Madison Wheeler thrives on being the responsible one–planning and organizing her life is the key to her success. But when she loses her proofreading job to AI, Madison’s world in Kansas City begins to crumble. The last thing she wants to do is move back home to rural Nebraska, so she takes up her best friend’s offer to temporarily move to Noel (pronounced Nole like hole), Arkansas, until she can get back on her feet. Apparently, the magic of Christmas saved the small town of Noel; maybe it can save Madison’s wobbly future, especially when there’s a handsome neighbor across the road who pushes her to chase her dreams.
The last thing Liam Park wants to do is go back to Arkansas, let alone a small town where gossip is the main source of information. But he has a job to do, which is to find the mistakes that are hurting a pet food factory that desperately needs his help. It should be easy–find the mistakes, come up with a solution, and then he can head back to Houston. But Liam did not prepare for the sassy and beautiful neighbor who turns his calculated world upside down.
Buckle up, y’all. This is going to be a long ride. 😅
Whoo, I need to relax and fan my blushing face because ho-ly cow I was not expecting this book to be so freaking cute and so freaking good! I mean, I shouldn’t be surprised; I read a book by Tracy Baack a few months ago and really enjoyed the sweet, closed-door romance. But this one was different. It hit different. Maybe because I’ve been struggling to finish books lately, so finally finding a book that kept me interested made me super excited. But I will admit, I totally forgot I was supposed to read this until I got an email saying I needed to review the book. 😅 Freaking out, I pulled up the ARC and got to reading.
I’m just going to get this off my chest: Liam is SO FREAKING HOT!! 🥵🫦 I was thirsting over that man more times than I’d like to admit. 😂 I don’t really swoon over male characters in books. Movies and shows are an entirely different matter–I mean, don’t get me started on Colin Firth in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice or Bill Pullman in While You Were Sleeping! Sure, I admire and congratulate them on being a great guy like Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth, and some other characters I can’t remember at the moment, but never have I ever been so–what’s the word?–protective, defensive, and attracted to a character like I was (or am) with Liam. And it’s not just his looks, which are a big part of it, and I totally agree with Madison–the man needs to constantly wear suits because they suit him well. 😂 But he was a great and sweet guy. I really liked him and even related to him because I, too, am a steel trap. I don’t like to share personal stuff about myself to anyone, not even close family members. And when I do, I immediately regret it and want to take back every word I said, even though it’s too late. I guess it stems from a lot of distrust and hurt from the past or whatever, but I’m working on it, like Liam did. Anyway, that’s enough sharing crap about me. Let’s get back to the book. 😏
The romance! The chemistry! The longing! It was all there, and it delivered! They were perfect for each other, and I was rooting for them and their relationship from the very beginning. Ugh, I love this book so much! 😭❤
The other characters, like Madison, Clara, and their other friends, were fantastic.😍 I loved everyone, and I want to see them again! I sincerely hope there will be more romances set in the small town of Noel. Although this wasn’t set solely during Christmas time, there were still plenty of festive things to keep the Christmas cheer prevalent throughout the book. I honestly can’t find anything wrong with it. Except for there being a lot of huffing, puffing, and rolling of the eyes, it didn’t get on my nerves, and it didn’t ruin my reading experience. ☺ The writing was easy to read, the story flowed well, and it was structured perfectly. And Hamlet the cat is THE BEST! I absolutely loved him! 😍
Have I said that I loved this book? Well, I do, and I highly, highly recommend this closed-door, small-town romance that left me smiling from ear to ear. Oh, and the bonus epilogue? Loved it! I can’t get enough of Liam and Madison. 🥰
Thank you so much to Tracy Baack for inviting me to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions childhood bullying and postpartum depression.
Swearing: No
Spice: No–just a lot of kissing. (🌶/5)