The Healing Holiday

by Heather B. Moore

Winter 1981

A shocking discovery. A thirty-year secret. A holiday that will change them forever.
Daniela Jacobs never expected to find the surprise of her life when cleaning out her mother’s home. But the adoption papers she discovers tucked away in a dresser drawer are no figment of her imagination. With a heart aching with questions, she calls every number in the phone book that matches her biological mother’s name—Sylvia Burton.

When Sylvia receives a phone call from a woman identifying herself as the daughter she placed for adoption thirty years before, Sylvia wonders if she can reconcile her former decisions with her present life. The hole in her heart has never truly healed, but the secrets of her past have become so buried that she fears bringing them to light will upset the fragile threads of her marriage.

More books by Heather B. Moore

THE HEALING
The Healing Summer
The Healing Garden
The Healing Holiday

EVERLY FALLS
Just Add Romance
Just Add Mischief
Just Add Friendship
Just Add Mistletoe

PINE VALLEY
Worth the Risk
Where I Belong
Say You Love Me
Waiting for You
Finding Us
Until We Kissed
Let's Begin Again
All For You

PROSPERITY RANCH
One Summer Day
Steal My Heart
Not Over You
Seasoned with Love
Take a Chance

ALISO CREEK
Picture Perfect
Third Time’s the Charm
The Daisy Chain
Lost then Found
One Chance

FALLING
Falling for Sydney
Falling for Maria
Falling for June
Falling for Lucy

TANGERINE STREET ROMANCE
The Fortune Café
The Boardwalk Antiques Shop
The Mariposa Hotel
Delilah's Desserts

THE NEWPORT LADIES BOOK CLUB
Athena
Ruby’s Secret
Tying the Knot

HISTORICAL
Love is Come
An Ocean Away
A Fortunate Exile
A Season in London
Mail Order Bride
Heart of the Ocean
Power of the Matchmaker
Twelve Months
The Duke's Brother

TIMELESS ROMANCE
Winter Collection
Spring Vacation Collection
Summer Wedding Collection
California Dreamin’ Collection
Valentine’s Day Collection
And more…!

ABOUT THE
Heather B. Moore is a USA today bestselling author who writes sweet romance. Under H.B. Moore she writes historicals & thrillers. Under Jane Redd, she writes Young Adult. There are more than 9,000 5-star reviews for Heather's books on Goodreads!

Genres: Christmas, Clean Romance, Adoption

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.

Her ancient era historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes historical women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Website: HBMoore.com
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Facebook: Fans of Heather B. Moore
And yes, the Blog still lives: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Literary honors: 2020 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist, Foreword 2020 INDIES Finalist, ALA Best New Books - September 2020, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner.

Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story full of tender moments and healing. It's truly a beautiful story. I've loved every book in this Healing series. And just as the titles say, they are full of healing. I love watching these characters struggling and being able to find hope and joy and healing in their hearts and lives. And in the lives of their loved ones.

Daniela is a really sweet character that you will be able to easily connect with, just due to her nature and kindness. I loved watching her as her story unfolded and seeing how even though she could have been completely overwhelmed, she handled everything with grace and patience. And love. I could read more books with her being the main female character.

Sylvia is another intriguing character. She struggles with loss from her past and trying to find the way forward and having joy in the good things in her life. I loved her family so so so much!!! Her daughter is a little much at times but even then, she has a good heart and loves others.

Jay is just wonderful! The chemistry between him and Dani (Daniela) was very sweet. Watching them interact together just had me smiling. They are a perfect fit! I loved seeing them working together at his ranch and with his daughter. Adorable! And with the stray dog, especially when the dog needed to be cleaned! Hahaha! The stolen glances, the offered support, the understanding, the friendship, and of course the love! *Happy Sigh*

I'm hoping that there will be more books in this series. If you haven't read any, I highly recommend all of the books. They are set in the 1980s and some of the books have small connections with characters but not anything where you have to read them in order. Read them all, or pick just one!

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further. Talk of adoption and loss of family members.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect read for the holiday season...cozy, heartfelt, and full of unexpected depth. I didn’t realize how many emotional layers this story would have, but it turned out to be absolutely wonderful.

As Dani packs up her childhood home, she uncovers a life changing secret: she was adopted. With her mother now gone, Dani must not only prepare to sell the house but also face the truth about her family. Her search for her biological parents takes her on a journey of self discovery and healing.

At the same time, we follow Sylvia, who is struggling with her marriage and adjusting to life as an empty nester during the holidays. When Dani reaches out, their connection sets off a series of changes that bring growth, forgiveness, and hope to both women. Along the way, Dani even begins to open her heart to new possibilities, and maybe even love.

What I loved most about this story was how one secret could touch so many lives in such a positive way. It wasn’t just about one person’s transformation, but about several characters learning to face their pasts and find a way forward from heartache to hope and healing. I definitely need to read more books in this series!

I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Sabryne Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this new upcoming novel by Heather B. Moore. The journey you go through with Dani is so heartwarming you find yourself unable to stop reading. A perfect cozy winter-self discovery-with romance.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this series! And that they are set in the 80’s makes is so much better! This particular story was so beautiful with its tender subject matter and I loved it! Enjoy!

Thanks to the author for this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

the Healing Holiday
((The Healing Series Book 3)
by: Heather B. Moore
@authorhbmoore

••ARC Review: 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

~A shocking discovery. A thirty-year secret. A holiday that will change them forever…

-the Healing Holiday, is a dear story that sets place in the Autumn of 1981. This is a dear story of unexpected surprises that opens a heart aching with questions and holes never truly healed within, leading characters on quite a heartfelt journey. I thoroughly was intrigued and engaged within this story. I loved watching hearts transform with. From heartbreak to heartwarming moments, there is more hope, more healing, more resolve, more peace, more support, more love, and more happiness within. This story beautifully emphasizes that, we all carry wounds, and we all need healing. Having a support system means we don’t have to carry burdens all alone. We can’t go back but we can move forward! This is a dear story worth the reading.🙌🏻📚❤️

“Time with you matters.”

•Content: death of loved ones, unplanned pregnancy (in past; mentioned on page), divorce, adoption, abuse (in past; mentioned on page) difficult family situations-all handled with such care, no language, someone gets punched; kisses only.

“I just need you.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Don’t ever think that you need to carry burdens on your own.”

#thehealingholiday
#thehealingseries
#authorhbmoore
#allaboutthebestreads

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming Christmas story with a shocking secret was like a cozy mug of steaming hot chocolate on a wintry day, settling into my heart and soul with all the warmth of the season. Set in a slightly simpler time of the 1980s in the Pacific Northwest, this holiday book holds secrets, complex relationships, and all the healing that can be managed during this family-oriented time of year.

I loved the way Moore pulls together the several branches of the plot in an intricate package of emotions and events. I admired the characters, especially Dani, Sylvia, and Jay, while another one was a little over-the-top for my taste. 🤣 But the relationships felt real and valid, and all lead to the natural progression of the storyline. Add in a golden retriever? Yes, I was completely sold.

If an inspiring and touching Christmas story is on your list, be sure to add this title.

Content: adoption; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good holiday story filled with healing and new beginnings!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all carry wounds that need healing
A wonderful book about allowing acceptance to heal wounds being carried. After losing her mother, Daniela or Dani, is shocked to discover that she was adopted. Wondering about the names on the birth certificate she found, she sets out on a journey to connect with her biological family finding much more than she ever expected and opening doors no one had seen. With each discovery hearts are given a chance to heal and new relationships can be formed, if acceptance and love are given a chance. A book you are sure to enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun story with Dani and Jay and little Polly. Dani had so many major changes in her life but I was glad when Jay could be there to support her. It's a great story about family and life's choices. This is a super sweet, clean romance.

[Jodi Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Healing Holiday by Heather B. Moore is a beautiful story of forgiveness, healing, hope, acceptance, second chances, and love. I enjoyed every minute of reading this thought-provoking and tender book.

The story focused on Daniela as she finds papers in her late mother’s home that reveal she was adopted at birth. As Daniela grabbles with this world shattering news, she decides to reach out to the woman named on her birth certificate Sylvia Burton. The story follows Daniela and Sylvia as they meet again and begin a relationship.

Moore handled the topic of adoption with so much grace and hope. The story takes place in 1981, so the taboo of being an unwed mother in the 1950s was also addressed. I loved how these topics were written with so much love and understanding.

I loved seeing how Sylvia’s husband and children embraced Daniela and her relationship to Sylvia. Moore captured all the ups and downs and unknowns of Daniela getting to know her new family. It was so well done.

The story focuses on Sylvia and Daniela’s relationship, but Moore didn’t forget to add some romance into the mix. When Daniela joins Sylvia’s family for a Christmas getaway, she meets Jay and his daughter Polly. Sparks fly immediately between Daniela and Jay. Their romance is sweet and real and so full of hope. I loved how their relationship complemented the main story, it flowed beautifully.

I adored this sweet story of hope and healing. Moore did a wonderful job of creating a love story that was both a romance and a family love story. It was so well done.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniela has just lost her mother and is a little lost herself. While cleaning out her mother's home she comes across some adoption papers for her. She is shocked! She never knew she was adopted. She contacts her father and finds out he is actually her step father. All things are coming at her at once. She decides to locate her birth mother and find out more.
Sylvia has always been low around Thanksgiving. It is because she gave up a baby that was born near then. While struggling with her relationship with her husband she gets a phone call from Daniela and has some decisions to make. After sharing with her husband and children about Daniela her relationships in her family grow stronger. She decides to include her in their family Christmas get away.
Daniela is just learning to navigate this new family she has been granted. While at the resort she meets Jay whom has a daughter and is running this family resort and trying to find his happiness as well. Together they learn to trust and share and help each other.
I was given an ARC of this book and left my review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of the books in The Healing Series have been wonderful, and The Healing Holiday has followed suit. No surprise here because Heather B. Moore is one of my favorite authors.

From the start, I sensed the deep emotion, grief, courage, and love. Dani Jacobs just lost her mom and has the hard task of cleaning her house. While clearing the house, she finds her own adoption papers. Dani had no clue she was adopted. Early chapters hit close to home. My mom passed in 2023. I found my birth family in 2020, but I always knew I was adopted. Dani's pain tugged at my heart. She wrestled with her mom's loss, plus the adoption shock. Heather captures feelings so deeply. You live them with the characters. Emotions swung high and low for Dani and her birth mom, Sylvie.

I loved to see Dani's bond grow with her birth mom, Sylvia. They found pure joy in each other, but they both had many hurdles to overcome. The story needs a charming guy, too—Jay, the lodge owner. His six-year-old daughter, Polly, steals every scene with her cuteness. Every moment with them made me smile. Dani's arrival in their lives made it even better. Love grew between them so easily, and there were also many humorous things along the way.

The Healing Holiday lives up to its name as characters face their pasts, find forgiveness, and begin to heal. It’s a perfect Christmas read, taking you on an emotional journey of a family that comes together in a way that truly brings joy.

[Nashellej · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read! Cozy and wonderful and would be perfect to read over the holidays. Lots of healing, lots of happiness, and lots of delight.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

forgiveness, healing, & hope

The Healing Holiday by Heather B. Moore is a heartfelt story of forgiveness, healing, hope, acceptance, second chances, and love. It is a truly touching tale of healing. After losing her mother, Dani discovers a hidden document that profoundly changes her life: she was adopted. As she searches for her birth mother, Dani is given the precious opportunity to join a new family and, during a Christmas holiday, create one of her own. I was moved by how many lives were transformed and how much healing unfolded. The story features a loving, imperfect family, a sweet child with a dad with his own past, a stray dog, and all the ingredients for a warm, uplifting holiday story filled with healing and the promise of new beginnings.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of the TV show Relative Races, which connects adoptees with their birth families, I was very intrigued by the premise of this book. I liked seeing Dani connect with her family and the various perspectives from different family members and how it affected them. Dani and Jay's romance with Jay was an added bonus. This a nice story to quick off some holiday reading.

I read a DRC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that December’s here, I’m excited for all the wonderful Christmas romances! The Healing Holiday certainly fits the bill with a swoon worthy single dad romance, found family, & a heartfelt adoption storyline that really grabbed hold of my heart. Set in the 1980’s, I loved returning to my childhood days when things were a lot simpler. It’s a charming, romantic story with several twists along the way.

Nearing her 30th birthday, Daniela “Dani” Jacobs discovers an earth shattering secret when going through her newly deceased mother’s things. She finds an envelope containing her adoption papers. Dani never knew she was adopted & this new revelation throws her world upside down. Luckily, her birth mother Sylvia lives nearby & they’re able to reconnect. But, Sylvia must find the courage to tell her family about Dani. With the holidays approaching, they all decide to spend Christmas together at a quaint ranch in the woods co-owned by a hunky single dad. As attraction blooms, Dani has to decide if she’s willing to compete with her extremely outgoing, newly found little sister for his attention while also trying to piece together her new life.

I loved Dani & Jay! Both have messy, complicated lives, but the attraction between them was magnetic. I loved getting to know Jay’s five year old daughter Polly & seeing her sweet relationship with her dad & the one she’s building with Dani. Jay’s charming & patient yet persistent. I loved all the moments he spends with Dani whether washing a very dirty stray dog, making an early breakfast, or being a soft place for her to fall. All the fun Christmas moments were so enjoyable too.

There’s a lot of twists in the story & I enjoyed reading from several points of view as Jay, Dani, & Sylvia have to come to terms with their pasts. It’s a sweet, heartwarming story that’s perfect for the holiday season. Though part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone. It was fun though catching up with a few characters from previous books.

Highly recommend to no spice romance & better than Hallmark fans! I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Winter 1981
In the winter of 1981, Daniela Jacobs uncovers long-buried adoption papers that lead her on a desperate search for the mother who gave her up thirty years earlier. When that call finally reaches Sylvia Burton, both women must face whether reopening the past can heal old wounds or shatter the lives they have carefully built.

MY TAKE
This is a charming and touching story. Dani's journey is a great one (and it's fortunate that it ends up well because they don't always), though it's not an easy one. But it demonstrates so well the things that we are told as kids that are either untrue, half-truths (because we're too young to understand), or things we just didn't understand.

There's one particularly touching scene to me when Dani is talking to her father. In the very beginning, we're not led to think very highly of him, so when she reaches out to him to find out more about the adoption papers, we find out there's so much more going on. And that he's actually her stepfather and not the dad who adopted her with her mom. When he broke down, my heart just ached for him. Stepparents can learn to love their stepkids so much, and a divorce can cast them aside like so much trash, and they have nothing to say about it. I was glad when he and Dani reconciled.

And Dani's birth mom... I loved Sylvia. What a tough position she was in when she gave up her daughter and continued to grieve for her for all those years. I was so worried her distant husband would be awful about it, but he showed up for her, and I loved how they finally talked. When he affirmed that he was in it for the long haul (or some such), I could have kissed him myself. lol

Jay and his daughter were a delight, and he's such a great guy. His romance with Dani was swoony even with the sister complication.

This was a lovely holiday read.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Healing Holiday is the kind of story that sneaks up on you—quiet at first, then suddenly you realize you're fully invested in the characters and what happens to them. As Daniela (Dani) clears out her late mother’s home so it can be sold, she discovers adoption papers. Her adoption papers! After the shock wears off, she decides to find and hopefully meet her birth mother.

Sylvia Burton has never forgotten about the daughter she gave up for adoption 30 years ago. The baby no one knows about—not her husband or her parents. When she meets Dani, Sylvia knows she has to tell her husband, but is unsure how he'll react, as their relationship has been struggling.

I loved everything about Dani! The way she handled the shock of finding out she was adopted, how she got along with everyone (especially Kim, who got on my nerves a little) at the family reunion, and especially all the scenes with Jay and his daughter, Polly.

I liked the multiple POV and seeing both sides of the story. Both Daniela’s need for answers and Sylvia’s fear felt so real. The idea of finally facing a thirty-year-old decision and risking the life you’ve built since felt so emotional and heartbreaking. I really liked that Sylvia and her husband's relationship improved after she told him her long-held secret. It's like the secret was a wedge between them and it had been removed.

This isn’t a big, dramatic holiday romance with bells and bows. It’s quiet and reflective. The holiday setting adds warmth, but the focus is on healing, forgiveness, and whether it’s ever too late to tell the truth. If you like emotional, character-driven stories that feel real and leave you thinking long after you’re done, this one is worth your time.

I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the healing series. I didn't think the books were all closely related, but I did end up reading this one out of order and it does reference (briefly) some characters from The Healing Garden, but I don't think anything would be a major spoiler to that story. The entire series is set in the 1980s, which I had to keep reminding myself while reading. The book reads well even as a more contemporary time setting; I just kept forgetting that it was set in the 1980s instead of in the 200os! Then a random detail would remind me. ha ha! The focus of this book is on Dani discovering after her mother's death that she actually was adopted at birth and was never told and how she finds her birth family and they all heal and learn to connect and grow relationships with one another, around Christmastime. As I was adopted, even though I don't ever actually remember my parents having a conversation with me telling me specifically that, I've just always known, and I have also in recent years found and reconnected and worked on relationships with my own birth family, I could see parallels to the time period and how adoptions were handled back then (versus now) and how the healing between different family members is handled and takes place. Having the three points-of-view of the story shift between Dani, her birth mother Sylvia, and her newfound romantic interest Jay was a bit much for me. I think a lot of Jay's details could have been blended into Dani's chapters and the story focus more on Sylvia and Dani's developing relationship. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded up.

Content: Clean

***I received a complimentary digital copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.***

[The Sunshine Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and cozy holiday read, perfect for a wintry day!

Dani doesn’t expect to get the surprise of a lifetime while prepping her mom’s house for sale. But when she accidentally stumbles upon her own birth certificate- a birth certificate that does NOT include her parents’ names on it- she realizes that her whole world as she knows it is about to change.

I loved the whole premise of the story, especially after having family members who were adopted! There are so many unexpected blessings and complications that can result for such a family dynamic, and I feel like Heather explored that really well in this book. I also loved that so many people and relationships were healed throughout the course of the story. This was the exact warm and cozy read I was craving after a rather heart-stopping fantasy read.

While lightly Christmas, this is also a great read for after Christmas, when everyone is cold and cranky and craving some cheer. Although this is a series, it can be read as a stand alone (this was my first book of hers from the healing series!) There’s some flirty and cute romance interwoven without, although I would put it more in the women’s fiction genre than the romance one. More than anything, I was just happy to see so many people get their own versions of a happily ever after.

Overall, a great read!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of love, loss, and healing. I really enjoyed this sweet book about a lifelong secret that ends up bringing more family into a young woman's life. There are some lovely characters, including an adorable 5 year old, a wife and mother who is missing an important piece of her heart, a compassionate and understanding husband, a single father doing his best, and a hardworking hairstylist dealing with grief, to name a few. I had a hard time with Kim. The other characters dealt with her a lot more patiently than I probably would have. I cringed almost every time she spoke, ha! The cover is lovely. It gives a sense of comfort and peace. The story flowed really well and came together beautifully. I looked forward to each new chapter, told from a different character's perspective. This is Book 3 in the Healing series, but they can be read in any order. You will recognize a character from the second story in this one, though. It was neat to see a bit of that come into this book. I definitely recommend this cozy story that can be read at any time, but may especially be enjoyable to read during the holidays.

[Korbie Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone else end up reading Christmas books through February because December is too short/busy to fit in all the Christmas reads?! I’ve been finishing up several the last while, and honestly, definitely a practice I’d recommend - it brightens February considerably!!!

The Healing Holiday is the perfect sort of comfort read! The story pulled me in right from the beginning, and everything about the story felt very gentle. Dani’s journey to finding her birth parents after unexpectedly discovering she’d been adopted felt both real and so very hopeful! I appreciated the grace with which Moore addressed the complexities of adoption; it felt balanced between acknowledging both the positives and the negatives, while being well balanced with the overall plot. Adoption is a complicated topic and it was clear to me that the author respects the complexity.

I enjoyed reading a book set in the near past as well. There are so many little details of our lives that changes between the 80s and today, and it was so much fun to be immersed in those differences as I read!

Overall a lovely read! Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet story and series just gives you the happy feeling of love. Not just romance, but family, pets, new friends and family members, and even people you’ve just met.

No overly dramatic moments or rollercoaster rides, just reality that leads (eventually) to happiness. Is there a problem to overcome and learn from? Certainly. Is it heartbreaking and shocking? Goodness, yes! Do you feel for the characters and want to cheer for them? 100%! You really feel their frustration and pain, and follow them on their journey to healing.

While cleaning out her childhood home after the death of her mother, Daniela makes a shocking discovery. A secret that has been kept for 30 years and will change several lives. To avoid spoilers, I will only say that sometimes what seems like horrible news can turn into positive situations. Bumps and surprises are never what we search for, but if we open our minds and our hearts to new people and situations- it will work out better in the end.

Set in the early 1980’s the story which is part of a series of 3, can also be read alone.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the start, The Healing Holiday was instantly engaging and felt familiar. While tragic, this story was also a calming escape during a rather stressful time in my life. It made me thankful for the many blessings I have in my life and reminded me that no matter how bleak things can seem, there is always a light.

This novel took a few turns I wasn’t expecting, which continued to keep things interesting. I felt invested in these characters and truly wanted to see where their stories led. The ending was predictable but pretty darn sweet. It was nice seeing someone who had endured so much get such a perfect happily-ever-after. This was a great, relaxing read with tremendous heart, sweet moments, and showed that the holidays don’t have to just be hectic but can be healing as well.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Delina · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of her mother, Dani discovers a hidden document that completely changes her life: she was adopted. After searching for her birth mother, Dani is given the opportunity to join a new family and while on a Christmas holiday, create one of her own.

I have enjoyed reading all the books in this 'Healing' series by Heather B. Moore. This was probably my least favorite only because of the adoption storyline. Both my parents were adopted and while my mom located and tried to connect with her birth family (years after the death of her adoptive parents) there was no pretty ending. Family relationships are so complicated and I felt like this storyline was a bit too "Hallmark" perfect. The other pieces of the story were wonderful and I really enjoyed the characters. Perfect read with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Heather B Moore did this one. This is a women's fiction story. I loved everything about it! I didn't want to put it down.

I loved the way the author jumps between a few characters for the story. The reader gets such a more complete view of the plot because of it.

Dani is a young woman. She's dealing with her mom passing. And as she's cleaning out her house, she finds her birth certificate. That's when she realizes that she was adopted. And her parents had never told her. That starts her on a journey to find her family and find out who she is.

I loved the way Sylvia and Dani are able to connect. Sylvia was floundering in life, her marriage and her family. I love the way Dani coming into her life heals. Not only Sylvia and Dani, but Sylvia's family as well.

I loved this book so very much!

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this story. A beautiful, feel good story is perfect for a warm cozy afternoon read.
Dani is in the process of cleaning out her mother‘s house, after she passed away, when she finds adoption papers. She’s 30 years old and this is the first she learns that she is adopted. This begins a beautiful journey of healing, love and acceptance. There are so many dynamics to this story, many that could have gone terribly wrong. I believe everything happens for a reason and in this story decisions were made and hearts were broken. But in the end, a family came together with a new outlook on life. I loved the hope, forgiveness and understanding that came from this large extended family.
There is also sweet romance that warms your heart.

[Kassandra Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

O you guys, this new release by Heather B Moore is the perfect cozy and heart warming read for the holiday season!

This story brings together themes of loss, family connections, and healing in such a gentle, uplifting way! When Daniela discovers a life changing secret about her past, her journey to connect with her biological family leads to moments of forgiveness, newfound relationships, and even a little romance!

The characters felt real and relatable, and the way they grow and heal through tough moments and new found connections, made me smile more than once!

If you’re looking for an uplifting feel good read that celebrates hope, family, and new beginnings all with the magic of Christmas, this book is the perfect choice!

A huge thank you to the authors and PRPress for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ballet in AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Healing Holiday by Heather B. Moore (5 stars)

A heartwarming story of family, adoption, and healing. I loved that we got the point of view of 3 of the characters, not just 2 of them. Dani, Sylvia and Jay each offer different perspectives on their feelings.

The family interactions are wonderfully real as many people try to process Dani and her adoption, especially Dani, herself.

All of these stories in the healing series are wonderful and are set in the 1980’s, so there are plenty fun blasts from the past. Some characters show up in each other’s books, too, but each book is truly a stand-alone.

[Natscleanreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is a deep and moving story. It is so well written. I loved how all the components of this plot worked so well together, almost like a symphony.

This book not only is a romance but you get the entire picture laid out for you. What I mean is: you hear the birth mother's perspective/story along with Daniela's. You also get to see how complications in marriage and family can be worked through and healed from, not only just Daniela and Jay's romance story.

I recommend you read this book if you are looking for a story full of Christmas, love, hope, and reality.

There are no swears or alcohol, and level 1 descriptive kisses only. Dual POV.