Merry Mistletoe, Fake Kisses, and The Single Dad

by Kimmy Loth

She woke up to a life she never lived—and a son she never held.

Izzy’s been in a coma for seven years. When she wakes, everything’s she’s not eighteen anymore, and she’s suddenly the mother of a six-year-old boy. Everyone tells her she has no memory of the past, but something doesn’t feel right—especially with Jacob Blackwood, the stoic EMT who insists she used to love him.

Jacob built their life alone while she slept—raising their son, running the homestead, keeping the truth buried. Because the real story? It’s complicated. And Izzy isn’t ready for it.

But as Izzy begins to unravel the mystery of her missing years, what she finds isn’t just a past—it’s a future worth fighting for. If Jacob can finally let her in.

A story of secrets, second chances, and the kind of love that waits—no matter how long it takes.

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Romance pen name for author Kimberly Loth

Reviews

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy felt like she'd lost more than years of her life. Jacob had given his all, without a second thought, and he had no regrets. Now, much was at stake, and he was going to have to fight hard to keep from losing what was most precious to him, and that made him fearful. I think Jacob was a special man, full of beautiful feelings, with a strong sense of duty and desires to help. "Hero complex," some might think, but it seems he'd always been that special. I really liked his character, with his way of assessing things and his control. Izzy and Jacob made me emotionally connect with what was happening to them in a difficult situation that affected not only their future. As always, the Blackwoods offered their support and made us feel the value of a united, caring, and loving family. They make you envious. And what can I say about Cherry! I loved this friend we all wish we had. Whisper Springs is one of my favorite series with so many interesting characters and situations that leave me eager for the next story.

[Katina Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming read! I absolutely loved this story. Told in dual POV, it lets you fall completely for both characters — especially Jake. What a dedicated man who never, ever gave up on the one he wanted. His loyalty and quiet strength made me swoon. 💕

Izzy’s journey was so touching — waking up confused but finding herself surrounded by Jake’s family and their love was the perfect setup for healing and rediscovery. There’s simply no way not to recover when you’re wrapped in that kind of warmth!

Cherry is the do-or-die friend everyone needs in their life — loyal, fierce, and full of heart. And the whole Whisper Springs family? Perfection. I adore this cozy community and the whole “technology disconnect” at the lodge — it created such a refreshing atmosphere and the perfect backdrop for Izzy to slowly come back to herself.

This was such a great book — full of love, hope, family, and second chances. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

[L.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimmy Loth has done it again. Being back in Whisper Springs is like getting a warm hug. Izzy and Jacob have been in my mind since I started the series! Their love story is one for the ages. I feel for Izzy, having been in a coma for so long and missing so much. I can't imagine the grief that comes with such a burden. But Izzy handled it like a champ. She embraced her new life and her new family and showed such growth throughout the book. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows but it worked out. Jake was an absolute catch and I loved the way their attraction grew into so much more. The had their mountain to climb and it was a rocky path that neither handled very well at times. I loved that Izzy learned to rely on others instead of having to do everything herself. I also loved the way she instantly loved Ollie. This was a beautiful book, and I can't wait for morw of Whisper Springs!

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re heading back to Whisper Springs—my favorite imaginary escape! As always, this charming series follows the beloved Blackwood Family, and while each book connects to the others, they stand beautifully on their own.
This time, we finally get Jacob and Izzy’s story—and wow, was it worth the wait. The pacing is just right: steady enough to build rich backstory, yet brisk enough to keep you turning pages. I didn’t know exactly what to expect from Jacob’s journey, but it surprised me in the best way. Prepare yourself for a twist that will tug at your heartstrings—equal parts uplifting and heartbreaking.

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg wow that was a brilliant story!
Izzy is one amazing person, but Jake is even better....
Jake sat by Izzy's bedside for seven years waiting for her to wake up after an accident that put her in a coma.
The story gabbed me from the first page with all the information that was thrown at Izzy when she first woke up.
I laughed, I cried and my heart filled with love.
Izzy and Jake are my new favourite couple, they really are adorable together.
All the books can be read as stand-alones and in my opinion if you want to try reading one of Ms Loth's books then pick this one up first, you'll thank me later...

[Shannon Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to be back at Whisper Springs. I think Jake's story might be my 2nd favorite of the brothers....so far! The secret Jake's been keeping from everyone left me flabbergasted. Was not expecting that nor did I predict it at all. The relationship between Jake and Izzy is so sweet, and while I could understand why she felt the way she did after everything she's been through, Jake's a true catch. I hope we get to see more of them together in the future 🙏.

If you love golden retriever MMC, found family, ADORABLE children, family with no boundaries, and the best of best friends this is definitely a read for you!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of unwavering love, a loving family, lost time and healing. Izzy has lost seven years of her life in a coma. The boy she had a crush on in high school is there when she wakes up and finds out they have a child. Jacob and his family embrace her but she feels overwhelmed. Jake tries so hard to let her know she is loved but she keeps a distance. It was romantic how he woos her and how she slowly thaws and makes the choice that includes his family, as she realizes it is not just about her.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a bit difficult to read, but that’s to be expected: the main character goes from high school student to full adult with a child overnight, figuratively speaking, because she was in a coma from age 18 to age 25. Now, she has to come to grips with who she is and what she wants to be, not an easy task for someone who has lived through those years. Even with these challenges, the story is entertaining and educational (seeing how one character might navigate this reality).

Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tragic. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

[Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a book!

So many emotions in this one but I loved it all the same!

Ollie is just the best and loved seeing more of him.

I really enjoyed Isobel and Jacob’s story.

It was fraught with so many emotions and some twists I did not see coming but I loved their journey. They both had to fight through insecurities and their past but in the end, it was all perfect.

And I cannot wait for you know who’s book!

Such a fun surprise. Love this world so much!

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC.
OMG, KIM has done it again - getting me so hooked up that I sacrificed gladly half a night's sleep.
I loved loved loved this book. The author wrote "Whisper Springs has definitely stolen my heart. It’s a fictional place, but I wanna live there." Yeah, me too, girl, me too. Sign me up, but please make sure there's a Blackwood brother left for me...

[Cleocutie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different type of unexpected child story that is all wrapped up in a super cute romance about second chances and (re)learning who you were and who you are now. The storytelling is wonderfully done and the emotions are real and strong.

[Shanae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob’s story is great. A very well written story!

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a read! My heart was all in from the start. There is so much to love and enjoy about the story of Jacob and Izzy. First off, the loyalty, the detemination and devotion from Jacob is melt your heart, wipe a tear, amazing. Izzy's life is completely different, and I feel that the entire situation was handled well and pulled me right in to her thoughts and feelings. Little Ollie was so sweet, fun, and helped with bringing Izzy into the now that she's woken up in. There's a connection between Izzy and Jacob that gets stronger as the pages turn. We get ups and downs, emotion, and so much more. I love visiting this amazing family! It's another great read in this series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Laurie Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kim’s books and this one was great. I love how the family got together to be there for Izzy and Jacob and Ollie.