Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush: A Sweet Romcom Short Read

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs

by Jessie Gussman

They were *almost* a thing in high school, but she squandered her chance because of a bad batch of cookies.

Now he's back for his sister's small Christmas wedding and is staying at her B&B. He's been offered a big promotion, but maybe some Christmas spirit and her delectable desserts will convince him city life isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Will they get their second chance at romance this Christmas?

More about the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs Get ready to jingle all the way into the festive season with twelve Christmas novelettes that are like little bites of sweet and swoony delight. These heartwarming and feel-good romances feature second chances, enemies to lovers, fake dating adventures, and more, all wrapped up in the cozy merriment of Christmas. Plus, there’s a cookie recipe in each book!

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Romance, Holiday, Second Chance, Clean Romance, Contemporary

60 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2024

Reviews

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush by Jessie Gussman (2024)
Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs #11
Mistletoe Meadows #0.5
57-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-51

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Short Story, Christian Romance

Featuring: Bed & Breakfast, Second Chance Trope - High School Crush, Family Riff; Wedding, Homecoming, City of Richmond, Small-Town Gossip, Christmas Town, Matchmaking, Family Dynamics, Siblings, City vs. Small-Town, Church Events, Signs From God? Blurb for Sleigh Bell Dreams, Jessie’s Christmas Cracker Cookies Recipe, Series Bibliography for Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs with Covers

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Kenny G., "Geistliches Wiegenlied (Sacred Lullaby)" by Johannes Brahms "Gestillte Sehnsucht (Longing at Rest)" by Johannes Brahms, "Für Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by Metamorphose String Orchestra, "O Holy Night" by Metamorphose String Orchestra, “Mary, Did You Know?” by Dallas String Quartet

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🍪🛎🎻✝️🎄

My thoughts: 🔖Page 29 of 57 CHAPTER 7 - Started in the waiting room and now it's time to go back. So far it's interesting.

It seems as though we have reached the Christian fiction section of the series as the last couple of books have been inspirational like but this one is full-blown Christian fiction. It was a pretty decent story and I could totally see it as a Hallmark movie or even one of those Family First films. It ties into an entire series which I think is gonna go on the TBR.

Recommend to others: Yes!

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs
1. Baking Spirits Bright! (2024) Kaci Lane
2. Christmas Tree Connection (2024) Elle Rush
3. Holiday Lights and Cocoa Cookie Nights (2024) Meg Easton
4. Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute (2024) Ellie Hall
5. Molasses and Mr. Christmas (2024) Lindsey Jesionowski
6. Pistachio Craze for the Holidays (2024) Kimberly Krey
7. St. Nick and Me Are Mint to Be (2024) Tamie Dearen
8. Tying the Knot with her Sweet Scrooge (2024) Ginny Sterling
9. 'Tis the Gingerbread Season (2024) Monique Brasher
10. The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas (2024) Danae Little
11. Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush (2024) Jessie Gussman
12. The White Chocolate Christmas Wish (2024) Jess Mastorakos

Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance
0.5 Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush (2024)
1. Sleigh Bell Dreams (2024)
2. Icicle Dreams (2024)
3. Sugarplum Dreams (2024)
4. Christmas Dreams (2024)
5. Holly Jolly Dreams (2025)
6. Candy Cane Dreams (2025)
7. Mistletoe Dreams (2025)
8. Silent Night Dreams (2025)
9. Candlelight Dreams (2025)

Memorable Quotes: “So, are you still unattached?” he asked, not wanting to accidentally ask out a married woman. “Yeah, much to my mother’s dismay.” She laughed a little. “In high school, she was so concerned that you and I were going to… I’m not sure, but now she would marry me off to the nearest fire hydrant if she could.” He laughed, remembering that Tris had always had a sense of humor. “Well, I happen to be unattached as well, and Margo just informed me that I was supposed to have a date for tonight, which I didn’t know about and don’t have. Would you be interested?” She smiled, but he could tell from her expression that she was going to turn him down. “I’d love to, but I’m already going.” She waved a hand to head him off. “Not as someone’s date. I’m providing the music with two of my friends.” “Oh.” He’d forgotten she’d been in the orchestra or something outside of school. She played some kind of stringed instrument. Maybe the cello. “There are so many things I’ve forgotten. That you play the cello is one of those things.”

“Missing out on small-town life? It hasn’t changed any since high school. I promise you. You’re not missing out on anything, except people always in your business, wanting to know what you’re doing, where you’re going, who you’re doing it with, but…they care. They really do.” She knew that. She was kind of joking about them being busybodies. It was true, but it was also even more true that they cared.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series. This is a multi-author series of standalone short and sweet holiday romances.

I always love a good second chance romance, but this one was almost more of a missed chance... and I absolutely adored that too! Fisher and Tris had a brief moment back in high school until an embarrassing mishap had their parents keeping them apart, so they never really had much of a chance at all. But when they see each other again years later when he returns for his sister's wedding, it seems like perhaps those feeling they had in the past never went away. It was a super cute read and one that made me smile throughout. I enjoyed the easy chemistry between them and finding out a little bit about their history. It's definitely a very short read- easily read in under and hour- so having that history between them definitely helped their story not to feel too rushed. I also really appreciated the faith elements in this one too--- perfect for the holiday season!

Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush is a super quick and sweet read. It's meant to be a very bite size story so there isn't an insane amount of character development or an intricate plotline. But that's totally purposeful. Fisher and Tris are reunited after 10 years when Fisher returns to their small hometown. Because they were already interested in each other before, the second chance storyline helps the book not feel super rushed. They're kind of just picking up where they left off. Plus it's not like they get married two days after seeing each other again for the first time. It's really amount giving it an honest go this time around. It probably took me an hour or so to read so it was just a very light Christmas read, which is great for this time of year.

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored Fisher & Tris second chance, sweet, caring, loving happily ever after!

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series, a charming collection of short, sweet holiday romances. This story brings a delightful twist to the second-chance romance trope, leaning more into the idea of a “missed chance,” and I loved every bit of it!

Back in high school, Fisher and Tris had the makings of a sweet connection, but an awkward mishap—and some parental interference—kept them apart. Now, years later, Fisher is back in Mistletoe Meadows for his sister’s wedding, and the chemistry between them quickly rekindles. It was so much fun to see them reconnect and rediscover the feelings they never really let go of. Their shared history added depth to this bite-sized read, making it feel natural and unhurried despite its short length.

The cozy small-town setting and festive atmosphere brought an extra layer of charm to their story, and the faith elements were a wonderful touch, reminding us of the season’s true meaning. I also loved seeing familiar characters from the author’s previous Mistletoe Meadows books, which made this feel like catching up with old friends.

This clean romance focuses on sweet moments and heartfelt emotions, making it a perfect holiday escape. Lighthearted, heartwarming, and full of cheer, Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush is an ideal read for anyone looking to add a touch of romance to their Christmas season.

[Sarah Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

What in the Christian is this? Book became super religious out of nowhere and was just a lot. Wasn’t advertised as a Christian Christmas book so I was a little taken aback when it became all about sin and other religious stuff.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful heart felt cozy Christian romance. Tris and Fisher were high school sweethearts until the accident in home economics class. Will they find their way back to each other as adults?

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet short romance.

I love Jessie Gussman’s books. This story ties into her Mistletoe Meadows serious, be read as a stand alone. It is a really sweet book.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ughhh

1/5 ⭐️

If the author took out all the Christian nonsense and added in more actual story and plot…this could have been good.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives readers a lighthearted, humorous and sweet story about an unexpected second chance at love. It’s been fifteen years since the great cookie debacle that no one seems able to forget in their small town of Mistletoe Meadows. Tris and Fisher certainly haven’t forgotten it, but for very different reasons than most other people. At the time both were encouraged to stay away from each other and concentrate on their studies. She never left their home town and is now running the family’s B&B with her mother, and is quite content to do so. He left town to go to college, pursued a career in Richmond and has become a successful businessman who rarely visits his family back in Mistletoe Meadows.

Fisher is currently in town for his sister’s wedding and staying at the B&B. His arrival brings back sweet memories of their time in high school for both of them and they get a chance to spend some time together reminiscing. They soon realize that the feelings they had fifteen years ago for each other have never gone away, and were behind their reluctance to date others. They have been guided back to each other for a second chance at love and a future together.

I enjoyed getting to know these two wonderful characters and their history. I liked the inclusion of familiar characters from this author’s other books set in Mistletoe Meadows. Tris’s different perspective on what happened between some of the citizens in their home town was enlightening. This book was a delight to read.

This inspiring and charming book has my highest recommendation.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series is multi-author. The stories are bite sized and fun to read. Plus, there’s a cookie recipe in each book! Each story is a stand alone and this one by Jessie Gussman is actually a prequel to her Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas romance.

This story has Tris McHenny helping her mother Ophelia run their bed and breakfast. She wants to give everyone a five star experience. She was surprised that a guest checking in to the B & B was Fisher Ames. She hadn't seen him since they graduated HS and he went off to college. Their families had forbidden them to talk after they had set the home economics class on fire with a baking mishap.

Fisher was home to attend his older sister's wedding. He rarely came back to Mistletoe Meadows to visit and when he did he usually went back home the same day. Sometimes he missed the small town he grew up in but with a promotion on the line, he wasn't ready to come back to live. He had forgotten about Tris since he left town but was happy to see that she was still the same but different. She had matured but she was sweeter and happy compared to the big city people he dealt with most of the time.

Would being home remind Fisher of all the things he loved about his small town and possibly give him another chance with the girl he had feelings for back in HS?

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

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance romance has Fisher Ames returning to Mistletoe Meadows for his sister’s wedding to a bed and breakfast owned and operated by the very woman he has never gotten over since they almost caught their high school on fire. Tris McHenry has never left the small town of Mistletoe Meadows and has never married because no one really ever interested her the way Fisher Ames had over a decade ago. And look who just walked into her bed and breakfast.
This is a sweet second chance between two and as usual in a Jessie Gussman book there’s a bit of wisdom added with a bit of wit mixed in stirred up with the romance. I felt this one was just missing a little bit of depth, needed a little drama or conflict to make it more than a reunite and fall back in love within two days story. As with all of Jessie Gussman’s books, it’s well worth reading, with a clean sweet romance in a small town and easily read in two hours.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a low angst, second chance romcom. The heroine has happily remained in her home town, the hero is back for a wedding. They had a humiliating incident in high school that derailed their relationship. Seeing how satisfied and fulfilled his family is, and looking back on the incident from an adult perspective causes him to question the life he has chosen. Working with the heroine on some Christmas projects, including the Christmas Crackers, he begins to believe that he should stay in town and pursue a relationship again. He asks God for confirmation and God shows up in a big way. I really enjoyed this book. It's a quick read with a very satisfying ending. I also made the cookies. They were easy, quick to make, and used common ingredients. They were a hit with the family, and I will be adding them to my cookie packages this year.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush is the story of how Fisher and Tris were close to each other in high school and their first kiss in the home ec room literally set the stove on fire and the fire department was called out. They were kinda told to stay away from each other the remainder of senior high school. But years pass and Fisher is now staying at the B&B that Tris and her mom own. He has came home to go to his sister's wedding. Since Tris is in the music group that is providing music for the rehearsal dinner, Fisher and Tris walk back together to the B&B. They feel as comfortable with each other as always. They talk and enjoy being together and she helps him make her special cookies for the family cookie contest. This time they didn't set the stove on fire but enjoyed a kiss again. Can Tris loving Mistletoe Meadows ever make a life with Fisher who lives and works in the city of Richmond? Is it even meant for them to make a life together after waiting so long?

[Megan | Reads Alotl Books]

This is a sweet story of second chances with the one that got away. Fisher always wanted a chance with Tris and she wanted a chance with him. When something goes wrong in high school, they are forbidden from being together as more than friends.

Years later, he returns to their small town for a wedding and ends up at her bed and breakfast. Can they right the wrongs of the past and let it all go?

These two were so cute together at their second chance and I love how there’s a little bit of faith in play. When they are reminiscing and baking, it’s so fun to see their relationship grow. In order to win, she has to lose the baking contest and he had to trust in God to get 2 unorthodox miracles. Christmas Cracker recipe is so good and you’re mouth will be watering at this simple yet delicious.

Thank you for advanced the copy to read and review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Jessie Gussman and I will definitely be reading more books.I really loved that the book took place around a B&B setting. Those always make you feel warm and fuzzy. Especially when a mom and daughter are running it.

Fischer is in town for his sisters wedding and decides to stay at a B&B and to his surprise he runs into his old class mate Tris. When they were in school they weren't able to see each other after a baking incident gone wrong. Will they have a second chance to get to know each other more?

This was a quick read that will leave you smiling. I had such a great time getting to know these characters. I would definitely recommend this book. Grab yourself some Coffee or Cocoa, a Blanket and ENJOY this book!

Thanks Jessie Gussman for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bad batch of cookies in a high school home economics class ruined a possible future relationship for Tris and Fischer. Fast forward years into the future. Fischer is back in town for his sister's wedding when he sees Tris again for the first time since high school. Needless to say, both of them have changed in more ways than one, but that little spark from high school is still present.

This delightful little crumb of a Christmas romance will make you believe in the power of love and second chances. Second chance romances are my favorite because everyone deserves a second chance. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in this sweet short story. The tasty recipe at the end of the story is astounding.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, faith-filled second chance for Tris and Fisher, whose first kiss was interrupted by burning cookies... and detention. They get to know one another again on Fisher's brief return home and reminisce over what might have been, and question whether they might have been right for one another all along.

There are no tricks or sneaky plot devices here in this novella. We just get some sensible conversation and collective "aww" moments. I loved the infusion of faith elements to their decisions, which gave the whole thing a very mature feel. It's a super sweet, quick read!

Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush is Book Ten in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs multi-author series. I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A high school baking and first kiss disaster sent Tris and Fisher their separate ways a decade ago. Now he's back in town for his sister's wedding and staying at the B&B she and her mother run in town. She's the same girl, only different, a little bit more mature and sweeter now. As the two get reacquainted, is there still a spark of what once was? What about the big promotion he's about to get back where he now lives? Will they say goodbye again or make it work? This is a very short and sweet story that contains both sweet and swoony delight, complete with a Christmas cookie recipe at the end. I recommend this little escape novelette during the Christmas season--or any other time!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tris McHenny and her mother run a bed and breakfast in Mistletoe Meadows. Fisher Ames checks into the B&B because he is in town for a wedding. He and Tris are surprised at seeing each other. She had a crush on him back in high school and they both got in trouble over a cookie incident and apparently never resolved the dispute. Now, grown up they find themselves newly interested.

This cute story has some swoony moments as well as some delicious cookies. There is even a recipe included. It is a fun short read which is part of a collection of eleven new Christmas novellas. These fun stories are a perfect way to unwind after a day of fighting the crowds at the stores and the slow traffic going home.

I received an advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean second-chance romance.

Tris McHenry could not believe her eyes when she realized the man checking into their Bed and Breakfast was Fisher Ames. He was her first kiss in high school and could have been more except for a disastrous batch of flaming cookies. He still makes her heart flutter but he is only back in town for his sister’s wedding. After that, he will return to the city.

Fisher is still single. Now, facing her across the reception desk fifteen years later, he realizes why. He never found a woman to compare with the girl he crushed on in high school.

What a sweet second-chance holiday romance! It made me want to curl up and purr with happiness. I received a free copy, but my review was honest and voluntary.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Jessie Gussman. Tris and Fisher went to high school together and were attracted to each other. He left town, she stayed in their little town of Mistletoe Meadows. Now he is back for his sister's wedding and staying at the bed and breakfast that she runs with her mother. This cute story brings us back to Mistletoe Meadows where we met many of their residents. (I highly recommend that series, too, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.) This short story of Tris and Fisher getting reacquainted and realizing their feelings is very good. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Kayla H | Mom Devours Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tris and Fisher went to high school together but were forbidden to see each other after a mishap while baking cookies. He returns to Mistletoe Meadows for his sister's wedding and happens to be staying at the B&B that Tris and her mom own. Will they get their second chance?

This was such a sweet, quick read. I have read and enjoyed many of Jessie's books, and this one is no exception. I have not read any of the other Mistletoe Meadows books, and now, I know I should! This book works perfectly as a standalone book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[A Novel Approach · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.25/5. First off, this Christmas romance novella gives definite feel-good Christmas vibes—specifically highlighting the Christmas snack we all love, Christmas Crack, and even providing a recipe! This was a quick read (finished in about 40 minutes) featuring small town and second chance romance.
There was something that was just a little bit of a miss for me, though, and that was the speed. I feel like this could have made a great longer-form novel, but I just didn’t feel like I was given enough time to feel invested in the characters, see them fall in a lasting love, or give justice to their backstory.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite this novella being a new release, references to Terri and Judd indicate that the story precedes the McBride family series started in “Sleigh Bell Dreams”.
Fisher’s arrival in Mistletoe Meadows to attend his sister Margot’s, wedding, and Innkeeper Tris’ involvement in the wedding preparations, result in them spending more time than they expected, or wanted to, in the same room.
However, with maturity comes open communication and wisdom, and they come to terms with their respective parents’ intervention during a high school debacle they were involved in.
I received an ARC of this novella, which has a fast-moving and interesting plot.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fisher is in Mistletoe Meadows for his sister's wedding. He is staying at the B&B that Tris and her mom run. Fisher and Tris liked each other in high school but because of the "cookie incident", their families kept them apart. Now he's back. As they talk, Fisher realizes that he doesn't like living in the big city of Richmond, but he's up for a promotion. Should he turn down the promotion and move home? Or take the promotion that he's worked so hard for?

Great story on priorities and making decisions based on what your heart is telling you and not what the world would have you to do.

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tris and Fisher were good friends in high school. He was her first kiss and she was his first kiss. Fisher comes back to his hometown for his sister‘s wedding. He is staying at a B&B that he had no idea that Tris and her mom ran the B&B. They got to know each other again. I am not going to spoil the book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a good clean Christian book. I do recommend this book. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thank you for adding the cracked cookie recipe. I’m going to have to try to make them. I think I would add pecans instead of walnuts and maybe toasted coconut.

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

This was a short and sweet novella. It was Christmassy and had a once friends in high school, second chance romance. I enjoyed the Christian tones and the baking. This book sure made me want to go and bake! Yum. This is my first out of this multi author series and it was a nice, bite size romance. I don’t always enjoy these shorts (I’m more of a lengthy book lover), but I’ve been enjoying having a few short and sweet reads lately.

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

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fischer and Tris: They went to high school together but after accidentally starting a fire in the school were forbidden to have any contact. He went to the city and became a business success; she stayed home working with her mom at their B&B. He came home for his sister’s wedding a decade later and was booked into the B&B. Delightful story of reconnection, forgiveness, and trusting God for guidance for this wonderful couple.

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

P.S. Can’t wait to try out the recipe!

[Sherri Korn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas short read romance story. Fisher and Tris were very good friends in high school until an accident happened in their home ec class. They were forced to avoid each other by their parents and never were allowed to renew their relationship. Years later he comes back to his hometown and they meet again and rediscover their friendship and maybe more.
This story is a bit of a prequel to Jessie’s Christmas Mistletoe Meadows series that begins with the wonderful story “Sleigh Bell Rings”.