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Mountain Rescue Romance #1
His Christmas Wish: Mountain Rescue Romance, Book 1
Carly Bishop loved Christmas . . . until tragedy struck.
Carly Bishop doesn't want to come home for Christmas. Hood Hamlet is filled with nothing but heartbreaking reminders of the fiance and brother she lost six years ago. But her family needs her, so Carly must dig deep to unearth her Christmas spirit so she can give her niece and nephew the best holiday ever.
Mountain rescuer Jake Porter believes he could have saved his two friends that fateful day and kept the Bishop family from experiencing such a heart-wrenching loss. He hopes helping Carly rediscover the magic of Christmas will allow him to finally move forward with his life, but he's not certain anything can relieve the guilt that's kept him stuck all these years.
As Jake and Carly spend more time together, attraction grows, but toe-curling mistletoe kisses aside, his late best friend would never think Jake is good enough for his little sister. But maybe he can open her heart to something else she's given up on . . . love.
Carly Bishop doesn't want to come home for Christmas. Hood Hamlet is filled with nothing but heartbreaking reminders of the fiance and brother she lost six years ago. But her family needs her, so Carly must dig deep to unearth her Christmas spirit so she can give her niece and nephew the best holiday ever.
Mountain rescuer Jake Porter believes he could have saved his two friends that fateful day and kept the Bishop family from experiencing such a heart-wrenching loss. He hopes helping Carly rediscover the magic of Christmas will allow him to finally move forward with his life, but he's not certain anything can relieve the guilt that's kept him stuck all these years.
As Jake and Carly spend more time together, attraction grows, but toe-curling mistletoe kisses aside, his late best friend would never think Jake is good enough for his little sister. But maybe he can open her heart to something else she's given up on . . . love.
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First published November 1, 2008
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About the author
Melissa McClone
287 books2,479 followersI live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, two daughters, son, dog and too many cats! I write "sweeter" contemporary romance novels for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.
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December 16, 2014
Rescued By The Magic of Christmas is by one of my favorite authors, Melissa McClone.
It is Christmas Eve and the day before her wedding. Carly Bishop and her fiancé, Iain, have had an argument because he and her brother, Nick are going climbing up Mount Hood. She doesn’t want them to go. Little did she know that that argument would be the last words they would ever share. Nick’s best friend, Jake Porter, is part of the mountain rescue team that went up to search for them and brought their bodies home.
Fast forward six years. Jake helped Carly find a job all the way across the country in Philadelphia. She just couldn’t live in Hood Hamlet any more with all the memories. Her brother’s widow has remarried and is about to give birth and they need Carly to come home to help with her little niece and nephew for a couple of weeks. She hasn’t celebrated Christmas for six years now. So how will she be able to take making Christmas special for her niece and nephew, her brother’s children? How will it be seeing Jake again after all these years?
Jake can’t wait to see Carly again. They grew up together but Carly was always “his best friend’s little sister.” So that meant hands off. As they got older he was just about to declare his interest in her when she started dating Iain, so he never told her how he felt. As soon as he saw her, he knew the feelings were still there.
“Was it time to move on? Or time—finally—to make his move?”
Jake is still on the mountain rescue team and no matter what feelings develop between them, the risk is too great. She can’t lose someone else important to her to the mountain.
“Life is about taking risks…and love makes those risks worth it even if we end up disappointed or hurt.”
Jake is determined to break down Carly’s walls and make Christmas magical for both her and the children. They do everything together, bake cookies, go snow shoeing, wrap gifts for the kids, build snow men. The more time they spend together, the stronger the feelings between them grow.
“It’s always been you.”
“I want what I thought I lost on this mountain six years ago. I want what I thought I could never have again. Love. A happily ever after. And I think I want it with you.”
This really was a sweet story. Jake and Carly’s lives were so completely changed six years ago and it was amazing to watch Carly as she was forced to finally face up to her fears and conquer them. Jake was so sweet and sexy and patient. He too is forced to decide what is important to him. I loved this book but that’s no surprise since I love everything Melissa McClone writes. It’s a perfect holiday story.
“The mountain takes; the mountain gives back.”
It is Christmas Eve and the day before her wedding. Carly Bishop and her fiancé, Iain, have had an argument because he and her brother, Nick are going climbing up Mount Hood. She doesn’t want them to go. Little did she know that that argument would be the last words they would ever share. Nick’s best friend, Jake Porter, is part of the mountain rescue team that went up to search for them and brought their bodies home.
Fast forward six years. Jake helped Carly find a job all the way across the country in Philadelphia. She just couldn’t live in Hood Hamlet any more with all the memories. Her brother’s widow has remarried and is about to give birth and they need Carly to come home to help with her little niece and nephew for a couple of weeks. She hasn’t celebrated Christmas for six years now. So how will she be able to take making Christmas special for her niece and nephew, her brother’s children? How will it be seeing Jake again after all these years?
Jake can’t wait to see Carly again. They grew up together but Carly was always “his best friend’s little sister.” So that meant hands off. As they got older he was just about to declare his interest in her when she started dating Iain, so he never told her how he felt. As soon as he saw her, he knew the feelings were still there.
“Was it time to move on? Or time—finally—to make his move?”
Jake is still on the mountain rescue team and no matter what feelings develop between them, the risk is too great. She can’t lose someone else important to her to the mountain.
“Life is about taking risks…and love makes those risks worth it even if we end up disappointed or hurt.”
Jake is determined to break down Carly’s walls and make Christmas magical for both her and the children. They do everything together, bake cookies, go snow shoeing, wrap gifts for the kids, build snow men. The more time they spend together, the stronger the feelings between them grow.
“It’s always been you.”
“I want what I thought I lost on this mountain six years ago. I want what I thought I could never have again. Love. A happily ever after. And I think I want it with you.”
This really was a sweet story. Jake and Carly’s lives were so completely changed six years ago and it was amazing to watch Carly as she was forced to finally face up to her fears and conquer them. Jake was so sweet and sexy and patient. He too is forced to decide what is important to him. I loved this book but that’s no surprise since I love everything Melissa McClone writes. It’s a perfect holiday story.
“The mountain takes; the mountain gives back.”
December 16, 2022
This was a pretty beautiful tale. This particular Christmas story strikes that sweet spot just so. combined with adventure, heartbreak, and love. It offers a story that captures the wonder of the festive season in its entirety.
The characters are endearing and joyful. There is no denying that the cast of this novel is great. Most likely, I adore them all. They support one another and demonstrate that family extends beyond blood ties. I also have a newfound appreciation for mountain rescues and the challenges they encounter while bringing a victim home safely. But besides the rescuers, they also have the love and support of the locals at the mountain's foot!
The romance is as heartwarming as a hot cup of coco, swoon-worthy, and will melt your inner parts. I like how magical Christmas is and how it can soften even the coldest heart. The picture of a tourist attraction on a colorful mountaintop is fantastic.
Because it was a short story, several subtleties were never fully explored. As I said, I would have liked to know more about Jake's father-son relationship. The situation with Carly also occasionally left me perplexed as well. She appeared to be really hesitant about falling in love again but then lets Jake kiss her mercilessly.
However, ultimately, it was charming and intriguing. Even still, every character presents a vivid picture of the multidimensional healing necessary to give folks fulfilling futures.
The characters are endearing and joyful. There is no denying that the cast of this novel is great. Most likely, I adore them all. They support one another and demonstrate that family extends beyond blood ties. I also have a newfound appreciation for mountain rescues and the challenges they encounter while bringing a victim home safely. But besides the rescuers, they also have the love and support of the locals at the mountain's foot!
The romance is as heartwarming as a hot cup of coco, swoon-worthy, and will melt your inner parts. I like how magical Christmas is and how it can soften even the coldest heart. The picture of a tourist attraction on a colorful mountaintop is fantastic.
Because it was a short story, several subtleties were never fully explored. As I said, I would have liked to know more about Jake's father-son relationship. The situation with Carly also occasionally left me perplexed as well. She appeared to be really hesitant about falling in love again but then lets Jake kiss her mercilessly.
However, ultimately, it was charming and intriguing. Even still, every character presents a vivid picture of the multidimensional healing necessary to give folks fulfilling futures.
November 30, 2018
This is exactly the type of Christmas story that hits that sweet spot. Mixed with grief and love, loss and hope, and some adventure, His Christmas Wish delivers a tale that embraces all of the magic of the holiday season.
Years ago, Carly lost her brother and fiance in an accident. She left town and hasn't been back...until now. Both Carly and Jake experience guilt from the accident and have to work through things in their own ways. I love how they rely on each other, especially as one's strength is the other's weakness. Carly's niece and nephew up the adorable level of this story.
Timing is everything and the past relationship, present chemistry, and future dreams really work together to propel this romance and plot. The dangers of mountain rescuing add a dimension of friction that force the characters to evaluate their feelings.
The romance is swoon-worthy, warm enough to melt your insides, and is as comforting as a mug of hot cocoa. I love the magical element of Christmastime and how it can thaw any hardened heart.
Content: mild+ romance (swoony kissing, very mild innuendo); a moment or two of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Years ago, Carly lost her brother and fiance in an accident. She left town and hasn't been back...until now. Both Carly and Jake experience guilt from the accident and have to work through things in their own ways. I love how they rely on each other, especially as one's strength is the other's weakness. Carly's niece and nephew up the adorable level of this story.
Timing is everything and the past relationship, present chemistry, and future dreams really work together to propel this romance and plot. The dangers of mountain rescuing add a dimension of friction that force the characters to evaluate their feelings.
The romance is swoon-worthy, warm enough to melt your insides, and is as comforting as a mug of hot cocoa. I love the magical element of Christmastime and how it can thaw any hardened heart.
Content: mild+ romance (swoony kissing, very mild innuendo); a moment or two of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
December 3, 2020
4 Stars
Carly and Jake's story seems like a dream come true. Jake does everything in his power to get Carly to love Christmas again and if she ends up falling in love with him during the process, that's an added bonus!
Carly and Jake's story seems like a dream come true. Jake does everything in his power to get Carly to love Christmas again and if she ends up falling in love with him during the process, that's an added bonus!
December 27, 2021
4 stars.⭐⭐⭐⭐
Poignant and bittersweet Holiday romance.
I might have teared up in a couple of places.
Not sure if I have read anything previously by this author but I liked her writing style a lot.
Poignant and bittersweet Holiday romance.
I might have teared up in a couple of places.
Not sure if I have read anything previously by this author but I liked her writing style a lot.
March 26, 2024
A Small Town Christmas: His Christmas Wish.
It’s a fantastic and amazing read and I loved it. So well written that I just lost myself in it. Even though it’s not Christmas it still gave me that lovely feeling inside. There are lots of emotions at play in this book but it’s worth reading it.
It’s a fantastic and amazing read and I loved it. So well written that I just lost myself in it. Even though it’s not Christmas it still gave me that lovely feeling inside. There are lots of emotions at play in this book but it’s worth reading it.
December 2, 2018
Christmas is a hard time of the year for many people. Carly was no exception. Her fiancee and brother died just before the wedding and Christmas in a hiking accident. The mountain near her childhood home loomed to close for comfort, so she moved across the country.
Six years later, she comes home to help her brother's widow, who has moved on with her life. But Carly is still stuck in the past. Her love of the Christmas season has dimmed and she is unwilling to take another chance on love.
In order to heal she must face the past. Jake, who was her brother's best friend is the man for the job. He has harbored feelings for Carly for years. His tenderness and being a friend break down barriers. I loved the tenderness of their relationship. He is her friend first.
Melissa McClone does a wonderful job at handling a sensitive subject, grief. She didn't underplay or overplay the emotions. She gave dignity and respect to her characters. It made both Jake and Carly relateable.
This book helps you believe in the magic of Christmas. It gives hope to those who grieve that there can be happiness in the future.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own,
Six years later, she comes home to help her brother's widow, who has moved on with her life. But Carly is still stuck in the past. Her love of the Christmas season has dimmed and she is unwilling to take another chance on love.
In order to heal she must face the past. Jake, who was her brother's best friend is the man for the job. He has harbored feelings for Carly for years. His tenderness and being a friend break down barriers. I loved the tenderness of their relationship. He is her friend first.
Melissa McClone does a wonderful job at handling a sensitive subject, grief. She didn't underplay or overplay the emotions. She gave dignity and respect to her characters. It made both Jake and Carly relateable.
This book helps you believe in the magic of Christmas. It gives hope to those who grieve that there can be happiness in the future.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own,
December 7, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4.5-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
Cute couple sharing a close cuddle while smiling adoringly at one another.
Good cover composition overall. Synopsis sounds like a loving Christmas-themed story.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Carly and Jake grew up in Hood Hamlet. He was her brother’s best friend. Though she had a childhood crush on him and he later began noticing the beautiful young woman she was becoming, her brother, Nick, was always taken into consideration and no actions were ever taken to pursue their attraction.
Carly loved Christmas so much, she even planned a Christmas wedding. But tragedy struck and the wedding never happened. Needing an escape, Jake helped her arrange a job and living situation on the East Coast. It’s been six years since she left but now her help is needed back in the one place she’d hoped never to return to.
Jake does all he can for the family Nick left behind. Dealing with survivors guilt of a sort, he lives by the mantra of “It’s what Nick would have wanted.” When Carly returns to help out her sister-in-law, old feelings begin to emerge and lines begin to blur. He makes it his mission to help her find happiness and the love of Christmastime once again. This becomes more important than what Nick would have wanted, or are they one and the same?
This is a sweet contemporary Holiday romance with a few stolen kisses, children questioning the reality of man in the red suit and Christmas Wishes, and loving enough to move on from the past. The cast was enjoyable. Dialogue was smart, interactions felt natural. The plot flowed nicely and was not predictable. The ending is solid and satisfying.
I enjoyed the start of this series and look forward to reading about the other OMSAR members falling in love and hope to catch glimpses of Jake and Carly in them.
.
Rating: [] ~ Score: 4.425 ~ Stars: 4 (4.5, if I were able)
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by its Cover < <
Cute couple sharing a close cuddle while smiling adoringly at one another.
Good cover composition overall. Synopsis sounds like a loving Christmas-themed story.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Carly and Jake grew up in Hood Hamlet. He was her brother’s best friend. Though she had a childhood crush on him and he later began noticing the beautiful young woman she was becoming, her brother, Nick, was always taken into consideration and no actions were ever taken to pursue their attraction.
Carly loved Christmas so much, she even planned a Christmas wedding. But tragedy struck and the wedding never happened. Needing an escape, Jake helped her arrange a job and living situation on the East Coast. It’s been six years since she left but now her help is needed back in the one place she’d hoped never to return to.
Jake does all he can for the family Nick left behind. Dealing with survivors guilt of a sort, he lives by the mantra of “It’s what Nick would have wanted.” When Carly returns to help out her sister-in-law, old feelings begin to emerge and lines begin to blur. He makes it his mission to help her find happiness and the love of Christmastime once again. This becomes more important than what Nick would have wanted, or are they one and the same?
This is a sweet contemporary Holiday romance with a few stolen kisses, children questioning the reality of man in the red suit and Christmas Wishes, and loving enough to move on from the past. The cast was enjoyable. Dialogue was smart, interactions felt natural. The plot flowed nicely and was not predictable. The ending is solid and satisfying.
I enjoyed the start of this series and look forward to reading about the other OMSAR members falling in love and hope to catch glimpses of Jake and Carly in them.
.
Rating: [] ~ Score: 4.425 ~ Stars: 4 (4.5, if I were able)
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
November 8, 2018
Carly Bishop lost her parents, brother and fiancé.
The death of her brother, Nick and her fiancé
happened in the mountains the day before their
wedding was to take place.
She left Hood Hamlet and the sight of the mountains
for New York City. She has not celebrated Christmas
since that dreadful day.
Now she is returning to Hood Hamlet, Carly will be
caring for her niece and nephew while their mother
who remarried is having a baby with her new husband.
Jake Porter grew up with Carly as he was her brother’s
best friend. He always had a thing for Carly and has
never gotten over her. Jake will help Carly with the kids.
There is definitely chemistry between Carly and Nick
but will Christmas magic be able to overwhelm fear of
the mountains where Nick is a trained rescuer who gets
called out when someone gets lost or stranded on a
climb.
Will the couple be able to come to grips with their past
to move into a future together. Will they be able to find
healing and love? Will they be able to overcome what
they face?
This book has adventure, twists and turns and humor
with romance.
A very heartwarming, well written story with an very
well defined, charismatic cast of characters.
Be sure to read to see the end results.
I volunteered to read His Christmas Wish. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
The death of her brother, Nick and her fiancé
happened in the mountains the day before their
wedding was to take place.
She left Hood Hamlet and the sight of the mountains
for New York City. She has not celebrated Christmas
since that dreadful day.
Now she is returning to Hood Hamlet, Carly will be
caring for her niece and nephew while their mother
who remarried is having a baby with her new husband.
Jake Porter grew up with Carly as he was her brother’s
best friend. He always had a thing for Carly and has
never gotten over her. Jake will help Carly with the kids.
There is definitely chemistry between Carly and Nick
but will Christmas magic be able to overwhelm fear of
the mountains where Nick is a trained rescuer who gets
called out when someone gets lost or stranded on a
climb.
Will the couple be able to come to grips with their past
to move into a future together. Will they be able to find
healing and love? Will they be able to overcome what
they face?
This book has adventure, twists and turns and humor
with romance.
A very heartwarming, well written story with an very
well defined, charismatic cast of characters.
Be sure to read to see the end results.
I volunteered to read His Christmas Wish. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
October 13, 2020
Protagonistas: Carly & Jacob
Profesiones: Rescate de Montaña
Pais: USA
Profesiones: Rescate de Montaña
Pais: USA
December 19, 2021
I read this wonderful book years ago and it was so nice to return to Hood Hamlet. I loved this holiday romance then and now!!! It's sweet and heartwarming! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
December 29, 2023
ay yi yi. new year’s resolution: no more random free books!!!
November 7, 2018
Romance, clean; Christian Faith elements; Series but stand alone read
Carly and Jacob's story is a heartfelt romantic read. Two adults both hurting from the deaths of two important people in their lives. Carly's healing involves not only her heart, but her faith. Jacob has long held feelings for Carly.
Great characters, fun setting, strong secondary characters. This reminded me a bit of Susan May Warren's writing. I loved the mountain scenes and the elements involving the rescue, climbing, skiing and so many bits and pieces of this story. Setting, characterization, feelings, and romance. Perfect mix for me. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but strong, and loved the read!
Carly and Jacob's story is a heartfelt romantic read. Two adults both hurting from the deaths of two important people in their lives. Carly's healing involves not only her heart, but her faith. Jacob has long held feelings for Carly.
Great characters, fun setting, strong secondary characters. This reminded me a bit of Susan May Warren's writing. I loved the mountain scenes and the elements involving the rescue, climbing, skiing and so many bits and pieces of this story. Setting, characterization, feelings, and romance. Perfect mix for me. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but strong, and loved the read!
December 3, 2019
Bleh. I had good luck with a different McClone Christmas romance as being good without being drenched in the "magic of Christmas" like it was a bad perfume, but this is terrible.
Jake and Carly are both incredibly hot-and-cold with each other about a possible romantic relationship for the entire book. They constantly flip back and forth about what they want, both out loud to each other and internally to themselves. Their friendship is obviously strong--the moments when they're being "just friends" or working together to provide a good Christmas experience for their friends' kids are the best parts of the book--but despite the occasional flashes of physical attraction the story kept telling us they were having, there was no chemistry. I simply did not believe these two were actually attracted to each other.
Without that, what's the point of a romance novel?
Even the tension of Carly moving forward from the losses of her past is mellow and easily solved. She's consumed by anti-Christmas spirit at the beginning but halfway through, she's totally cool again, so the story turns to trying to shoehorn her and Jake into a relationship. Then he has to go up on the mountain for a rescue and she freaks out and breaks up with him...except they weren't even really together yet. Then she leaves town for two weeks and turns around and goes right back when she sees on the news that there's another rescue going on and Jake could be in danger.
Like I said, constantly flipping back and forth. It's exhausting.
Oh, and then they get married two months after getting together. Because that's a good idea. Why is a quickie marriage the epilogue of half the romances I read? I don't care if they've known each other forever, they've got serious communication issues and differences in expectations for a romantic relationship, both have been apparent throughout this story, so why is throwing them at an altar supposed to be a happy ending? Even if I cared about them, I'd still think they were headed straight for a divorce because the story has not persuaded me that these two are actually in love with each other.
Jake and Carly are both incredibly hot-and-cold with each other about a possible romantic relationship for the entire book. They constantly flip back and forth about what they want, both out loud to each other and internally to themselves. Their friendship is obviously strong--the moments when they're being "just friends" or working together to provide a good Christmas experience for their friends' kids are the best parts of the book--but despite the occasional flashes of physical attraction the story kept telling us they were having, there was no chemistry. I simply did not believe these two were actually attracted to each other.
Without that, what's the point of a romance novel?
Even the tension of Carly moving forward from the losses of her past is mellow and easily solved. She's consumed by anti-Christmas spirit at the beginning but halfway through, she's totally cool again, so the story turns to trying to shoehorn her and Jake into a relationship. Then he has to go up on the mountain for a rescue and she freaks out and breaks up with him...except they weren't even really together yet. Then she leaves town for two weeks and turns around and goes right back when she sees on the news that there's another rescue going on and Jake could be in danger.
Like I said, constantly flipping back and forth. It's exhausting.
Oh, and then they get married two months after getting together. Because that's a good idea. Why is a quickie marriage the epilogue of half the romances I read? I don't care if they've known each other forever, they've got serious communication issues and differences in expectations for a romantic relationship, both have been apparent throughout this story, so why is throwing them at an altar supposed to be a happy ending? Even if I cared about them, I'd still think they were headed straight for a divorce because the story has not persuaded me that these two are actually in love with each other.
November 27, 2019
A cozy, G-rated, small-town, Christmas romance
Jake Porter has known Carly Bishop all their lives. He was best friends with her older brother Nick and, throughout their childhood, he treated her as a little sister since she is four years younger than he and Nick. When Carly was 22, Jake was on the verge of asking her out and hopefully creating a committed romantic relationship with her. But before he could make his move, she fell in love with a 23-year-old, avid mountain climber named Iain Garfield. A few months later, Carly and Iain were 48 hours away from getting married on Christmas Day when disaster struck. Iain and Nick had ventured out to climb Mount Hood, which is located very near the fictional small, tourist town, Hood Hamlet, Oregon, where all of them lived. When the two men did not come back at the expected time and a snowstorm struck, the local mountain rescue team had to risk their lives, setting out under dangerous weather conditions to find them. Jake was then, and continues to be to this day, on the rescue team. Tragically, when they found Nick and Iain, the two young men were already dead.
Jake was distraught that he had failed to save his best friend. He had survivor's guilt because he told himself that if he had only gone up the mountain with his friend, somehow the outcome would have been different. He had to see a therapist for months after Nick died before he could emotionally face going back up on the mountain again with his rescue team.
Carly was devastated at the double blow of losing her fiancé and brother on the same day, and she too had survivor's guilt. She told herself she should have somehow been able to talk Iain out of going up on the mountain and, if Iain hadn’t gone, Nick would not have gone either.
At the time of his death, Nick had a wife and two very small children. His widow, Hannah, was not only Carly's sister-in-law but her best friend. Hannah’s life was in Hood Hamlet, and she stayed there. But Carly could not bear to continue living in the town where she had lost her beloved brother and her fiance. As the co-owner, with his father, of a microbrewery pub in Hood Hamlet, Jake used his connections in the business to help Carly find a job at a microbrewery in Philadelphia, but he too remained behind in Hood Hamlet.
It is now six years later, and Carly has returned to Hood Hamlet for the first time in all those years, because Hannah is expecting a child with her new husband and is about to go into labor at any moment. Hannah needs Carly to take care of Carly's niece and nephew while Hannah is in the hospital, and to make sure the kids have a happy Christmas.
All these years, Jake has acted as a loving, surrogate uncle to Nick’s kids. He has also stayed in touch with Carly and has never felt strongly enough about any other woman to date her for more than a short time. But the moment he sees Carly, the old attraction he felt for her comes alive again, and is much stronger than before.
Carly is overwhelmed being back home at the very same time of the year when the tragedy took place. She's not sure she can handle the awakening of old anguish as memories of her terrible loss surge to the surface. And it feels strange to celebrate Christmas, which she has not done in all the years since she left home. But being around the children’s excited holiday cheer, and having Jake’s help to care for them, greatly mitigates her pain. Jake’s familiar, affectionate, kind presence fills her with a sense of safety and connection as he helps her make Christmas for the children. In a very short time, a closeness grows between the two of them that is both something Carly longs for and fears. Love and Christmas both abandoned her in the past, and she is afraid to trust either of them ever again.
This is a heartwarming, family-centered romance. The setting of a colorful, mountainside, tourist destination is very well drawn, and there are many wonderful subcharacters, especially the adorable children. Jake and Carly are both attractive and sympathetic characters. Their mutual struggle to heal the wounds of their shared grief in order to dare to take a chance on love, as well as the Christmas themed events in this book, make this small-town story very much a Hallmark-channel type of G-rated, Christmas romance.
All in all, this is an excellent novel to read during the holiday season to get oneself in the spirit of Christmas.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance plot: 4 stars
Mountain rescue plot: 5 stars
Christmas plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Jake Porter has known Carly Bishop all their lives. He was best friends with her older brother Nick and, throughout their childhood, he treated her as a little sister since she is four years younger than he and Nick. When Carly was 22, Jake was on the verge of asking her out and hopefully creating a committed romantic relationship with her. But before he could make his move, she fell in love with a 23-year-old, avid mountain climber named Iain Garfield. A few months later, Carly and Iain were 48 hours away from getting married on Christmas Day when disaster struck. Iain and Nick had ventured out to climb Mount Hood, which is located very near the fictional small, tourist town, Hood Hamlet, Oregon, where all of them lived. When the two men did not come back at the expected time and a snowstorm struck, the local mountain rescue team had to risk their lives, setting out under dangerous weather conditions to find them. Jake was then, and continues to be to this day, on the rescue team. Tragically, when they found Nick and Iain, the two young men were already dead.
Jake was distraught that he had failed to save his best friend. He had survivor's guilt because he told himself that if he had only gone up the mountain with his friend, somehow the outcome would have been different. He had to see a therapist for months after Nick died before he could emotionally face going back up on the mountain again with his rescue team.
Carly was devastated at the double blow of losing her fiancé and brother on the same day, and she too had survivor's guilt. She told herself she should have somehow been able to talk Iain out of going up on the mountain and, if Iain hadn’t gone, Nick would not have gone either.
At the time of his death, Nick had a wife and two very small children. His widow, Hannah, was not only Carly's sister-in-law but her best friend. Hannah’s life was in Hood Hamlet, and she stayed there. But Carly could not bear to continue living in the town where she had lost her beloved brother and her fiance. As the co-owner, with his father, of a microbrewery pub in Hood Hamlet, Jake used his connections in the business to help Carly find a job at a microbrewery in Philadelphia, but he too remained behind in Hood Hamlet.
It is now six years later, and Carly has returned to Hood Hamlet for the first time in all those years, because Hannah is expecting a child with her new husband and is about to go into labor at any moment. Hannah needs Carly to take care of Carly's niece and nephew while Hannah is in the hospital, and to make sure the kids have a happy Christmas.
All these years, Jake has acted as a loving, surrogate uncle to Nick’s kids. He has also stayed in touch with Carly and has never felt strongly enough about any other woman to date her for more than a short time. But the moment he sees Carly, the old attraction he felt for her comes alive again, and is much stronger than before.
Carly is overwhelmed being back home at the very same time of the year when the tragedy took place. She's not sure she can handle the awakening of old anguish as memories of her terrible loss surge to the surface. And it feels strange to celebrate Christmas, which she has not done in all the years since she left home. But being around the children’s excited holiday cheer, and having Jake’s help to care for them, greatly mitigates her pain. Jake’s familiar, affectionate, kind presence fills her with a sense of safety and connection as he helps her make Christmas for the children. In a very short time, a closeness grows between the two of them that is both something Carly longs for and fears. Love and Christmas both abandoned her in the past, and she is afraid to trust either of them ever again.
This is a heartwarming, family-centered romance. The setting of a colorful, mountainside, tourist destination is very well drawn, and there are many wonderful subcharacters, especially the adorable children. Jake and Carly are both attractive and sympathetic characters. Their mutual struggle to heal the wounds of their shared grief in order to dare to take a chance on love, as well as the Christmas themed events in this book, make this small-town story very much a Hallmark-channel type of G-rated, Christmas romance.
All in all, this is an excellent novel to read during the holiday season to get oneself in the spirit of Christmas.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Romance plot: 4 stars
Mountain rescue plot: 5 stars
Christmas plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
November 14, 2018
I received a free ebook review copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a positive review
His Christmas Wish is a sweet, touching, heartfelt and lovely love story between 2 life long friends.
Six years ago Carly Bishop lost not only her older brother but also her fiancé in a climbing accident.
Heartbroken and depressed she decided to leave her hometown of Hood Hamlet and start anew in Philadelphia, leaving behind all her friends and family.
Among those are Hannah, Kendall and Austin- her late brother’s wife and two kids and Jacob Porter, his best friend.
During these six years Carly had forsaken Christmas and had never set foot in Hood Hamlet again. But now she has to return. Hannah is about to have a new baby with her new husband and she needs her help.
Jake Porter has always liked Carly a little more than he should have. Knowing she is his late best friend’s sister complicated his feelings even further. When she returns to town after six years he realizes that his feelings never went away and that her happiness means more to him than his own. So when he sees that she is yet to move on from her loss he makes it his mission to restore her Christmas spirit and joy of life.
The story was of course sad at times. In its core it deals with loss and life after death, so of course I found myself with some tears in my eyes. But mostly it was a very sweet story about love and second chances.
Hood Hamlet felt very cozy and inviting. The wide cast of characters was lovely and entertaining. I am sure the rest of the books in the series are going to get better and better, since with each addition I’ll get to know them even better.
The Bishop family was pure joy to read about! Kendall and Austen were such great kids and added so much joy to the story. While reading I could always feel how close everyone were to each other and how tight-knit this family is. I wish I could have a part of it ;)
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about great loving families, second chance love stories accompanied with lovely Christmasy atmosphere 😍
The story gets a rating of 5 beautifully grown for trees from me ;) 🌲
Lastly, I would like to thank Kathy from “I am a Reader” for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
- This is also Kathy’s November Clean Wholesome Romance Bookclub book of the month ;) Feel free to join the fun 🙃
His Christmas Wish is a sweet, touching, heartfelt and lovely love story between 2 life long friends.
Six years ago Carly Bishop lost not only her older brother but also her fiancé in a climbing accident.
Heartbroken and depressed she decided to leave her hometown of Hood Hamlet and start anew in Philadelphia, leaving behind all her friends and family.
Among those are Hannah, Kendall and Austin- her late brother’s wife and two kids and Jacob Porter, his best friend.
During these six years Carly had forsaken Christmas and had never set foot in Hood Hamlet again. But now she has to return. Hannah is about to have a new baby with her new husband and she needs her help.
Jake Porter has always liked Carly a little more than he should have. Knowing she is his late best friend’s sister complicated his feelings even further. When she returns to town after six years he realizes that his feelings never went away and that her happiness means more to him than his own. So when he sees that she is yet to move on from her loss he makes it his mission to restore her Christmas spirit and joy of life.
The story was of course sad at times. In its core it deals with loss and life after death, so of course I found myself with some tears in my eyes. But mostly it was a very sweet story about love and second chances.
Hood Hamlet felt very cozy and inviting. The wide cast of characters was lovely and entertaining. I am sure the rest of the books in the series are going to get better and better, since with each addition I’ll get to know them even better.
The Bishop family was pure joy to read about! Kendall and Austen were such great kids and added so much joy to the story. While reading I could always feel how close everyone were to each other and how tight-knit this family is. I wish I could have a part of it ;)
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading about great loving families, second chance love stories accompanied with lovely Christmasy atmosphere 😍
The story gets a rating of 5 beautifully grown for trees from me ;) 🌲
Lastly, I would like to thank Kathy from “I am a Reader” for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
- This is also Kathy’s November Clean Wholesome Romance Bookclub book of the month ;) Feel free to join the fun 🙃
November 8, 2018
Holiday romance just the way I like it! Heartfelt, sweet and a classic Happily Ever After!
Life hasn't gone the way Carly and Jake expected, that's for sure. Both of their lives were shattered six years before when Carly's brother (who happened to be Jake's best friend) and her fiance died in a hiking accident, the day before Carly's wedding. Jake was one of the Mountain Rescue team members who was supposed to save them! Carly ran off to the city and Jake poured himself into running his family's pub, both trying to escape their heartache.
When Carly returns at Christmas time to help her niece and nephew enjoy the holidays while their mother and new step father welcome a new baby Jake and Carly are thrown together time and again. Jake has been a little in love with Carly for almost as long as he can remember, but he missed his window when Carly and her former fiance began dating. If only he could forgive himself for failing to save his best friend, maybe he could take a chance. If you are looking for a sweet romance to warm your heart this holiday season, snap this one up quick!
*I received an advanced ebook copy of this book for me to provide an honest review. The opinion expressed above is 100% my own.
Life hasn't gone the way Carly and Jake expected, that's for sure. Both of their lives were shattered six years before when Carly's brother (who happened to be Jake's best friend) and her fiance died in a hiking accident, the day before Carly's wedding. Jake was one of the Mountain Rescue team members who was supposed to save them! Carly ran off to the city and Jake poured himself into running his family's pub, both trying to escape their heartache.
When Carly returns at Christmas time to help her niece and nephew enjoy the holidays while their mother and new step father welcome a new baby Jake and Carly are thrown together time and again. Jake has been a little in love with Carly for almost as long as he can remember, but he missed his window when Carly and her former fiance began dating. If only he could forgive himself for failing to save his best friend, maybe he could take a chance. If you are looking for a sweet romance to warm your heart this holiday season, snap this one up quick!
*I received an advanced ebook copy of this book for me to provide an honest review. The opinion expressed above is 100% my own.
December 15, 2019
Sweet Christmas romance just right for a little holiday escapist reading. Jake and Carly have known each other for much of their lives. She's his best friend's little sister. When tragedy strikes and Carly's brother and Jake's best friend Nick dies in a mountain climbing accident alongside Carly's fiancee Iain, Carly leaves her home and goes into deep denial of all things Christmas.
Six years later she returns to help her best friend and brother's widow (who has remarried and moved on) with a new baby and rediscovers her old crush Jake. Jake helps Carly finally get over the deaths and find the magic in Christmas once again and maybe find their way together.
Quotes to remember:
Life is about taking risks...and love makes those risks worth it even if we end up disappointed or hurt.
She'd gone eight round with Christmas today, and felt emotionally raw.
Six years later she returns to help her best friend and brother's widow (who has remarried and moved on) with a new baby and rediscovers her old crush Jake. Jake helps Carly finally get over the deaths and find the magic in Christmas once again and maybe find their way together.
Quotes to remember:
Life is about taking risks...and love makes those risks worth it even if we end up disappointed or hurt.
She'd gone eight round with Christmas today, and felt emotionally raw.
December 6, 2022
This is the time of year I like to read Christmas stories while planning my books for next year's reading challenge(s). As it turns out, most of these are romances, which I generally like but don't love, mostly because they are a bit formulaic. This one is about a girl whose fiancé and brother died on Mount Hood right before Christmas and her wedding day. Years later she is finally home to help out her former sister-in-law with her niece and nephew while their mother prepares to give birth to a baby by her second husband. Her brother's best friend is also helping out with the kids, and gradually their friendship becomes more romantic, although she is not sure she can deal with a love who also climbs mountains doing mountain rescues. Everyone in this story is likable and I could really understand their dilemma. 3.5 stars
January 6, 2024
How do you get over a traumatic loss at Christmas? Carly Bishop must answer this question when she returns to Hood Hamlet, Oregon after being absent for six years. This is a story of second chances and being daring enough to face a new beginning. I love the setting of this book and a chance to return to Hood Hamlet, a town at the base of Mt. Hood. In addition to friendly residents, the town holds a belief in Christmas magic. This is another book in the five book Mountain Rescue series that I discovered after downloading a book on Bookbub. Very enjoyable.
November 21, 2019
His Christmas Wish (Mountain Rescue Romance Book 1)
The love story of Carly and Jake. Six year ago Carly lost her love of Christmas. Now she has return home because her sister -in-law is having a baby. Can she bring Christmas joy her brother 's children? Great story.
The love story of Carly and Jake. Six year ago Carly lost her love of Christmas. Now she has return home because her sister -in-law is having a baby. Can she bring Christmas joy her brother 's children? Great story.
October 17, 2022
This is a good story for the Christmas season. There is snow; there are kids; there are presents, and there are couples who are in love. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 28, 2022
Krásna vianočná kniha, ktorá vám navodí tú správnu vianočnú náladu. Síce to je jedna z tenších kníh, o to bola krajšia. Príjemné prostredie, skvelé postavy, príbeh a horolezectvo. Chcem viac z tohto prostredia. Odporúčam. Jemná romantika, pekné myšlienky. ❤️
February 24, 2024
Vôbec sa mi nepáčil štýl ktorým bola kniha písaná, celé to bolo také klišoidné a predvídateľné. Nebyť výzvy do ktorej som sa zapájala ktorá obsahuje "Vianočnú" knihu ani by som to asi nedočítala. Za mňa slabota.
November 21, 2019
A nice holiday read.
November 26, 2019
This book did not start out how I expected it, and it kept me on my toes pretty much all throughout. It was lovely and engaging and the perfect way to start my Christmas reading!!
December 21, 2023
Clean Christmas romance.
January 12, 2024
„Musíš pochopiť, že vždy existujú riziká, bez ohľadu na to, čo ľudia robia, či už ide o horolezectvo, alebo cestu autom do obchodu.”
📖 názov knihy: Vianočné želanie
📝 autor: Melissa McClone
📍 žáner: román pro ženy / romantika
📄 počet strán: 208
⭐️ hodnotenie: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recenzia:
Kniha sa mi nečítala zle. Čakala som romantickú predvianočnú oddychovku, ktorú som aj dostala, ale mala pár negatív, ktoré musím spomenúť.
Celý príbeh od začiatku až do konca mi pripomínal také tie filmy, ktoré keď máte počas Vianoc chuť od všetkého vypnúť a len tak sa pri telke zrelaxovať, tak si zapnete kanál TV Doma. Nebolo to zlé a čítalo sa mi to celkom dobre, teda až na tie kapitoly z pohľadu hlavných postáv, kedy som nevedela o kom čítam. Ale teda ako film by mi to bohate stačilo.
Za ďalšie - príbeh je najmä o Carly, ktorá pred Vianocami príde o snúbenca a aj o najlepšieho priateľa, a tým prichádza o vianočnú náladu. Musí však začať odznova. Hovorím si dobre, idem do toho. Bude to síce smutné, ale uvidíme, čo nám kniha môže ponúknuť. Prosím vás, okrem veľa iných vecí neexistovala kapitola, kde by sa tí dvaja zosnulí nespomínali a to skoro stále. Či už v dialógoch alebo mimo nich, a to podotýkam, že boli po smrti už 6 rokov. Čo je veľa to je moc a strašne mi to dosralo celé čítanie.
Vlastne keď som už spomenula hlavnú hrdinku Carly, tak mám z nej zmiešané pocity. Nebola zlá, ale miestami bola ako dieťa a nevedela čo chce. Na jednej strane sa chcela opäť zamilovať a keď tam už bol nejaký náznak niečoho, tak radšej cúvla a potom vyplakávala. A opäť to isté furt dookola.
📖 názov knihy: Vianočné želanie
📝 autor: Melissa McClone
📍 žáner: román pro ženy / romantika
📄 počet strán: 208
⭐️ hodnotenie: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recenzia:
Kniha sa mi nečítala zle. Čakala som romantickú predvianočnú oddychovku, ktorú som aj dostala, ale mala pár negatív, ktoré musím spomenúť.
Celý príbeh od začiatku až do konca mi pripomínal také tie filmy, ktoré keď máte počas Vianoc chuť od všetkého vypnúť a len tak sa pri telke zrelaxovať, tak si zapnete kanál TV Doma. Nebolo to zlé a čítalo sa mi to celkom dobre, teda až na tie kapitoly z pohľadu hlavných postáv, kedy som nevedela o kom čítam. Ale teda ako film by mi to bohate stačilo.
Za ďalšie - príbeh je najmä o Carly, ktorá pred Vianocami príde o snúbenca a aj o najlepšieho priateľa, a tým prichádza o vianočnú náladu. Musí však začať odznova. Hovorím si dobre, idem do toho. Bude to síce smutné, ale uvidíme, čo nám kniha môže ponúknuť. Prosím vás, okrem veľa iných vecí neexistovala kapitola, kde by sa tí dvaja zosnulí nespomínali a to skoro stále. Či už v dialógoch alebo mimo nich, a to podotýkam, že boli po smrti už 6 rokov. Čo je veľa to je moc a strašne mi to dosralo celé čítanie.
Vlastne keď som už spomenula hlavnú hrdinku Carly, tak mám z nej zmiešané pocity. Nebola zlá, ale miestami bola ako dieťa a nevedela čo chce. Na jednej strane sa chcela opäť zamilovať a keď tam už bol nejaký náznak niečoho, tak radšej cúvla a potom vyplakávala. A opäť to isté furt dookola.
November 12, 2024
sucker for a holiday romance.
December 6, 2024
Perfect holiday romance.
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