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A Brookhollow Story #4
The Mistletoe Melody
'Tis the season of forgiveness…but can she ever forget?
Brad Monroe was truly unbelievable. Blowing back into Brookhollow for three days to film a Christmas special—three years after the accident that killed his best friend…her husband—and expecting Melody to be civil? Please. He'd been the only one who'd survived the tragedy, hightailing it to Nashville and hijacking her dream…Patrick's dream. She'd spent that time grieving, working three jobs, struggling to raise her boys and keep a roof over their heads. Now she was losing ground on all fronts, and not about to forgive and forget. Or give him the one thing that could save them all….
Brad Monroe was truly unbelievable. Blowing back into Brookhollow for three days to film a Christmas special—three years after the accident that killed his best friend…her husband—and expecting Melody to be civil? Please. He'd been the only one who'd survived the tragedy, hightailing it to Nashville and hijacking her dream…Patrick's dream. She'd spent that time grieving, working three jobs, struggling to raise her boys and keep a roof over their heads. Now she was losing ground on all fronts, and not about to forgive and forget. Or give him the one thing that could save them all….
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2014
About the author
Jennifer Snow
76 books701 followersJennifer Snow is an award-winning, USA Bestselling author. Her publishing credits include a six book small town, Brookhollow series published through Harlequin Heartwarming, her MMA sports romance series Beyond the Cage is published through Berkley/NAL Intermix, her Colorado Ice series with Grand Central and her Wild River & Wild Coast series published with HQN. She also writes thrillers under J.M. Winchester and screenplays with 13 produced rom-coms for UPTV, Hallmark, BET+, QVC+ and more. Her upcoming speculative rom-com is releasing through Canary Street Press in Sept 2024.
More information can be found at www.jennifersnowauthor.com
More information can be found at www.jennifersnowauthor.com
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November 1, 2014
The Mistletoe Melody is part of The Brookhollow Series by Jennifer Snow. This is both my first book by Jennifer Snow and the first book I chose for this year’s Christmas book marathon. I can honestly say that we are off to a GREAT start. I loved this book. How can you go wrong, mixing together a mom with two adorable twin eight year old boys, a sexy country music star and a quaint town that celebrates Christmas with all the twinkle lights your heart desires? This book was perfect.
Melody’s life was all planned out. She married the man of her dreams, Patrick and they had two adorable twin sons. Her husband was an up and coming country music star along with his partner and lead singer, Brad Monroe. But everything changed on the day that Patrick and Brad had just been signed with the perfect manager. They had stopped to have a few drinks to celebrate and were on the way home, with Brad driving, when their car crashed. Patrick was killed and Brad survived.
It’s been three years since she lost her husband and she is doing everything she can to try to keep her head above water and keep a roof over her and her son’s heads. But she is fighting a losing battle. She is working three jobs and still, the mortgage is behind and the electric company is sending final notices. She is trying to be both mom and dad to her sons. She thinks this particular day couldn’t get any worse when she looks up and sees Brad Monroe walk into the bowling alley where she works.
Brad has been trying to get one of his songs to hit that elusive number one spot and just can’t quite make it. So he has a new publicist but she is driving him crazy. She wants Brad to be featured in a Christmas television special so the camera crews are all headed to Brookhollow to film Brad at home at his family’s Christmas Tree farm celebrating Christmas with his family. The problem is, he hasn’t been home since that terrible accident. He hasn’t had a drink in three years and still suffers terribly from his injuries. But even more than his physical injuries, he suffers emotional ones. He has never forgiven himself for what happened. And if he can’t forgive himself, how can he ever expect Melody to forgive him?
“Not for the first time, he wondered about fate. Why had he survived and not his friend?”
The more time Melody and Brad spend together, the more their feelings grow for one another. Feelings that both of them are convinced are completely wrong. How could they ever have feelings for each other when Patrick was Brad’s best friend, Melody’s husband? And could Melody ever truly forgive Brad for causing the accident that killed her husband?
“I’d like to forgive you, Brad. But as hard as I’ve tried over the years, I just can’t.”
Melody had also been involved with Patrick and Brad’s musical career. She has a beautiful singing voice and an exceptional talent for writing songs. Brad is convinced that Melody should revisit her own dreams of being a music star and give it another chance. His feelings for her are impossible to ignore and he loves the boys. He wants them in his life but Melody just won’t listen to him.
“I’ve always loved you and your children. Who knows your past better and would cherish your future more?”
This was such a great story of two people hurt by tragedy but of overcoming grief and finding love again at Christmas. I am in love with the town of Brookhollow, New Jersey and can just picture Brad’s family’s tree farm. The characters were all easy to connect with and to fall in love with. This was such a great start into my holiday reading and I also look forward to reading many more books by Jennifer Snow.
November 1, 2014
In one of the most romantic and sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet holiday romances I have ever read, Jennifer Snow gets to the heart of love, loss, forgiveness and second chances with Mistletoe Melody. Melody and Patrick had everything, love, happiness, and two perfect sons. After years of hard work, Patrick’s dream of becoming a country music star was finally becoming a reality, alongside his best friend, Brad. But a horrible accident ended Melody and Patrick’s dream after a night of celebration with Brad. Two men shared the same dream, but only one would live to realize it, leaving Melody broken, alone and struggling to provide for her sons.
Now a rising star, Brad is back and Melody’s life just got worse, as the bitterness rises to even higher heartbreaking levels. Mr. Nashville is making a Christmas Special in his hometown, the one he ran from after Brad’s death. Has the glamor of fame, a new name and the media hype gone to his head? Does he really think Melody should just forget what she feels he took from her?
If that isn’t brutal enough, Brad needs a hit, that one in a million song that will make him a household name and he know Melody has it, that one special song she wrote long ago. Seriously? He thinks she should part with the last piece of her husband, THEIR special song?
Only honesty, and revisiting the past may heal their broken friendship and only forgiveness can help Melody move on and learn to live again. The real Brad lives buried under the façade of his public face, is that man the key to Melody’s future? Can he help her release the pain of the past and share the love in her music with the world?
Not even going to say this was touching, because that wouldn’t do my feelings justice. Jennifer Snow has brought romance to life at one of the most emotional times of the year, where goodwill towards others and dreams of a brighter future really can come true. There is nothing sappy here, just in-your-face Holiday reading that will make you wish this season could last the entire year.
Series: Brookhollow - Book 4
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Genre: Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance
Print Length: 171 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Now a rising star, Brad is back and Melody’s life just got worse, as the bitterness rises to even higher heartbreaking levels. Mr. Nashville is making a Christmas Special in his hometown, the one he ran from after Brad’s death. Has the glamor of fame, a new name and the media hype gone to his head? Does he really think Melody should just forget what she feels he took from her?
If that isn’t brutal enough, Brad needs a hit, that one in a million song that will make him a household name and he know Melody has it, that one special song she wrote long ago. Seriously? He thinks she should part with the last piece of her husband, THEIR special song?
Only honesty, and revisiting the past may heal their broken friendship and only forgiveness can help Melody move on and learn to live again. The real Brad lives buried under the façade of his public face, is that man the key to Melody’s future? Can he help her release the pain of the past and share the love in her music with the world?
Not even going to say this was touching, because that wouldn’t do my feelings justice. Jennifer Snow has brought romance to life at one of the most emotional times of the year, where goodwill towards others and dreams of a brighter future really can come true. There is nothing sappy here, just in-your-face Holiday reading that will make you wish this season could last the entire year.
Series: Brookhollow - Book 4
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Genre: Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance
Print Length: 171 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 11, 2015
(review copy)
4.5
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
The Mistletoe Melody is a heart-warming tale of love, family and second chances. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Snow but I’m really hoping it won’t be the last because I was captured by her emotive writing and the sweet romance she developed throughout this book. Melody is approaching the festive season fairly manically, working all hours so she can afford to pay the bills and better the lives of her sons Josh and David. Sadly, since the death of her husband Patrick three years ago, money has been a huge struggle and so as she’s battling against the odds in December, the last thing she needs is the re-appearance of Brad, the guy responsible for Patrick’s death. Straight away, there’s such sadness to Melody’s story that I really felt connected to her and quite protective over her. She’s a hard-worker and always puts her kids first, even if it means letting go of any other hopes and ambitions she has. Melody doesn’t ever appear to have stopped grieving or to have let go of the blame she places with Brad but she’s not the only one blaming Brad. Brad is full of regret for the part he played in the tragic death of his best friend and he wishes he could make things right. Was there the chance of a festive happy ending for these two deserving characters?
I found The Mistletoe Melody to be a really sweet, touching story. Not sickly sweet, just the perfect amount to make you feel for the characters and hope for the best. I really liked both Brad and Melody and felt like all they needed was some proper communication to try and clear the air, although I understood why Melody didn’t want to give Brad that chance. There’d been so much heartache for Melody over the past few years and it was obviously such a difficult thing to try and step forward in life without leaving her precious memories and life with Patrick behind. But Brad had been suffering too and I was moved by how honest and forthright he was. As a musician, he’s doing well but he’s missing a song that really hits the spot. Melody was a song-writer although she’s buried that part of her life now but Brad begins to drag it back up when he requests her help. It could be the answer to both their problems but that would mean letting go of the grudges, the pain and the regret and letting Brad back into her life is not something Melody is interested in. Even when the livelihood of her and her kids depends on it…
I loved Jennifer’s style of writing. She seems to have such talent at building a beautiful, emotive story and writes with such depth even over a short number of pages. The romance in this book was sublimely developed, slow-building, realistic and endearing. The small town of Brookhollow was built to perfection with the friends made and how it was hard to avoid other people knowing all your business. I also loved how this was a book set at Christmas but one that was actually festive, and not just there to be published for the holiday season. All the little festivities, the small Christmassy touches were just delightful and my favourite part of this was the nativity, with all the costumes and lines and how we get to see all the different roles and learn a bit about some of the children and the parts they played. Jennifer put so much into this story and though it was a moving story, it was very uplifting to read too. My only slight complaint was that I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Melody’s eight year old boys towards the end where I felt one more scene with them would have fit beautifully but that’s really something so tiny in a book that was so stunning to read. I had a hell of a lot of respect and admiration for the characters of Brad and Melody and was wishing for a bit of forgiveness, a bit of understanding and maybe a bit of love to blossom and make this Christmas one they would never forget – this time for all the right reasons.
October 30, 2014
The Mistletoe Melody brings all I hope to find in a festive romance. I want to lose myself for a couple of hours and with an endearing cast of characters and a small-town setting, it was an emotional and heartwarming journey in which I did just that.
Following the death of her husband 3 years prior, Melody Myers is struggling. Juggling three jobs, she's devoted herself to raising her twin boys. She's loved, lost and never forgiven her husband's best-friend, Nashville star Brad Monroe, for causing the accident that stole her husband and her dreams, and when he returns to Brookhollow to record a Christmas family TV special, it unleashes a world of hurt and pain for both her and Brad.
“I’d like to forgive you, Brad. But as hard as I’ve tried over the years, I just can’t.”
They were wonderful characters and my heart went out to both. Brad lives everyday with the agonising pain that his actions stole Patrick away from his family - a family he also lost that day. And Mel, whilst still grieving and struggling, is fiercely independent and determined her sons' lives won't be affected any more than they have been already. How can love possibly blossom from such a heartbreaking tragedy?
This is where I say read The Mistletoe Melody and discover all it holds for yourself. With touching, heartfelt moments balanced with pain and angst, plus a plethora of secondary characters bringing valuable content to the story, it was a lovely read. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Snow and won't be the last; whilst it can be read as a standalone, it does form part of a series and the small town family feel has left me eager to revisit Brookhollow to discover how other featuring couples fell in love.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Following the death of her husband 3 years prior, Melody Myers is struggling. Juggling three jobs, she's devoted herself to raising her twin boys. She's loved, lost and never forgiven her husband's best-friend, Nashville star Brad Monroe, for causing the accident that stole her husband and her dreams, and when he returns to Brookhollow to record a Christmas family TV special, it unleashes a world of hurt and pain for both her and Brad.
“I’d like to forgive you, Brad. But as hard as I’ve tried over the years, I just can’t.”
They were wonderful characters and my heart went out to both. Brad lives everyday with the agonising pain that his actions stole Patrick away from his family - a family he also lost that day. And Mel, whilst still grieving and struggling, is fiercely independent and determined her sons' lives won't be affected any more than they have been already. How can love possibly blossom from such a heartbreaking tragedy?
This is where I say read The Mistletoe Melody and discover all it holds for yourself. With touching, heartfelt moments balanced with pain and angst, plus a plethora of secondary characters bringing valuable content to the story, it was a lovely read. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Snow and won't be the last; whilst it can be read as a standalone, it does form part of a series and the small town family feel has left me eager to revisit Brookhollow to discover how other featuring couples fell in love.
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
November 16, 2014
Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog
I’m officially a Jennifer Snow fan. Country music, holidays, strong characters, and a great story = The Mistletoe Melody. Melody is a single mom raising her twins; her husband was killed a few years ago in a car accident caused by his best friend, Brad. After years of ditching his hometown during the holidays, Brad is back in town filming a special for a country music special and is still reeling from this tragedy head-on. Running into Melody is never easy because even though she was so in love with his best friend, they had always been close friends, and also worked together musically. Neither of them can forget about the accident.
Melody is a pretty private person and it’s not easy for her to ask for help, even when the bank is threatening to foreclose on her house. But even when Brad asks her to pen a song for him, she’s reluctant to say yes and starting dreaming some of her old dreams. Can she move on from the past and put her faith into her music and Brad? I love how devoted Melody was to making a great life for her sons, and how Snow folded in a sub-plot featuring the kids too. The romance was slow and sexy, and super well done for a book where a widow falls for her dead husband’s best friend and vice versa.
If you are looking for a book that is charming and sweet and almost-Christmas Carol-esque (especially from Brad’s point of view), The Mistletoe Melody is a must.
I’m officially a Jennifer Snow fan. Country music, holidays, strong characters, and a great story = The Mistletoe Melody. Melody is a single mom raising her twins; her husband was killed a few years ago in a car accident caused by his best friend, Brad. After years of ditching his hometown during the holidays, Brad is back in town filming a special for a country music special and is still reeling from this tragedy head-on. Running into Melody is never easy because even though she was so in love with his best friend, they had always been close friends, and also worked together musically. Neither of them can forget about the accident.
Melody is a pretty private person and it’s not easy for her to ask for help, even when the bank is threatening to foreclose on her house. But even when Brad asks her to pen a song for him, she’s reluctant to say yes and starting dreaming some of her old dreams. Can she move on from the past and put her faith into her music and Brad? I love how devoted Melody was to making a great life for her sons, and how Snow folded in a sub-plot featuring the kids too. The romance was slow and sexy, and super well done for a book where a widow falls for her dead husband’s best friend and vice versa.
If you are looking for a book that is charming and sweet and almost-Christmas Carol-esque (especially from Brad’s point of view), The Mistletoe Melody is a must.
January 17, 2015
*** obsessed by books arc given for an honest review ***
This story broke me. Melody had the perfect life. the husband Patrick , kids and love then one night it was all taken away by one accident. Brad was patricks best friend and was with him that horrific night that was suppose have been a celebration of their musical stardom. 3 years has passed and Melody is barley surviving having to work 3 jobs and be a mom and dad to 2 twin boys. one night while working at the bowling alley brad walks in and this is where their story starts. they spend a lot of time together and brad start to fall in love with the boys and melody. she has feelings for him to but feels they shouldn't be having these feelins. brad tells her that no one could or would love her and her boys like he does. will they let the past keep them from having future. a great love story.
This story broke me. Melody had the perfect life. the husband Patrick , kids and love then one night it was all taken away by one accident. Brad was patricks best friend and was with him that horrific night that was suppose have been a celebration of their musical stardom. 3 years has passed and Melody is barley surviving having to work 3 jobs and be a mom and dad to 2 twin boys. one night while working at the bowling alley brad walks in and this is where their story starts. they spend a lot of time together and brad start to fall in love with the boys and melody. she has feelings for him to but feels they shouldn't be having these feelins. brad tells her that no one could or would love her and her boys like he does. will they let the past keep them from having future. a great love story.
October 29, 2014
This was the first book I have read by this author and I can tell you it won’t be the last! This book has it all…love, tragedy, strength, passion, loss, learning to love again, etc… Once I started reading this book it was nearly impossible for me to put it down. I just loved it to pieces! The characters are so well developed…I just felt as if I was right there with them cheering them on. I fell in love with Brad and Melody and their story. I found myself rooting for them pretty quickly despite everything that had happened prior.
I can’t wait to read more by this author. She has me hooked…I am a new devoted fan for life! I highly recommend this book and it gets 5***** from me all the way around.
I can’t wait to read more by this author. She has me hooked…I am a new devoted fan for life! I highly recommend this book and it gets 5***** from me all the way around.
November 3, 2014
This review and more on So Bookalicious
Every time I finish a book by Jennifer Snow it leaves me with a happy feeling, The Mistletoe Melody was no different.
I’ve always admired Melody, she is a single mom with twin boys, struggling to make ends meet. But she never gives up, she is just too pride and stubborn for that. At the same time she’s grieving her husband’s death almost three years ago. So it’s not easy for her when her husband’s best friend Brad, who caused the car accident, returns to town for a couple of days.
Brad is a great guy, he struggles with the guilt he feels every single day. He doesn’t know how he can forgive himself when he thinks he doesn’t deserve it. So the last thing what he wants to do is return to Brookhollow, but when his publicist makes him he has no other choice.
I really loved both of them, they are such a great characters. And it was so great to see how the characters developed in this book. They learned to move on from the past so that it doesn’t control their lives anymore. They learned to forgive and to love again. They are probably one of my favorite couples so far in this series. I admired them both so much, Brad for following his dream no matter what and for trying to convince Melody to do the same. Melody because she is so brave! I couldn’t imagine being in her shoes.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. The Mistletoe Melody has it all love, forgiveness, tragedy, passion, strength, loss…. Once I picked up the book it was hard for me to put it back down. It was an amazing read and I enjoyed every single moment of it. I could recommend it to anyone whose looking for a great Adult romance story, it’s especially perfect for this time of the year with its Christmas setting. . I’m secretly hoping that Jennifer’s next book will be about Heather, anyhow I can’t wait to read more books from Jennifer
Every time I finish a book by Jennifer Snow it leaves me with a happy feeling, The Mistletoe Melody was no different.
I’ve always admired Melody, she is a single mom with twin boys, struggling to make ends meet. But she never gives up, she is just too pride and stubborn for that. At the same time she’s grieving her husband’s death almost three years ago. So it’s not easy for her when her husband’s best friend Brad, who caused the car accident, returns to town for a couple of days.
Brad is a great guy, he struggles with the guilt he feels every single day. He doesn’t know how he can forgive himself when he thinks he doesn’t deserve it. So the last thing what he wants to do is return to Brookhollow, but when his publicist makes him he has no other choice.
I really loved both of them, they are such a great characters. And it was so great to see how the characters developed in this book. They learned to move on from the past so that it doesn’t control their lives anymore. They learned to forgive and to love again. They are probably one of my favorite couples so far in this series. I admired them both so much, Brad for following his dream no matter what and for trying to convince Melody to do the same. Melody because she is so brave! I couldn’t imagine being in her shoes.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. The Mistletoe Melody has it all love, forgiveness, tragedy, passion, strength, loss…. Once I picked up the book it was hard for me to put it back down. It was an amazing read and I enjoyed every single moment of it. I could recommend it to anyone whose looking for a great Adult romance story, it’s especially perfect for this time of the year with its Christmas setting. . I’m secretly hoping that Jennifer’s next book will be about Heather, anyhow I can’t wait to read more books from Jennifer
October 28, 2014
: How many times can I beg to move to Brookhollow??
I'm having a hard time here. I LOVE this series. I've loved the sexy heroes. I've loved the strong heroines. Each story just gets better and better.
The Mistletoe Melody pulled on my heart in so many ways. First off, I'm a music lover. I'm sold right there!
This book stands alone perfectly, but I've been lucky enough to follow this series from the start. Brookhollow is one of my favorite fictional small towns. We've had a glimpse of Melody in each book and as the reader, i know she's had struggles, but we don't completely know the whole story.
Until now.
And WOW. What emotions. There was a scene that made me cry because of how torn Melody was about something she didn't want to part with.
Her sons have such a struggle and Melody isn't sure what she's supposed to do. She's at her wits end in so many ways, and there's too many last resorts coming at her at once.
Then the man who changed her whole world comes back to town and Melody isn't ready for him and what he brings.
Brad has to live with his past mistakes. It doesn't help that Melody is down on her luck and he wants to make everything right.
This is a beautiful, touching story and it's full of so many mixed emotions. The Mistletoe Melody is hands down one of my favorite reads of 2014. I could read it over and over again and laugh just as much, cry just as much, and feel just as much as the very first time I read it. Jennifer Snow outdid herself with this book. If you haven't read this holiday story or any of Ms. Snow's books, I have to question your sanity. WHY NOT??
Well done, Jennifer. Now hurry up and give me your next book. I'm impatiently waiting....
I'm having a hard time here. I LOVE this series. I've loved the sexy heroes. I've loved the strong heroines. Each story just gets better and better.
The Mistletoe Melody pulled on my heart in so many ways. First off, I'm a music lover. I'm sold right there!
This book stands alone perfectly, but I've been lucky enough to follow this series from the start. Brookhollow is one of my favorite fictional small towns. We've had a glimpse of Melody in each book and as the reader, i know she's had struggles, but we don't completely know the whole story.
Until now.
And WOW. What emotions. There was a scene that made me cry because of how torn Melody was about something she didn't want to part with.
Her sons have such a struggle and Melody isn't sure what she's supposed to do. She's at her wits end in so many ways, and there's too many last resorts coming at her at once.
Then the man who changed her whole world comes back to town and Melody isn't ready for him and what he brings.
Brad has to live with his past mistakes. It doesn't help that Melody is down on her luck and he wants to make everything right.
This is a beautiful, touching story and it's full of so many mixed emotions. The Mistletoe Melody is hands down one of my favorite reads of 2014. I could read it over and over again and laugh just as much, cry just as much, and feel just as much as the very first time I read it. Jennifer Snow outdid herself with this book. If you haven't read this holiday story or any of Ms. Snow's books, I have to question your sanity. WHY NOT??
Well done, Jennifer. Now hurry up and give me your next book. I'm impatiently waiting....
October 8, 2016
The heart and strength of a woman is showcased in almost every page of this book. This book will make your heart hurt and smile all at the same time.
Three years ago, Melody Myers thought she had it all....a loving husband, two terrific twin boys and country music career that was getting ready to take off. Patrick Myers and his best friend/lead singer of the band, Brad Monroe, drove up from Brookhollow to meet with a producer in New York City. After calling Melody to let her know they got the record deal, the guys stopped for a celebratory drink before heading back to Brookhollow. As the weather got bad and the roads got icy, Brad lost control of the car. The wreck cost Patrick his life and the damage to Brad's body has him still seeking therapy. In Melody's mind, the wreck happened because Brad had been drinking.
Fast forward three years, Melody is working three jobs, refusing any help from her family, to keep a roof over their heads for her and the boys and Brad is now a major recording artist. In the three years since the accident, Brad has kept his visits home to the bare minimal. Melody has hung on to her hatred for Brad for all these years while Brad has truly missed his friend. After being thrown together over the holidays the two slowly begin to renew their friendship. Can friendship turn to love or will the past stand in the way of all Melody's dreams finally coming true?
Three years ago, Melody Myers thought she had it all....a loving husband, two terrific twin boys and country music career that was getting ready to take off. Patrick Myers and his best friend/lead singer of the band, Brad Monroe, drove up from Brookhollow to meet with a producer in New York City. After calling Melody to let her know they got the record deal, the guys stopped for a celebratory drink before heading back to Brookhollow. As the weather got bad and the roads got icy, Brad lost control of the car. The wreck cost Patrick his life and the damage to Brad's body has him still seeking therapy. In Melody's mind, the wreck happened because Brad had been drinking.
Fast forward three years, Melody is working three jobs, refusing any help from her family, to keep a roof over their heads for her and the boys and Brad is now a major recording artist. In the three years since the accident, Brad has kept his visits home to the bare minimal. Melody has hung on to her hatred for Brad for all these years while Brad has truly missed his friend. After being thrown together over the holidays the two slowly begin to renew their friendship. Can friendship turn to love or will the past stand in the way of all Melody's dreams finally coming true?
December 10, 2014
This is my first read from Jennifer Snow and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This was a beautiful Christmas story about dealing with devastating loss, finding forgiveness and learning to live and love again. Melody and Brad’s story just broke my heart. Their path is not an easy one to travel but with the support of friends and family, the healing they both so desperately need might actually be possible.
I loved every aspect of this story. The characters were genuine, the plot was engaging and I couldn’t put the book down! I laughed, I cried, I grieved and I smiled right along with Melody, Brad and everyone else in Brookhollow. No words I could write would do the book justice. I give it 100 Stars!
This is a clean romance full of heart and I highly recommend it to everyone! It’s the best Christmas romance I’ve ever read!
This was a beautiful Christmas story about dealing with devastating loss, finding forgiveness and learning to live and love again. Melody and Brad’s story just broke my heart. Their path is not an easy one to travel but with the support of friends and family, the healing they both so desperately need might actually be possible.
I loved every aspect of this story. The characters were genuine, the plot was engaging and I couldn’t put the book down! I laughed, I cried, I grieved and I smiled right along with Melody, Brad and everyone else in Brookhollow. No words I could write would do the book justice. I give it 100 Stars!
This is a clean romance full of heart and I highly recommend it to everyone! It’s the best Christmas romance I’ve ever read!
January 24, 2015
I read this book because I got it free in a contest. Also a book has to be exceptional for me to give it four stars so this book rates up there. I probably wouldn't have bought this book but would have checked it out in the library upon reading the back blurb. I really did like this book...stayed up too late a couple of nights in a row reading when I should not have. I'm getting too old to be doing that especially when I need to be up at six AM! I don't recall reading this author before but would definitely do so again. I was caught up in the story and cared about the characters and what happened to them. They were human and flawed but very believable. It is a wonderful read for the Christmas season...all about lessons learned at a great price and forgiveness and going for your dreams when given the chance. A great read!
November 17, 2014
I'll be upfront. I've never read anything Harlequin before. So I was a bit skeptical about The Mistletoe Melody. But I wanted to give it a chance because Christmas! And I'm so glad that I did. This book is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!
There were so many dynamic layers to this story. It was full of emotions! The characters are so fitting for this story, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I was instantly swept into their love story and rooted from them hardcore!
Even if you aren't a Harlequin fan, you have to pick up The Mistletoe Melody. It's the perfect book for a romantic around Christmastime. You won't regret it!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
There were so many dynamic layers to this story. It was full of emotions! The characters are so fitting for this story, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. I was instantly swept into their love story and rooted from them hardcore!
Even if you aren't a Harlequin fan, you have to pick up The Mistletoe Melody. It's the perfect book for a romantic around Christmastime. You won't regret it!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
November 7, 2014
This book is truley amazing it really is a HEA. I have been lucky enought to get an early copy of this book :-) while reading it truly is heartbreaking and also romantic. Would i recomend it to all my romantic friends............YES most deffinatly and will be sending it out to all my friends
December 1, 2014
I love this time of year when you have an excuse to divulge in a good festive story and this one was good. Finished it on the train to work.
December 14, 2014
Read my review on Romancing-the-Book.com by clicking on the link below:
http://romancing-the-book.com/2014/12...
http://romancing-the-book.com/2014/12...
January 29, 2025
Overall I liked this story however a few things really annoyed me.
1. The banker and his son. When Melody realized why David punched the kid in the eye she never did anything about it. If that were me I would have had that bankers job for repeating personal information.
2. Melody desperately needs the promotion at the sporting goods store yet she leaves the exam twice. Her phone should have been shut off when she entered the exam room yet she answered it because it was her son's school. She had less than an hour with the test and yet she walked out. So David was suspended from school he could sit in the office and wait for his mother. I understand she didn't know what had happened however one hour when you really need this job and things can wait. No, I'm not cold hearted. If it were an emergency there are contacts. Also, my kids were in school when we didn't have cell phones. Then she gets a second chance at the exam and having no idea how things would turn out with her music she once again leaves the test. Unbelievable! Finish the test as a backup.
3. I strongly believe in forgiveness in order to move on. It doesn't mean you have to have a relationship with the person you're forgiving but you'll be able to move on. She needed to forgive Brad for herself but I question their relationship on being a forever.
4. When Brad was pushing for the songs from Melody he came off as very selfish and looking out for himself. That was a turnoff for me.
5. Melody would not ask her family or Patrick's family for any help because of her pride. She had two young boys she needed to look out for and needed to swallow her pride and think of them. She got no brownie points here.
1. The banker and his son. When Melody realized why David punched the kid in the eye she never did anything about it. If that were me I would have had that bankers job for repeating personal information.
2. Melody desperately needs the promotion at the sporting goods store yet she leaves the exam twice. Her phone should have been shut off when she entered the exam room yet she answered it because it was her son's school. She had less than an hour with the test and yet she walked out. So David was suspended from school he could sit in the office and wait for his mother. I understand she didn't know what had happened however one hour when you really need this job and things can wait. No, I'm not cold hearted. If it were an emergency there are contacts. Also, my kids were in school when we didn't have cell phones. Then she gets a second chance at the exam and having no idea how things would turn out with her music she once again leaves the test. Unbelievable! Finish the test as a backup.
3. I strongly believe in forgiveness in order to move on. It doesn't mean you have to have a relationship with the person you're forgiving but you'll be able to move on. She needed to forgive Brad for herself but I question their relationship on being a forever.
4. When Brad was pushing for the songs from Melody he came off as very selfish and looking out for himself. That was a turnoff for me.
5. Melody would not ask her family or Patrick's family for any help because of her pride. She had two young boys she needed to look out for and needed to swallow her pride and think of them. She got no brownie points here.
Read
November 2, 2014Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
When Melody, Patrick, and Brad started out, it had been all about the music, and Melody and Patrick’s love for each other. She gave up singing to raise their two boys while her husband and his best friend forged ahead on the road to stardom. As much as she encouraged them, Melody’s concerns about Brad’s partying ways, especially about Brad’s influence when she wasn’t there, only grew. Life seemed perfect, though, until a little too much celebrating after getting a Nashville contract, combined with a snowstorm, ended Patrick’s life and everything with it.
Melody’s determined to prove she can make it on her own, working three jobs, and doing what she can to keep her boys happy. But at the core, she’s living in that moment when her Patrick didn’t come home, and blaming Brad for the accident, surviving, and continuing Patrick’s dream without him.
All was not exactly as Melody had seen it. Brad’s partying was as much to cover up his sense that Patrick and Melody had something he’d never found, but he loved his friends too much to let them see his jealousy. As much as Melody, he blames himself for the accident that took Patrick’s life and left him with severe injuries. He’s giving up drinking and was going to give up music until his therapist made him see punishing himself wouldn’t have been what Patrick wanted. Still, he feels the talent left their band first with Melody and then Patrick, leaving him a pretty face and a good voice but without the lyrics to make a difference.
The Mistletoe Melody is a lovely tale to keep the Christmas spirit going. It’s about the need to forgive and to embrace life even after tragedy. It starts three years after the car accident, but Melody’s stuck in that moment, throwing everything she’s got at being the best mother her fatherless children could have. She’s isolated herself through overwork and choice, though, and she’s failing. Problems at school and with the bank make it clear, but still she’s too stubborn to accept help when she believes it will come with “I told you so’s.”
It’s not a great time for Brad to reappear in her life. Even worse, he only came back because his publicist forced him, using the family he’s avoided for three years for publicity. His parents and siblings are nothing but welcoming, but Melody calls him on it. Brad can’t very well say he was too afraid to return to a place where everyone would hate him for killing Patrick. Only most people accept the past and still care for him. Only Melody and Patrick’s parents give him the hatred he’s sure he deserves, a fact that makes his reasons for coming all the more awkward.
This story is beautiful in how it handles not just their healing but that of Patrick’s parents, while Melody’s two boys are both part of the problem and the solution. They’re delightful, frustrating, and complex while remembering all the good times with Brad. A sign of Melody’s true nature is in how she didn’t spread her bitterness to her children so they have no reason to hate their godfather and are delighted to have him back in their lives.
Then there’s the main, underlying theme of not giving up your dreams to become what you think you should. This is an important one to me and I mourned along with much of the town when Melody denies her call to perform, only letting herself sing when it’s a way to make a few extra bucks in her time of need.
You can probably tell this is a lovely, complex novel (and I certainly haven’t told you everything), but there’s one thing more that makes this book stand out. The story didn’t demonize Patrick or her first marriage. It doesn’t give Melody the right to find first happiness by making her marriage to Patrick broken but rather allows for the possibility of second chances. That’s an important message, and one revealed not through a single brush stroke but through the very real struggle both of them feel when considering Patrick’s and everyone else’s feelings above their own.
This is a lovely, sweet, and clean romance about people with real problems who discover new love and the way to return to their dreams after surviving a nightmare. Between the themes and how they are handled, it demonstrates the possibility of coming back from the cliff and starting over in a beautiful, compelling way that stuck with me.
P.S. I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.
When Melody, Patrick, and Brad started out, it had been all about the music, and Melody and Patrick’s love for each other. She gave up singing to raise their two boys while her husband and his best friend forged ahead on the road to stardom. As much as she encouraged them, Melody’s concerns about Brad’s partying ways, especially about Brad’s influence when she wasn’t there, only grew. Life seemed perfect, though, until a little too much celebrating after getting a Nashville contract, combined with a snowstorm, ended Patrick’s life and everything with it.
Melody’s determined to prove she can make it on her own, working three jobs, and doing what she can to keep her boys happy. But at the core, she’s living in that moment when her Patrick didn’t come home, and blaming Brad for the accident, surviving, and continuing Patrick’s dream without him.
All was not exactly as Melody had seen it. Brad’s partying was as much to cover up his sense that Patrick and Melody had something he’d never found, but he loved his friends too much to let them see his jealousy. As much as Melody, he blames himself for the accident that took Patrick’s life and left him with severe injuries. He’s giving up drinking and was going to give up music until his therapist made him see punishing himself wouldn’t have been what Patrick wanted. Still, he feels the talent left their band first with Melody and then Patrick, leaving him a pretty face and a good voice but without the lyrics to make a difference.
The Mistletoe Melody is a lovely tale to keep the Christmas spirit going. It’s about the need to forgive and to embrace life even after tragedy. It starts three years after the car accident, but Melody’s stuck in that moment, throwing everything she’s got at being the best mother her fatherless children could have. She’s isolated herself through overwork and choice, though, and she’s failing. Problems at school and with the bank make it clear, but still she’s too stubborn to accept help when she believes it will come with “I told you so’s.”
It’s not a great time for Brad to reappear in her life. Even worse, he only came back because his publicist forced him, using the family he’s avoided for three years for publicity. His parents and siblings are nothing but welcoming, but Melody calls him on it. Brad can’t very well say he was too afraid to return to a place where everyone would hate him for killing Patrick. Only most people accept the past and still care for him. Only Melody and Patrick’s parents give him the hatred he’s sure he deserves, a fact that makes his reasons for coming all the more awkward.
This story is beautiful in how it handles not just their healing but that of Patrick’s parents, while Melody’s two boys are both part of the problem and the solution. They’re delightful, frustrating, and complex while remembering all the good times with Brad. A sign of Melody’s true nature is in how she didn’t spread her bitterness to her children so they have no reason to hate their godfather and are delighted to have him back in their lives.
Then there’s the main, underlying theme of not giving up your dreams to become what you think you should. This is an important one to me and I mourned along with much of the town when Melody denies her call to perform, only letting herself sing when it’s a way to make a few extra bucks in her time of need.
You can probably tell this is a lovely, complex novel (and I certainly haven’t told you everything), but there’s one thing more that makes this book stand out. The story didn’t demonize Patrick or her first marriage. It doesn’t give Melody the right to find first happiness by making her marriage to Patrick broken but rather allows for the possibility of second chances. That’s an important message, and one revealed not through a single brush stroke but through the very real struggle both of them feel when considering Patrick’s and everyone else’s feelings above their own.
This is a lovely, sweet, and clean romance about people with real problems who discover new love and the way to return to their dreams after surviving a nightmare. Between the themes and how they are handled, it demonstrates the possibility of coming back from the cliff and starting over in a beautiful, compelling way that stuck with me.
P.S. I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.
January 24, 2015
Melody Myers is a single mom of twin eight year old boys, Josh and David. It's been three years since her husband, Patrick, passed away in a car accident. Melody has been working three jobs to pay the bills however she's falling behind. Melody has finished up a three-month management-trainee program for 'Play Hard'. She has to pass the final test in order to promote and quit two of her jobs so she can spend more time with her sons. Along time ago she bigger dreams of a career in country music, which have faded away.
Brad Monroe, aka Brad Jackson, had left Brookhollow right after the car accident that took away his friend Patrick's life. He went on to be a famous county music singers who was chasing after an elusive #1 hit. Brad's publicist had booked him a spot on 'Home for the Holidays', which meant he would return home after a three year absence and have to face his past.
Melody had a very bad day, she received a foreclosure letter and she had to leave her management test before she finished because her son was suspended. To make matters worse that same evening Brad appears at her job, the man who was driving the car that ended her husband's life.
Brad tries his best to befriend Melody. Melody is unwilling to budge. She's sure that Brad was in town to only advance his career.
"This show, all of this local promotion crap, all you care about is yourself and your career. I bet you're not even planning to spend the holidays with your family. I bet you've never once considered helping out the tree farm, giving Troy a break during the busiest month of the year, instead of just showing up and making more work for them."
Brad decides to stay because it's the right thing to do and soon discovers Melody has been hiding her financial struggles. He wants to help Melody because he feels responsible for her situation and also because he's falling in love with her. Brad offers to take her to Nashville and she can stay with him so she can pursue her dreams. Melody declines because she boys come first and their history. She doesn't want to dishonor her late husband.
Melody is able to pay her overdue mortgage by selling her beloved microphone that was a gift from her late husband. The money also afforded her to buy her sons Christmas presents, which made up for any remorse. Before Brad left to Nashville, he dropped off gifts for Melody and her sons. After Melody opens her gift and finds a expensive, matching pair of gloves, she takes her first step at forgiving Brad.
This is a heart-warming story about two individuals who both lost the person they loved. Melody struggles to move forward leaving her and Brad's history behind. The past has been keeping her from true happiness, a music career and Brad. Brad needs the courage to return to the town he ran from. He suffers from survivors guilt however he continues to move on with his life. When Brad and Melody come together it evokes all types of emotions; anger, fear, resentment, and finally love. I really, really enjoyed this uplifting story. I cried, laughed and smiled. Jennifer Snow has done a wonderful job bringing us hope that no matter how difficult or challenging the past maybe, life can move forward it you give it a chance. ***** 5 Leaving The Past Behind Stars *****
Check out my blog, Reading Keeps Me Sane, for more Romance review.
http://readingkeepmesane.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @ReadKeepMeSane
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingKeeps...
Brad Monroe, aka Brad Jackson, had left Brookhollow right after the car accident that took away his friend Patrick's life. He went on to be a famous county music singers who was chasing after an elusive #1 hit. Brad's publicist had booked him a spot on 'Home for the Holidays', which meant he would return home after a three year absence and have to face his past.
Melody had a very bad day, she received a foreclosure letter and she had to leave her management test before she finished because her son was suspended. To make matters worse that same evening Brad appears at her job, the man who was driving the car that ended her husband's life.
Brad tries his best to befriend Melody. Melody is unwilling to budge. She's sure that Brad was in town to only advance his career.
"This show, all of this local promotion crap, all you care about is yourself and your career. I bet you're not even planning to spend the holidays with your family. I bet you've never once considered helping out the tree farm, giving Troy a break during the busiest month of the year, instead of just showing up and making more work for them."
Brad decides to stay because it's the right thing to do and soon discovers Melody has been hiding her financial struggles. He wants to help Melody because he feels responsible for her situation and also because he's falling in love with her. Brad offers to take her to Nashville and she can stay with him so she can pursue her dreams. Melody declines because she boys come first and their history. She doesn't want to dishonor her late husband.
Melody is able to pay her overdue mortgage by selling her beloved microphone that was a gift from her late husband. The money also afforded her to buy her sons Christmas presents, which made up for any remorse. Before Brad left to Nashville, he dropped off gifts for Melody and her sons. After Melody opens her gift and finds a expensive, matching pair of gloves, she takes her first step at forgiving Brad.
This is a heart-warming story about two individuals who both lost the person they loved. Melody struggles to move forward leaving her and Brad's history behind. The past has been keeping her from true happiness, a music career and Brad. Brad needs the courage to return to the town he ran from. He suffers from survivors guilt however he continues to move on with his life. When Brad and Melody come together it evokes all types of emotions; anger, fear, resentment, and finally love. I really, really enjoyed this uplifting story. I cried, laughed and smiled. Jennifer Snow has done a wonderful job bringing us hope that no matter how difficult or challenging the past maybe, life can move forward it you give it a chance. ***** 5 Leaving The Past Behind Stars *****
Check out my blog, Reading Keeps Me Sane, for more Romance review.
http://readingkeepmesane.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @ReadKeepMeSane
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingKeeps...
July 4, 2016
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
So nice to be back in Brookhollow with Melody, her twins and all the other family members and friends we’ve met throughout the first three books in the series. So glad there will be books five and six sometime next year!
While another heartwarming story with characters I’ve grown to love there was a lot of despair and darkness surrounding this story since Melody was a single mom struggling to make ends meet while having three jobs, twin boys to care for and a house in disrepair. When her husband, Patrick, died three years ago so did her dreams but she didn’t want anyone’s help and tried to do it all on her own. When his music partner and their friend, Brad, returns home after a three year absence Melody tries to avoid him at all costs. While Brad knows he should honor her wishes he knows he has to help her any way he can. Their chemistry was strong throughout no matter who was fighting the pull of it. When she and her mom had a heart to heart talk she was amazed to find out her parents true feelings regarding her marriage and her music career. She tended to feel awkward around her in-laws based on their feelings regarding their son’s music career and then his death due to an accident. Her mother in law shocked her when they had a special moment together and it made me feel warm and fuzzy.
There was lots of love and romance along with sadness, tears, angst, anger, happiness, disbelief and hope. There was a nice happily ever after in the offing that was unexpected but definitely welcomed and made me sigh at the end. While there wasn’t total closure and a few loose ends I know the story will pick up where it leaves off since that’s the way Snow has handled the other books in the series so far.
Snow is a wonderful author who writes of small towns and the love that can be found there. I look forward to reading many more of her books not only those in this series.
Book provided by the author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
So nice to be back in Brookhollow with Melody, her twins and all the other family members and friends we’ve met throughout the first three books in the series. So glad there will be books five and six sometime next year!
While another heartwarming story with characters I’ve grown to love there was a lot of despair and darkness surrounding this story since Melody was a single mom struggling to make ends meet while having three jobs, twin boys to care for and a house in disrepair. When her husband, Patrick, died three years ago so did her dreams but she didn’t want anyone’s help and tried to do it all on her own. When his music partner and their friend, Brad, returns home after a three year absence Melody tries to avoid him at all costs. While Brad knows he should honor her wishes he knows he has to help her any way he can. Their chemistry was strong throughout no matter who was fighting the pull of it. When she and her mom had a heart to heart talk she was amazed to find out her parents true feelings regarding her marriage and her music career. She tended to feel awkward around her in-laws based on their feelings regarding their son’s music career and then his death due to an accident. Her mother in law shocked her when they had a special moment together and it made me feel warm and fuzzy.
There was lots of love and romance along with sadness, tears, angst, anger, happiness, disbelief and hope. There was a nice happily ever after in the offing that was unexpected but definitely welcomed and made me sigh at the end. While there wasn’t total closure and a few loose ends I know the story will pick up where it leaves off since that’s the way Snow has handled the other books in the series so far.
Snow is a wonderful author who writes of small towns and the love that can be found there. I look forward to reading many more of her books not only those in this series.
September 22, 2018
Nice holiday story about forgiveness and remembering dreams. Melody lost her husband in a car accident that was caused by the drunk driving of his best friend. Now Brad is living she and her husbands former dream, and Melody is barely making ends meet.Will she forgive him for ruining her life? Can she? Will he forgive himself? Can her family and in-laws understand?I don't mind recommending this one. No sex, just a sweet story.
Read
October 28, 2014Miniseries: A Brookhollow Story
January 2, 2016
What a heartwarming Christmas story. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews