and follow the double story line as they cooperate in secret, and clash in public. This was a fun book to read, but it still has the thoughtful discussions about living your faith that are a hallmark of Jessie Gussman's writing. I recommend this book, and the entire series. This is an HEA and a standalone, but there will spoilers if you haven't read the previous books.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roland McBride and Nellie Bushnell have been rivals since the Valentine's Day incident in grade school. Now Roland has "been volunteered" by his mom to help out the church. And what task? Help produce the Christmas Pagent at the church. And who did the pastor recruit? Yep. Nelly.

Roland has been recruited to be the SS - Secret Saint - a Christian version of Santa Claus. He discovers that someone else is involved doing good deeds. They form and alliance, and agree they will both keep their identities a secret, even from each other. But one of them figures out who the other saint is.
Makes a great holiday story to listen to during the Christmas season. Jay Dyess is a great narrator for the audiobook.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by Jessie Gussman! From sworn enemies to friends to more, Roland and Nelly live life trying to be better for themselves and those around them. When Roland McBride agrees to be the new Secret Saint, he’s surprised to discover that someone else is secretly helping people too. This is a role that he takes very seriously, even when others think he’s a goof-off. One of those people is his sworn enemy, Nelly Bushnell, but Roland’s not even sure why Elly dislikes him so much! Nelly and Roland are thrown together putting on the annual Christmas play at church and they butt heads over every detail. By night, however, they meet secretly, not knowing who the other is. Their meaningful and deep conversations have them looking at life differently.

[Linda Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Jolly Christmas
Jessie Gussman

How often do we have the opportunity to face our childhood adversary 20 years later. Nelly and Roland have had an ongoing competition since 3rd grade. Even though it was a childhood misunderstanding through the years it had taken on a larger life. Could they work together on a church project without killing one another, or is it true that the line between love and hate is a very fine line. Their faith and desire to follow God’s will and to be His hands and feet encourage them to “play nicely”. This is an inspiring story that makes one stop and think about their actions and reactions.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story in Mistletoe Meadows where Roland and Nellie have been rivals and frenemies since 3rd grade. Roland is asked to be the Secret Saint, which he agrees to do. He is also volunteering to help with the Christmas pageant for the church where Nellie is also volunteering. It is a rough start. She is also a Secret Saint, but they both think they are the only one, until they both show up at the same time to offer service to the same family. I love how they realize that they may have been wrong about the other person. A story of forgiveness, service, Christ like love and kindness. Another beautiful story from Jessie Gussman!

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Jolly Dreams

Roland and Nelly’s story makes an absolutely amazing book by Jessie Gussman. Imagine having to work on a children’s Christmas play with the one person who has despised you since third grade. That is exactly what has happened to Roland and Nelly. Also, Roland has been tasked by his brother in law to become the next Secret Saint then finds he is not the only Secret Saint out to make others lives a bit easier. They make a pact to keep each other’s secret and work together to help others have a better Christmas. I highly recommend you read this wonderful faith based story.

[Terry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roland and Nelly

This is a wonderful Christmas story about the Secret Saint(s). Nelly has had hateful angry feels since Roland "humiliated" Nelly in third grade. Roland doesn't have the same animosity toward Nelly, but, he doesn't go out of his way to show her the love of Christ.
Roland is picked by his brother in law Judd to be the Secret Saint. Nelly takes on the task of being a Secret Saint on her own. Through their good deeds for the people in their town that are down, whether in need of money or things, Their relationship grows into more than friendship. I enjoyed this story very much.