Candlelight Dreams

Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance #9

by Jessie Gussman

When an unexpected winter storm leaves Mistletoe Meadows in darkness, a young pastor and a widowed candle maker discover that sometimes the brightest light comes from the darkest moments...

Pastor Mark Stevens never imagined his first Christmas in Mistletoe Meadows would involve a power outage, a church full of stranded townspeople, and falling for a woman who wants nothing to do with opening her heart again. Taking over for beloved Pastor Johnson after forty years was intimidating enough without a natural disaster and a candlelight Christmas Eve service that threatens to become all too literal.

Olivia Winters has spent three years building walls around her heart while raising her twin boys and growing her handcrafted candle business since losing her military husband. The carefully structured life she's created leaves no room for dependence on others—especially not the too-kind, too-handsome new pastor who seems to be everywhere she turns.

When a devastating winter storm causes a town-wide power outage just weeks before Christmas, Mistletoe Meadows faces its greatest challenge. As the church becomes an emergency shelter, Mark and Olivia find themselves working side by side to care for the community. With her candles providing the only light and his steady presence offering unexpected comfort, Olivia's walls begin to crumble despite her determination to remain self-sufficient.

As Christmas approaches in cold and darkness, the light of unexpected love begins to glow. But when Olivia's estranged parents arrive for a surprise holiday visit and Mark struggles with filling his predecessor's shoes, they must decide if the fragile flame between them is strong enough to illuminate a future together.

Return one last time to beloved Mistletoe Meadows in this heartwarming conclusion to the series that reminds us that with faith, family, and community, even the smallest flame can light the darkest night.

Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber, RaeAnne Thayne, and Courtney Walsh, this emotional small-town romance concludes the beloved Mistletoe Meadows series with a touching story about finding hope and love when we least expect it—and most need it.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Inspirational

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2026

Reviews

[Gerrye · Rating 5 out of 5]

God was in this book from beginning to end! Pastor Mark gets a new church to lead, and does a fantastic job, all the while praying, and maybe wishing for a wife and children... God gives him his prayerful wish!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly inspirational and heartwarming. Mistletoe Meadows’ new pastor and a widowed single mom find more than community and faith at Christmastime. Pastor Mark has just taken over as pastor from his predecessor when he faces a major test of his faith and leadership. A monster blizzard is on its way and the church swill need to become a refuge for those who lose power and need a place to stay warm and fed. Pastor Mark rises to the occasion with the support of many in the congregation, including Olivia, the widowed mother of twin four year old boys. Even before she and her boys take refuge in the church, Olivia offers her candles and her services in preparing for the storm.

Losing her husband before her boys were born has shaken Olivia’s faith in God, but she does her best to say involved in the church for the sake of her boys. She turned her hobby of making candles into a business in order to pay the bills, but without the large orders of candles by the church for candlelight services at Christmas, her business will fail. Meeting the new pastor begins to change Olivia’s focus and outlook. Pastor Mark’s quiet counsel, companionship and understanding help her to see her life, and God’s hand in it, in a new light. Olivia brings new light and joy into Pastor Mark’s life too. He has long hoped to find a wife and have a family of his own, and now God has guided him toward Olivia and her boys.

The small town setting, the community gathering to support and care for each other in hardship and the sweet romance unfolding make this book engaging and inspiring. I whole heartedly recommend this book.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last great book in this series. The H is the new pastor of the local church. The h is a widow with twin 4 year old sons who owns her own candle making business which is located across the street from the church. The h makes unique candles that she created, one is a candle that smells like fresh baked bread. She donated one for the new pastor and it was lit just before he came home after he had moved the last of his possessions into his new home. There was also his hot supper set out for him. He is at first thrilled with the idea that he was to have fresh baked bread but on finding none he realized that it was the burning candle. As he works to meet his parishioners he meets the h and her twins and is drawn to them. Then the H and h get to know more about each other as they work to care for the town’s residents who seek shelter at the church when the power goes off during a snowstorm. After the storm some of the power is returned but the h lives in the side of town that is without power. When the power is restored the h finds out her furnace is not functioning, and it takes days to get it repaired. Through all this time the H and h get to know each other better and are drawn to each other. They get their HEA including reconciliation between the h and her parents. Recommend this book and series to everyone who enjoys Hallmark stories with characters you will love and support. Enjoy!

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candlelight Dreams ~Mistletoe Meadows #9 by Jessie Gussman

Jessie Gussman delivers yet another heartfelt and uplifting clean Christian romance with Candlelight Dreams, the ninth—and sadly final—book in the beloved Mistletoe Meadows series. Each story in this series somehow manages to outshine the last, and this one is no exception.

This tender romance follows Mark Stevens, the town’s new pastor, and Olivia Winters, a widowed mother raising her energetic twin boys while running her own candle-making business. Olivia is a wonderfully relatable heroine—strong, nurturing, and quietly carrying the weight of past loss—while Mark brings patience, faith, and gentle encouragement as he settles into both his new role and a new community.

Their story unfolds with warmth, faith-filled moments, and the comforting small-town charm that readers of Mistletoe Meadows have come to love. Themes of healing, second chances, and trusting God’s timing are beautifully woven throughout, making this romance both emotionally satisfying and spiritually uplifting.

While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the series, Candlelight Dreams is a fitting and lovely conclusion. Fans of clean Christian romance and small-town love stories will find this a truly memorable read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story with wonderful characters. The community will come together again when a severe winter storm leaves them without power. The new pastor, Mark Stevens feels like he has to prove himself to the community. He feels like he will have to measure up to the previous pastor who had served Mistletoe Meadows for over 40 years.

Pastor Mark is also asking the Lord for the woman who will be able to assist him in his new ministry. He feels drawn to a young widow with twin boys, Olivia Winters who owns the, local candle-making business. The crazy storm will throw them together as they work to take care of the many people taking shelter in the church.

Will Olivia be able to open her heart again after the loss of her military husband? Will she realize the Lord is sending her a man who will care for her and her two sons. Her boys never got to meet their father who was killed in a a training accident before being deployed.

This is a faith filled story with lots of spiritual insights.

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

[Linda Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candlelight Dreams
Mistletoe Meadows Series
By: Jessie Gussman

Mark Stevens is the new pastor in Mistletoe Meadows. He strives to always do God’s will but desires a family of his own. After losing both his parents within a week of each other he wants the joys and trials of his own family. Olivia has spent the last five years carving out a life for herself and her twin boys after an accident claimed her husband’s life. She wants to stand on her own which she has but she has also blamed God for allowing her husband to be taken.

Circumstances throw Mark and Olivia together during a blizzard. During those long hours of serving the congregation and community they see the parallels in their faith that couldn’t be denied. Jessie uses God’s Word and how it relates to the marriage commitment which is so encouraging to both young and older readers. You’ll find yourself thinking about the scripture and your application of it in your relationships. This is truly a beautiful book.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Trust in the Lord…” (Proverbs 3: 5) and be thankful!
Pastor Mark, newly appointed to Mistletoe Meadows, is faced with a challenging situation soon after his arrival, when a severe winter storm is predicted, potentially putting lives in danger.
Olivia, a widow with four-year-old twins, is one of the first residents Mark makes contact with, ordering candles for the impending Christmas Eve service.
Mark and Olivia’s burgeoning relationship could be used as a Bible Study by readers as their discussions focus on showing trust and gratitude in God’s leadership, instead of questioning the difficulties in their lives, an aspect both characters agree on while occasionally being tested with their doubts. Marjorie McBride, the much-loved matriarch of the town, plays quite a significant role in this final book of the series, sharing the same beliefs with Olivia. Some of the marital views the author shares appear somewhat outdated but are vindicated by Mark.
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Pastor Mark leaves the church he started to relocate as pastor in Mistletoe Meadows, he feels uprooted and alone, but the Lord has a plan. Olivia is a widow with three-year-old twin boys. She has her own business, but she would really prefer to be a wife and stay-at-home mom, supporting her husband in his business. She loves the Lord and doing His work, but her time is limited with her efforts to support her family. Will the Lord create a new family from these lonely people?

This is a lovely book with godly principles. I love the way Jessie Gussman weaves scriptural principles into her stories. The people of the town make you want to visit – or move there.

Favorite quotes: “The older I get, the more I realize that the point of my life here is not to make myself happy, but to live for Jesus.”
“After all, God gave him the principles in the Bible, and if he lived his life according to those, he would probably remain in God’s will.”


I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, hopeful finale to this excellent faith-based series. I needed to be reminded that when God interrupts your plans, He has a better plan or purpose in store. Sometimes it is hard to get on board when everything seems to be going wrong but Christians can always count on God to remain true to his character of being loving and wise in everything. I loved seeing how Pastor Mark and Olivia found one another in the midst of a terrible snowstorm that closed down their town and brought congregants together in search of shelter. Their attitudes of acceptance and helping others through their difficulties helped them to see that they might be a compatible couple. I admired how they took their time to pray and see if God was bringing them together instead of rushing ahead to pursue their mutual attraction. This book can be read as a standalone but I encourage readers to start at the beginning of the series if they can for full enjoyment. Highly recommend! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman never fails to come through with lovely, inspirational Christmas stories that are both romantic and Biblically instructive. This sweet book focuses on the new pastor for Mistletoe Meadows, Mark Stephens. He is single and a bit overwhelmed with his new, larger congregation. Across the street, Olivia is struggling to keep her candle-making business going to support her twin sons. Her late husband was a Marine killed in combat a few years ago, and her struggles make her doubt her faith. Since she supplies the candles for the Christmas Eve service, she soon meets Mark.

Jessie effectively uses the motif of candlelight as a metaphor for Christ’s light shining in the darkness and how we as Christians should be shining our light. The romance between Mark and Olivia moves slowly through the issues of him dating a congregant and Olivia’s need to overcome grief and doubt. It is a sweet and emotional story and a delightful Christmas and/or winter book to read.

I received this book as an advanced reader copy for free, and I am volunteering my honest opinion.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean Christian romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Olivia is a widowed mom of two who makes candles to support herself. Mark is the new pastor at the Mistletoe Meadows church. He arrives at his new home and dinner has been set up. He smells bread, but realizes it is a candle. He keeps asking God for a wife, but one has not been provided yet. Olivia is struggling financially and is hoping that the church ill still want her candles. This keeps her afloat. As they get to know each other, there is something there. Is God finally providing a wife and family for Mark?

I enjoyed the storyline and how there are many bible quotations and prayers. The characters are not perfect, but trying to live like Jesus. I enjoy the clean and wholesome story line. It was a really good story. It makes me want to be a better Christian after reading this.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was a very good book. I liked the way Pastor Mark was so honest with himself and in his prayers as well. He talked to God like as man talks to a friend, and that's just what God wants. Mark is open and vulnerable about his desires and his fears, and also humble and willing to trust God to meet his needs.
Olivia is carrying some bitterness towards God,and towards her parents. She's also focused on her boys and her business, so she doesn't seem like a good choice for a pastor's wife. But she is kind, and loving, and hardworking. She knows her Bible and is an encouraging person. They get to watch one another at work while they support their community through a snow storm, and are drawn to one another. This is a sweet, realistic, low drama love story that I enjoyed very much. This is an HEA, and it can be enjoyed without having to read the whole series. Thank you to the author and publisher for this advance copy. All the opinions are my own.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really loved this whole series. We finally get to meet and know Noah’s friend, Pastor Mark. Being a pastor’s wife myself, I felt like this book resonated. I understood Olivia’s fears and even the reality she had to grapple with of sharing your husband with the whole town, but at the same time being proud of his service to Christ. I loved the continued emphasis that a pastor ought to put his family second, after God but before the congregation. I’ve seen many pastors (not my hubby) get caught up in serving the church and forget their families.
I don’t want to spoil how Mark and Olivia notice and grow toward each other, but it was beautifully done. The guest room situation is the only thing that made me take a step back, but maybe that works in a small town, or is just helpful as a plot device. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it brought back many memories of hubby & I in our early days.

I received an ARC and this review is my own.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean, inspirational, contemporary romance with a happy-ever-after. This is the 9th and final story in the Mistletoe Meadows series.

Mark is the new pastor in Mistletoe Meadows. Olivia is a widow, doing her best to raise twins Aiden and Ethan, on her own.

A massive blizzard hits Mistletoe Meadows and the town loses power. To stay warm and safe the town folk all congregate in the church where there is a generator to provide heat and warm meals.

During this time Mark and Olivia spend time discussing marriage principles as set out in the Bible. They each have their own ideas about what is expected from each of them. Are their ideas too far apart? Or can they compromise enough to be happy if they marry?

One line I liked: "...his heart started to beat faster and something like anticipation tangled through his chest."

I was given an eARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, Christian contemporary romance set at Christmastime. Pastor Mark has recently taken over as the pastor of the small town church in Mistletoe Meadows, Virginia, though he has been involved with the community for some time. When a winter storm hits something fierce and the town loses power, he opens the church up for the community to stay in. Olivia is a single mom (her military husband died years ago) who has 4-year-old twin boys. Mark and Olivia find themselves drawn to each other and we get to see the sweetness of their actions and hearts throughout this period of need and service. There are a lot of good, Biblical truths in this story. Forgiveness, commitment, and second chances are a few of my favorite themes in this book. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 

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

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candlelight Dreams is the ninth, and final book in the Mistletoe Meadows series by Jessie Gussman featuring new pastor Mark, military widow Olivia, and her twin boys -- so ADORABLE! This story is the perfect finale to the series. The winter storm, the community gathered together in the church as they wait out the blizzard, and the blossoming interest and romance between Mark and Olivia kept me reading late into the night. And I discovered something...I think I want to live in Mistletoe Meadows! I don't live in a community that would pitch in the way this story was written. Kudos to Jessie Gussman for writing this story and series portraying what our communities could (should?) strive for. I'm coming away from this series better for it, and with some ideas for building community here where I live. Thank you, Jessie Gussman!!!!

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Mark Steven’s was hired to replace Pastor Johnson after his 40 years of service. Pastor Mark’s previous church didn’t have a very big congregation so he was concerned about replacing Pastor Johnson. He had to get an order put in for candles for the candlelight services and that is when he meant Olivia. Olivia had four year old twin boys she was raising on her own due to her military husband getting killed. When they are preparing for Christmas services electricity was knocked out. Luckily, the church had a generator so the people could stay at the church. Mark started getting close to Olivia while helping her with the candle orders and during the electrical outage. Olivia was estranged from her family but maybe a miracle will happen.
I am sad this series is over.

I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was truly delightful and insightful. A young minister, Pastor Mark arrives at his new church that seems pretty dark on the outside of the parsonage but as he steps through the door the smell of baked bread and a bright candle remind him that “the brightest light often comes from the darkest moments.” That set the tone for the rest of the story. A pastor who puts others first in all circumstances and is willing to allow God to direct his path to the woman he should marry. Mark faces a lot of first with his new church and through the unexpected winter storm, housing fellow townspeople in the church building, and his growing love for a certain widow. Filled with sound principles regarding choosing a spouse and right living, it leaves one with much to think about as the last page is turned.
R. Fody
12-18-25

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark is the new pastor in town and nervous about being successful. Next door to the parsonage is Olivia a widow with two young sons. Olivia works very hard at her business to keep her family above water. It is December and the storm of the century hits their little town. Mark has a generator at the church so he quickly outfits the church with food and supplies and cots etc to welcome those who need the place to stay. Amidst the storm Mark and Olivia learn to rely on one another for help. They eventually realize their feelings for one another and discuss in depth what that would mean for each of them and the boys. Mark is one of my favorite characters in this series and I loved them together!

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman has a real knack for delivering faith-filled romance with lovable characters and Book 9 of the Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance series does not disappoint. When a major snow storm hits Mistletoe Meadows and knocks out all power to the town, Oliver is forced to seek shelter for herself and her twin sons at the local Church. Mark is the new preacher. As they navigate the storm and care for the town's misplaced residents, love blossoms.

I received an ARC of this book, but the thoughts and rating are my own. If you love a good, clean, faith-filled romance this is your book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful visit to Mistletoe Meadows.
After losing his parents Mark Stevens moves to town as the new Pastor. While praying for a family of his own he meets Olivia, a widow with twin sons who has some resentment toward God for taking her husband from her.
Can Pastor Mark bring Olivia back into the church and help her realize everything is in God's hands even when we don't agree or understand the reason for it. And can Olivia help Pastor Mark with the family he's always wanted.
As always this story has a lesson in God's faith and believing he knows what is best for us.
I was honored to read an arc and this is my honest opinion.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean Christmas love story.

A severe winter storm brings many of Mistletoe Meadows' residents to the church for shelter and warmth, including Olivia and her twin boys. Pastor Mark is still getting to know everyone in his new congregation. He has been asking God to help him find a wife.

Olivia questions God’s plan for leaving her a widow and her twin boys fatherless. Her candle shop is their only income. Pride makes it hard to accept help from the community, but with no electricity and no heat, the church across the street is a warm refuge.

This gentle, Christian romance warmed my heart. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series and book! Between caring for her twin four-year-old boys and running the business that supports them, Olivia has no leisure time to even think about finding someone to share their lives. As a young, single pastor, Mark has no time to meet someone to share his life and have a family. But when God says something is right—and the people are seeking His guidance He can make it happen. Even if it takes a blizzard and power outage! Jessie Gussman brings it all to life and you will be encouraged by the heart felt words of this story. So get a blanket and some hot chocolate and enjoy this inspirational romance!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olivia was a widow and mother of twin four year old boys who had never known their father. She was estranged from her parents who hadn't approved of her marriage.
Mark was the new pastor in town, feeling alone since his parents had passed, and why hadn't God provided him a wife and family?
This book was so full of Christian ethics and kind acts of service - of people working to be like Jesus. I especially enjoyed the conversations that took place. Mark was so kind and natural at his ministry. Olivia had been doing the best she could in her life providing for her family. She was also able to look at how she could be better. This book was uplifting and inspiring.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candlelight Dreams

Another wonderfully amazing faith based book by Jessie Gussman! It is bittersweet to end the series. Pastor Mark Stevens has helped with the secret Saint project for a few years and now he is taking over the pastorate after their pastor of 40 years retires to spend time with his family. In doing his duties he meets the charming widow with twin boys who makes candles and sell them. Olivia Winters has been raising her twin boys alone. Her husband had died in a training accident while in the military so she only has the income from her candle making business to take care of her small family. I recommend you read their story.

[M Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet, uplifting romance by Jessie that was the perfect read for a wet afternoon. Pastor Mark arrives and settles into his new church in Mistletoe Meadows. There he meets Olivia, a war widow, and her two cute four year olds, Aiden and Ethan. When a massive snow storm takes out the power, people seek refuge in the church hall with its generator. As Mark and Olivia take care of the assembled people, they are drawn to each other and their strong faith shines through this enjoyable narrative.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming back to Mistletoe Meadows and continuing with the people in this community is just like visiting home again. We see two more people paired together, with the help of God's leading and guidance. So much of our life is planned by Our GOD when we think it is our decision or our dilemma.
When the candle maker and the pastor meet then GOD shows His will in their lives, for the better. I love the spiritual guidance throughout this particular story. It is like several mini sermons. What a wonderful building tool. I certainly appreciate it and learn from it.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could go wrong for Pastor Mark during his first Christmas in Mistletoe Meadows? How about a severe snow storm, a power outage, and a church full of people that need shelter and food. This is the next installment in the Mistletoe Meadows series and I loved it. I really hate to see this series end. It has been so much fun to read. Pastor Mark and Olivia, the local candle maker, work to help the people of Mistletoe Meadows. And, could a little romance be involved as well? I highly recommend this book.
I did receive a copy of the book from the author, but this review is my own opinion.

[AugustRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and uplifting story set in charming Mistletoe Meadows. Mark, the town’s new pastor, finds himself leading with faith and compassion when a devastating storm turns the church into a shelter for the entire community. Through hardship and generosity, this story beautifully highlights second chances born from forgiveness and love. The encouragement woven throughout is truly inspiring, and the twin boys add such sweetness and lighthearted charm. A comforting read that reminds us how God uses difficult moments to bring people together.

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman's Candlelight Dreams and a cup of hot tea is a sweet escape during the bustle and busyness of life! Jessie writes about characters that I could see myself becoming friends with in real life! Mark and Olivia are both so relatable with their struggles and insecurities, their dreams and secret hopes. I appreciate how faith and their relationship with Jesus is the foundation in which they both choose to live. It feels real, not preachy. Candlelight Dreams gave me a time of refreshment and a gentle reset to jump back into the activity of the season!