What do you think?
Rate this book
Holly and Ivar
She runs a family toy empire like a Fortune 500 CEO. He talks to pine trees. Obviously, they’re meant to fall in love.
Holly Kringle doesn’t have time for snowy festivals, small-town charm, or mysterious park rangers with strong opinions about tree preservation. She’s in Winterwood, Vermont for one reason to scout a location for a new toy manufacturing site and get back to work.
But Ivar Nilsen has other ideas—mostly involving protecting the forest, finding a tree from his childhood that may or may not glow, and figuring out why Holly is so tightly wound.
As holiday magic stirs and secrets begin to surface, Holly starts to wonder if there’s more to life than spreadsheets... and more to Ivar than plaid and pine needles.
This brand new standalone book in the Kringle Cousin universe promises a heartwarming romance filled with small-town charm, snowy adventures, and just the right touch of Christmas magic.
Holly Kringle doesn’t have time for snowy festivals, small-town charm, or mysterious park rangers with strong opinions about tree preservation. She’s in Winterwood, Vermont for one reason to scout a location for a new toy manufacturing site and get back to work.
But Ivar Nilsen has other ideas—mostly involving protecting the forest, finding a tree from his childhood that may or may not glow, and figuring out why Holly is so tightly wound.
As holiday magic stirs and secrets begin to surface, Holly starts to wonder if there’s more to life than spreadsheets... and more to Ivar than plaid and pine needles.
This brand new standalone book in the Kringle Cousin universe promises a heartwarming romance filled with small-town charm, snowy adventures, and just the right touch of Christmas magic.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2025
12 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 31, 2025
Finding Her Way . . .
Holly Kringle drives herself harder than a sane person should! She steadily downs espresso to keep the pace at high speed, analyzing spreadsheets and worrying over a tiny drop from last year's production of toys. She has to turn in her report in a few hours and doesn't want to be late which would disappoint her Chief Executive Santa dad. She has to excel or she won't get her dad's job when he retires! She called Rita in, an experienced woman who had worked for them for 20 years and knew everything about the business. Rita thought their job turnover was higher than normal this year, workers transferring to other divisions, but no one is transferring in. Apparently Holly held on to too much of the work rather than teach her apprentices the job. She also kept her office empty of Christmas touches. Their people needed to believe in the magic of Christmas... and Holly's efficiency and sterile office should not replace the joy and wonder of Christmas. But it seemed she couldn't let go of her way of doing things.
Ivar Nilsen is a park ranger who fiercely protects the trees he loves. So when Holly decides to make changes to fix their falling productivity with a new toy manufacturing site, and Ivar wants the trees protected no matter what it takes, there is bound to be some friction there. Will their differing opinions stir up holiday magic between them? Can he draw her attention to what's really important and help her to put the magic of Christmas ahead of her impossible workload that prevents her from enjoying everything around her? Will she finally understand what her father had always told her when he said : We don’t choose where the magic leads us. We choose whether to follow it.
Holly Kringle drives herself harder than a sane person should! She steadily downs espresso to keep the pace at high speed, analyzing spreadsheets and worrying over a tiny drop from last year's production of toys. She has to turn in her report in a few hours and doesn't want to be late which would disappoint her Chief Executive Santa dad. She has to excel or she won't get her dad's job when he retires! She called Rita in, an experienced woman who had worked for them for 20 years and knew everything about the business. Rita thought their job turnover was higher than normal this year, workers transferring to other divisions, but no one is transferring in. Apparently Holly held on to too much of the work rather than teach her apprentices the job. She also kept her office empty of Christmas touches. Their people needed to believe in the magic of Christmas... and Holly's efficiency and sterile office should not replace the joy and wonder of Christmas. But it seemed she couldn't let go of her way of doing things.
Ivar Nilsen is a park ranger who fiercely protects the trees he loves. So when Holly decides to make changes to fix their falling productivity with a new toy manufacturing site, and Ivar wants the trees protected no matter what it takes, there is bound to be some friction there. Will their differing opinions stir up holiday magic between them? Can he draw her attention to what's really important and help her to put the magic of Christmas ahead of her impossible workload that prevents her from enjoying everything around her? Will she finally understand what her father had always told her when he said : We don’t choose where the magic leads us. We choose whether to follow it.
January 5, 2026
This Christmas romance from the Kringle series pleasantly surprised me with how relevant and engaging its central conflict is. The story revolves around a man who is deeply committed to protecting the forest and the environment, and a counterpoint character connected to plans for building a production facility right in that forest. This is a conflict that feels very real and very current, as similar situations are happening all over the world.
What makes this book stand out is how naturally this environmental theme is woven into the romance. It never feels preachy, but instead adds real tension and depth to the story and the characters’ motivations. The romance develops alongside these opposing viewpoints, which makes their connection more intriguing and meaningful.
Overall, it’s a well-written, thoughtful Christmas romance that balances festive vibes with a relevant, real-world issue. I found it fun and engaging to read, and a great choice if you enjoy holiday romances with a bit more substance behind them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What makes this book stand out is how naturally this environmental theme is woven into the romance. It never feels preachy, but instead adds real tension and depth to the story and the characters’ motivations. The romance develops alongside these opposing viewpoints, which makes their connection more intriguing and meaningful.
Overall, it’s a well-written, thoughtful Christmas romance that balances festive vibes with a relevant, real-world issue. I found it fun and engaging to read, and a great choice if you enjoy holiday romances with a bit more substance behind them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
This is the perfect read for your Christmas reading list.
Holly is Santa's daughter and she in desires to continue the legacy and her choice is to overwork and find a way to increase production, so she is off to find a place for a new plant. Enter Ivar, he is a park ranger that is doesn't want the trees to be destroyed, so he sets to prevent the intrusion. As he sets to show her the magic of the town, and the true meaning of Christmas, Holly will realize that there is so much more to work and legacy,
A great story for your TBR list!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holly is Santa's daughter and she in desires to continue the legacy and her choice is to overwork and find a way to increase production, so she is off to find a place for a new plant. Enter Ivar, he is a park ranger that is doesn't want the trees to be destroyed, so he sets to prevent the intrusion. As he sets to show her the magic of the town, and the true meaning of Christmas, Holly will realize that there is so much more to work and legacy,
A great story for your TBR list!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2026
loved it !! love this series !! love Holly and Ivar... this is their story.. a fun fast paced rom/com drama set in Vermont... she's here to scout a location for another of her toy factories... then, get back to her office... Ivar is a park ranger looking for a particular glowing tree.. and to save all of the trees... it's sweet !! it's funny !! it's so good !!! another great one of the Kringle cousins !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2026
"Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!" Holly Kringle’s challenges make a delightful Christmas novel. She’s so analytical that she doesn’t experience joy, fun, or laughter filling her role as the Santa who runs the NE division of America (NED). When she’s sent to scout out a new location for the family business, she discovers a lot more than the perfect site.
This book was a joy to read. I won a copy from a contest Janet ran (Thank you!) and these thoughts are my honest, personal opinion.
This book was a joy to read. I won a copy from a contest Janet ran (Thank you!) and these thoughts are my honest, personal opinion.
February 5, 2026
First off I did read this book as a standalone and I loved every minute of this story! It is a fast pace, holiday themed romance that is set in a beautiful setting in Vermont and the emotional depth of everything just gave it that added layer. It felt very real among everything in it and how the emotions are things that for me personally I see myself struggling with. I highly recommend this story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2025
Christmas cherr
These stories definitely get you in the mood for Christmas I really enjoyed the whole series I can't wait to read about the wedding.
Thank-you for the wonderful books
These stories definitely get you in the mood for Christmas I really enjoyed the whole series I can't wait to read about the wedding.
Thank-you for the wonderful books
November 23, 2025
Holly and Ivar
A fun holiday romantic read. A Magical, feel good story and exciting that all found what needed to be found.
A fun holiday romantic read. A Magical, feel good story and exciting that all found what needed to be found.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews