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Foxport #3
Spruced Up
She’s fueled by her Christmas spirit. He’s running from ghosts of Christmas past.
Wren Callaway is hard-working, creative, and overlooked. So, when she’s suddenly left Maple Hill Inn—her dream inn, it feels like fate. There’s just one catch; she’s not the only person it’s been left to.
Gabriel Brassard has always felt more comfortable on the ice than land. But when his professional hockey career comes to a crashing halt, he finds himself returning to the town that’s brought him unspeakable pain. Specifically, to the inn his aunt has left him since passing.
She wants to restore it to its former glory. He wants to cut and run. Turns out, they can’t do anything until fulfilling one final wish—hosting the town’s Christmas Eve party.
They have one month to find common ground and pull off a Christmas miracle. But will they find something even greater between them along the way?
Wren Callaway is hard-working, creative, and overlooked. So, when she’s suddenly left Maple Hill Inn—her dream inn, it feels like fate. There’s just one catch; she’s not the only person it’s been left to.
Gabriel Brassard has always felt more comfortable on the ice than land. But when his professional hockey career comes to a crashing halt, he finds himself returning to the town that’s brought him unspeakable pain. Specifically, to the inn his aunt has left him since passing.
She wants to restore it to its former glory. He wants to cut and run. Turns out, they can’t do anything until fulfilling one final wish—hosting the town’s Christmas Eve party.
They have one month to find common ground and pull off a Christmas miracle. But will they find something even greater between them along the way?
278 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2025
11 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 8, 2025
I always love a visit back to Foxport! There is just something about the town and its people that I love so much 🫶🏼
I loved getting to read Wren and Gabe's story! It felt like such a cozy read, perfect for curling up with hot chocolate and blanket ☕
The inn renovations, ice skating, a French Canadian MMC, and a horse drawn sleigh?! What's not to love?!
Gabe would do anything for Wren and he constantly went above and beyond to indulge her every whim for the inn renovations 🤭 while Wren showed Gabe he could put down roots in a place he thought he never could and it was so beautiful 💕
This is a perfect read for the holiday season! Thank you so much to C.A. Steinhaus for this ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
I loved getting to read Wren and Gabe's story! It felt like such a cozy read, perfect for curling up with hot chocolate and blanket ☕
The inn renovations, ice skating, a French Canadian MMC, and a horse drawn sleigh?! What's not to love?!
Gabe would do anything for Wren and he constantly went above and beyond to indulge her every whim for the inn renovations 🤭 while Wren showed Gabe he could put down roots in a place he thought he never could and it was so beautiful 💕
This is a perfect read for the holiday season! Thank you so much to C.A. Steinhaus for this ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
December 31, 2025
The perfect end to my 2025 holiday reading. This is a fun series. Lots of romance. A little bit of spice. I enjoyed the Christmas in this one- snow, trees, lights! A lot like the pumpkin spice series. Will be reading next one!
November 16, 2025
4.5 Stars.
🎄 The vibes:
- Retired hockey player
- Business partners
- Christmas setting
- Friend group
- Inn renovations
- Forced proximity
- Closed door
🎄 My thoughts:
When Gabe and Wren are suddenly left with the Maple Hill Inn, they go from complete strangers to instant business partners. It’s Wren’s dream to fix up the inn and run it permanently; it’s Gabe’s dream to get in and get out as quickly as possible. But when the fine print in the will says they must host the town’s famous Christmas Eve party at the inn, they have one month to renovate the run down inn and make a Christmas miracle happen.
🎄 This was a very cute Christmas book to add to your TBR! The author is a master at writing settings and setting the atmosphere for whatever season the story is in (this one being winter). I loved the dynamic between Wren and Gabe. The passion that Wren had for her work had me cheering her on. I loved to see all of her excellence in running and renovating the inn. And Gabe- stop it right now. He was going through major life changes, and he still found ways to look outside of himself and help others.
🎄 I would have appreciated a little bit of grit or angst along the journey, BUT sometimes a chill, happy read is perfect for the holiday season. I can see how this could almost lean into a insta love situation, but I felt like the story gave me enough of a connection throughout that I still had such a great time. It’s festive, fun, and a low stakes read that’s perfect for a holiday read.
Note- language; closed door
Release date: November 18, 2025.
Thank you so much to C. A. Steinhaus for the gifted copy.
🎄 The vibes:
- Retired hockey player
- Business partners
- Christmas setting
- Friend group
- Inn renovations
- Forced proximity
- Closed door
🎄 My thoughts:
When Gabe and Wren are suddenly left with the Maple Hill Inn, they go from complete strangers to instant business partners. It’s Wren’s dream to fix up the inn and run it permanently; it’s Gabe’s dream to get in and get out as quickly as possible. But when the fine print in the will says they must host the town’s famous Christmas Eve party at the inn, they have one month to renovate the run down inn and make a Christmas miracle happen.
🎄 This was a very cute Christmas book to add to your TBR! The author is a master at writing settings and setting the atmosphere for whatever season the story is in (this one being winter). I loved the dynamic between Wren and Gabe. The passion that Wren had for her work had me cheering her on. I loved to see all of her excellence in running and renovating the inn. And Gabe- stop it right now. He was going through major life changes, and he still found ways to look outside of himself and help others.
🎄 I would have appreciated a little bit of grit or angst along the journey, BUT sometimes a chill, happy read is perfect for the holiday season. I can see how this could almost lean into a insta love situation, but I felt like the story gave me enough of a connection throughout that I still had such a great time. It’s festive, fun, and a low stakes read that’s perfect for a holiday read.
Note- language; closed door
Release date: November 18, 2025.
Thank you so much to C. A. Steinhaus for the gifted copy.
November 21, 2025
I’ve adored the Foxport series from the very beginning, and this book delivered all the cozy charm I’ve come to love. The small New England setting felt as warm and welcoming as ever, and Wren’s devotion to restoring the Maple Hill Inn added a heartfelt layer to the story. Her memories with the inn’s former owner and her determination to bring the place back to life made her so endearing.
Gabe, meanwhile, didn’t want to stay in Foxport because of painful memories tied to his past, and that emotional weight added real depth to his character. Despite his hesitation, he was so sweet and patient, always taking the time to be kind to the people around him. Watching him slowly open up to Wren while she created space for him to heal made their connection feel so natural and touching.
Their forced proximity during the renovations gave their relationship the perfect slow-burn spark, and the holiday magic woven throughout made everything feel warm and so romantic. Moments like Gabe teaching Wren to skate was simply adorable and showed how safe they feel with each other. This was the perfect festive read, cozy, emotional, and full go charm that left me smiling long after I finished.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
•Forced proximity
•New England Christmas
•Strangers to lovers
•Professional hockey mmc
•Inn renovations
Gabe, meanwhile, didn’t want to stay in Foxport because of painful memories tied to his past, and that emotional weight added real depth to his character. Despite his hesitation, he was so sweet and patient, always taking the time to be kind to the people around him. Watching him slowly open up to Wren while she created space for him to heal made their connection feel so natural and touching.
Their forced proximity during the renovations gave their relationship the perfect slow-burn spark, and the holiday magic woven throughout made everything feel warm and so romantic. Moments like Gabe teaching Wren to skate was simply adorable and showed how safe they feel with each other. This was the perfect festive read, cozy, emotional, and full go charm that left me smiling long after I finished.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
•Forced proximity
•New England Christmas
•Strangers to lovers
•Professional hockey mmc
•Inn renovations
November 18, 2025
4.5⭐️
I have loved the Foxport series since I picked up book 1, By the Book. The small New England town stole my heart, along with the group of girl friends and found family.
This book focuses on Wren and her desire to run/ own the Maple Hill Inn and restore it to its former glory. She had very fond memories with the Inn’s owner growing up. When the owner passes way, her will states that her nephew Gabe shares 50/50 ownership of the inn with Wren. They need to work together to restore the inn and have one more Christmas Eve party before they can decide to sell.
I adored Wren. She was so into Christmas and making the inn the best it could be to honor the late owner. Gabe was not into being in Foxport but he was so sweet to everyone in the town who was his fan and always took the time to talk to everyone. He was just an overall sweetheart and golden retriever and I really enjoyed his character! This story was so cute!
I recommend reading the first two books in the series to get a feel for the characters and town. If you love small towns then you need to read this series!
I have loved the Foxport series since I picked up book 1, By the Book. The small New England town stole my heart, along with the group of girl friends and found family.
This book focuses on Wren and her desire to run/ own the Maple Hill Inn and restore it to its former glory. She had very fond memories with the Inn’s owner growing up. When the owner passes way, her will states that her nephew Gabe shares 50/50 ownership of the inn with Wren. They need to work together to restore the inn and have one more Christmas Eve party before they can decide to sell.
I adored Wren. She was so into Christmas and making the inn the best it could be to honor the late owner. Gabe was not into being in Foxport but he was so sweet to everyone in the town who was his fan and always took the time to talk to everyone. He was just an overall sweetheart and golden retriever and I really enjoyed his character! This story was so cute!
I recommend reading the first two books in the series to get a feel for the characters and town. If you love small towns then you need to read this series!
December 25, 2025
“You might not see it, but I do. You’re so focused on creating something magical for everyone. But to me? You are the magic. You are magic and warmth and cheer…”
SPRUCED UP BY C.A. STEINHAUS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
She does it again, folks! Spruced Up is #3 in the Foxport Series & it was just as cozy, comforting, and whimsical as the previous two! And how fun it was to finish it up on Christmas Day 🥰🎄
In Spruced Up, we follow Wren and Gabe. Wren is part of the group of girls we’ve followed this whole series, and her dream is to own and run the Maple Hill Inn (the local inn in Foxport). Gabe is a (recently) retired professional hockey player who avoids Foxport like the plague. Brought together to reopen the Maple Hill for a Christmas Eve party as Gabe’s Aunt Bea’s last wishes, will Gabe and Wren become the best business partners (and more)? Or will it be a disaster?
I have so enjoyed being in the Foxport world! CA Steinhaus is releasing the fourth book in the spring and oh boy, am I excited for it!
SPRUCED UP BY C.A. STEINHAUS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
She does it again, folks! Spruced Up is #3 in the Foxport Series & it was just as cozy, comforting, and whimsical as the previous two! And how fun it was to finish it up on Christmas Day 🥰🎄
In Spruced Up, we follow Wren and Gabe. Wren is part of the group of girls we’ve followed this whole series, and her dream is to own and run the Maple Hill Inn (the local inn in Foxport). Gabe is a (recently) retired professional hockey player who avoids Foxport like the plague. Brought together to reopen the Maple Hill for a Christmas Eve party as Gabe’s Aunt Bea’s last wishes, will Gabe and Wren become the best business partners (and more)? Or will it be a disaster?
I have so enjoyed being in the Foxport world! CA Steinhaus is releasing the fourth book in the spring and oh boy, am I excited for it!
December 12, 2025
I was very excited to return to the town of Foxport for book #3 in this series. And although the second book is definitely my favorite, this Christmas love story didn’t disappoint.
It felt like a Hallmark movie with the run down inn being renovated after the owner passed away. And at first I wasn’t sure if it was going to be well done, but I feel like it was. I wish more of the first two books was integrated into this story, as it felt very much disconnected other than the town and characters being the same. However, that does mean that it works fine as a standalone.
This was a cute, Christmasy, fall fast, slow burn, closed door romance. It was sweet and if a book #4 is in the works, trust me I will be reading it.
⭐️: 3/5
🌶️: .5/5 (closed door)
It felt like a Hallmark movie with the run down inn being renovated after the owner passed away. And at first I wasn’t sure if it was going to be well done, but I feel like it was. I wish more of the first two books was integrated into this story, as it felt very much disconnected other than the town and characters being the same. However, that does mean that it works fine as a standalone.
This was a cute, Christmasy, fall fast, slow burn, closed door romance. It was sweet and if a book #4 is in the works, trust me I will be reading it.
⭐️: 3/5
🌶️: .5/5 (closed door)
December 30, 2025
Thank you to C.A. Steinhaus for an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own! As always possible spoilers
I already fell head over heels for the Foxport series, but this just drove that love even further. Gabe and Wrens story was just so sweet that you couldn’t help but fall along with them. It was the perfect mix strangers to lovers. Heartfelt moments. Finding love in the simple things in life after loss.
Gabe and Wren go from unexpected business partners and essentially strangers, to friends, and then lovers. It gives hallmark vibes in the absolute best way.
C.A. Steinhause has absolutely become an auto read and auto rec author for me.
I already fell head over heels for the Foxport series, but this just drove that love even further. Gabe and Wrens story was just so sweet that you couldn’t help but fall along with them. It was the perfect mix strangers to lovers. Heartfelt moments. Finding love in the simple things in life after loss.
Gabe and Wren go from unexpected business partners and essentially strangers, to friends, and then lovers. It gives hallmark vibes in the absolute best way.
C.A. Steinhause has absolutely become an auto read and auto rec author for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
𝘞𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘎𝘢𝘣𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘻𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘭 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘏𝘌𝘈. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘊.𝘈 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊!
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘏𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘏𝘌𝘈. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘊.𝘈 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊!
November 18, 2025
amazing
Such a cute story. I think Gabe and wren were my favorite of this series. I was worried there would be a miscommunication issue near the end but everything worked out.
Such a cute story. I think Gabe and wren were my favorite of this series. I was worried there would be a miscommunication issue near the end but everything worked out.
November 28, 2025
4.5 stars
November 29, 2025
I am obsessed with this series!! I love the town, the characters and the stories that each book holds!!
December 25, 2025
2.5. Quick and silly
December 28, 2025
so a cute read I think out of the three books in the series this might be my favorite.
it gave holidays but not shoving it in your face. and yes there is hockey 🏒
I'd def recommend this book.
it gave holidays but not shoving it in your face. and yes there is hockey 🏒
I'd def recommend this book.
November 18, 2025
Things I Loved:
He calls her ma chérie
Horses
They fix up an inn together
Ice skating
This cozy holiday book was the third in the Foxport series and I loved getting Gabe and Wren’s story. They are tasked with fixing up the town inn for a Christmas Eve party. Having to work closely together throughout the renovations brought so many swoony moments. The way Gabe quietly made the things on Wren’s list happen was so cute. If you are looking for a closed door holiday romance, check this one out!!
He calls her ma chérie
Horses
They fix up an inn together
Ice skating
This cozy holiday book was the third in the Foxport series and I loved getting Gabe and Wren’s story. They are tasked with fixing up the town inn for a Christmas Eve party. Having to work closely together throughout the renovations brought so many swoony moments. The way Gabe quietly made the things on Wren’s list happen was so cute. If you are looking for a closed door holiday romance, check this one out!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews